Tommaso Spadolini introducing the Patrone 100, a skillful blend of heritage and modernity

“We were not asking for a simple restyling, but for a completely new boat that embodied the elegance, charm and nuances of the boats of Italy’s golden decade while projecting them into the future. “These are the requests that Tommaso Spadolini received from Gianarnaldo Moreno and his sister Benedetta, representing the second generation of the Moreno family, who have taken over the reins of the Patrone shipyard since the 1980s

The shipyard’s fascinating history began in 1922, when Giuseppe Patrone started out as shipwright, handcrafting the first rowing and sailing boats for fishing, built according to the Ligurian tradition in Ceriale, in the province of Savona. In 1984 the shipyard was taken over by Pier Michele and Ornella Moreno, who added to the shipyard’s historic craftsmanship with innovation in materials, technology and design. And it is precisely in this vein that the shipyard unveils the Patrone 100, a symbolic name commemorating the shipyard’s first century in business, but also the length of the vessel, just over 10 metres over all, and therefore approved as a recreational craft in this category.

A model combining tradition and modernity Patrone 100 could not therefore be a simple restyling; it had to be something innovative and at the same time capable of recalling the origins of the centuries-old shipyard. After having submitted this particular target to various designers, the choice fell on Tommaso Spadolini.

“The challenge was not an easy one “says the Florentine designer. “The Patrone family had clear ideas about their final goal: to create a new “gozzo” boat celebrating the yard’s centenary, a worthy heir to the iconic Patrone boats of the 1960s, but with different nuances based on the individual sensibilities of the two generations. We wanted a day cruiser with clear references to the tradition of the Ligurian “gozzo” and the models that have made the history of the shipyard: hence the choice to maintain the dolphin striker. At the same time, however, it had to be habitable, not only outdoors but below deck. A sporty, liveable model that would not only conquer the yard’s traditional boat owners, but capture the attention of a new generation of boaters particularly aware of the aspects of performance and practicality of their boats. This explains the introduction of the outboard engine and the use of “ecological” teak on deck, but also an important topside to guarantee truly comfortable height inside, from 1.78 to 1.86 m in the various spaces below deck”.

Reflecting the elegant style of the Sixties

The result is Patrone 100, with elegant sporty lines evoking the glamorous features of classic speedboats of the sixties, combined with the timeless design of the Ligurian “gozzo”, adding a contemporary twist to meet the needs of a new generation of owners. The result is a boat independent of passing fads that offers a sensation of great spaciousness both inside and outside, the maximum possible in a ten-metre vessel. In addition to all this, the hull is derived from the shipyard’s other models, a true guarantee of its marine qualities.

“The vessel is characterised by light and space, by constant visual contact with the sea, even below deck, thanks to the large and uninterrupted windows of the hull that almost reach the apex of the bow,” explains Tommaso Spadolini. “The stylistic element of the T-top was also designed to offer great functionality: shading and repairing a large part of the external aft deck, without sacrificing the 360-degree exposure on the water. The entire deck was meticulously designed to allow the owner and his guests to enjoy pleasant convivial moments in the open air, with areas for relaxation, conversation and sunbathing. The aft dinette can become a second solarium, while the swimming platform, a traditional feature in Patrone vessels, can also be used with outboards by extending over the bracket and being equipped with two side swim ladders and a double access from the cockpit. In line with the Italian character of the brand, there is also a comfortable open-air hob, easily accessible under the foldable driving seats. Overall, the layout incorporates elements of tradition, such as the absence of folding side rails, while introducing important new features undeniably representing a ‘change of pace’ for the Patrone shipyard.

“In the interiors the tradition of wood, closely associated with the sea and with Patrone’s expert craftsmanship, have not been neglected and on deck the shipyard offers ecoteak confirming its strong commitment to sustainability” Spadolini continues. “The lower deck includes the owner’s cabin in the bow with a large double bed, and then there are two possible layouts: the Deluxe version, designed for those who sail mainly as a couple and appreciate privacy and comfort, and the Family version, which, as the name implies, is designed for the whole family, and therefore has a second cabin. Seven different configurations have been planned to satisfy every request and, according to the shipyard’s tradition, ‘tailor’ every single Patrone 100 to the needs of its owner. There is also an item of furniture almost two metres long that can accommodate a kitchenette below deck if desired.

“Patrone 100 is inspired by the flagship models of the sixties and seventies, giving new splendour to the era of the “Dolce Vita” of yachting. It is the materialization of Patrone’s legacy created to satisfy the tastes and needs of contemporary owners”, underlines Benetta Moreno.

The first inboard diesel Patrone 100will make its debut at the 2022 Cannes Yachting Festival in September, before being exhibited at the Genoa Boat Show a few days later.