Cantieri di Pisa became famous during the 1960s for a line of yachts named after the stars of the Eridanus constellation. The Italian yard is now paying homage to another ball of gas with a new series of superyachts.

Named after a star in the Ursa Minor constellation, the Polaris range will include steel and aluminium voyagers with efficient displacement hulls that enable long-range cruising and lower fuel consumption. Cantieri di Pisa’s chief designer Antonio Luxardo will pen the exteriors, while Optima Design will spearhead the engineering.

“The new line features different types of boats and materials compared to the brand’s past production, but with immediately recognisable lines that tap into its traditional values,” Luxardo said in a statement.

This first model, the Polaris 48, measures 157 feet from bow to stern and has a beam of roughly 29 feet. The inaugural voyager offers the range of an explorer but showcases the versatile exteriors and sophisticated interiors of a superyacht, according to Luxardo. The designer adds that the liveability of the upper and main decks is a major drawcard.

Designed by Parisotto + Formenton, the light-filled interiors are decked out in various subtle shades of brown and white. Paying tribute to the yard’s old Akhir line, the Milanese firm outfitted the living quarters with classic materials such as pickled teak, carbon fibre, bronze, glass, and brass. The colour palette and furnishings create a nautical aesthetic, while the extensive glazing ensures natural light and prime views.

In terms of layout, the main deck features a lounge of roughly 540 square feet, the owner’s suite, and a VIP stateroom. To the aft, a giant outdoor deck of more than 1,600 square feet is fitted with two large interconnecting terraces that create a seamless connection to the sea and a striking Jacuzzi that overlooks the stern. The aft deck can also hold three tenders or a rescue boat and two Jet Skis if needed. The gunwale opens out to make it easier to haul up the tender, too.

Above, the upper deck sports a dining area amidships and another large outdoor area aft. The alfresco space is adorned with couches, chaises, sun pads, a bar, and a second scenic terrace. Below, the lower deck is equipped with four guest cabins and accommodation for eight crew. (The captain’s cabin is on the bridge deck.) Cantieri di Pisa says the layout can be customised according to the owner, naturally.

Powered by two 1,650 hp V-12 MAN engines, the Polaris 48 has a top speed of 16 knots and a range of around 4,000 miles at 10 knots. The Eco High Power Hull (EHPH) hull is meant to reduce fuel consumption, but the yard is also looking at hybrid propulsion to further lower emissions.

The Polaris 48 will be followed by Polaris 38 and Super Polaris 60. Stay tuned.