MOTOR BOATS

Invictus ST550, the new icon by Christian Grande

Christian Grande has created a boat destined to become a contemporary icon of luxury and design. It’s called Invictus ST550 and represents the perfect balance of refined aesthetics, superyacht-level comfort, and the performance of a purebred sport boat. We at The International Yachting Media had the chance to test it in an exclusive preview and were instantly captivated by a yacht that, even at first glance, leaves no one indifferent.

Sea Trial

At the helm, the first impression is of a modern, ergonomic helm station, designed down to the smallest detail to offer total control. Visibility, both forward and to the sides, is practically unlimited, while throttles, joystick, and three large multifunction displays are laid out in a natural, intuitive way—and most importantly, exactly where they should be.

Powering this yacht are two Volvo Penta IPS 950 engines, delivering a total of 1,450 horsepower that translates into smooth, decisive acceleration, confirming the perfect match between hull and propulsion. The sea, stirred by a lingering long swell, is no challenge for the Invictus ST550’s hull, which, even when facing higher waves, never slams but instead conveys a strong sense of safety well above average. Planing comes effortlessly at just 13 knots, and cruising at 17–18 knots offers a surprising level of comfort, with both smoothness and stability. At 20 knots, the boat reveals its most balanced side, with low fuel consumption and an ideal pace for relaxed cruising. Push it to 25 knots, and you get a fast cruising speed, perfect for long passages, while with even more throttle, the boat stretches out elegantly over the water, reaching a top speed of 33.8 knots.

Turning performance deserves a chapter of its own. Despite its generous size—almost 17 meters in length—the boat handles tight turns at over 30 knots with surprising agility, while maintaining remarkable stability.

The balance of the Invictus ST550, between power and maneuverability, translates into a truly rewarding driving experience, satisfying both those in search of comfort and those craving a touch of thrill.

The exterior of the Invictus ST550

Back in port, the Invictus ST550 reveals its true superyacht soul, even though we’re talking about a boat of “only” 17 meters. The large aft dinette, with its U-shaped sofa and central table, is an open invitation to conviviality. Shaded by awnings supported by carbon poles, it turns into a genuine floating lounge—both elegant and practical. Adding to the wow effect are the drop-down side terraces, which expand the living space and give the feeling of being aboard a much larger yacht.

Moving further aft, the beach club impresses with a huge next-generation tender garage and a submersible platform. These are features usually found on larger yachts, but here they blend seamlessly, reinforcing the ST550’s status as something truly extraordinary. Details immediately catch the eye: the interplay of steel, wood, and fabrics is masterfully executed, resulting in an elegant, sophisticated atmosphere that unmistakably reflects Christian Grande’s touch, evident in every line and surface.

The foredeck, also designed in true superyacht style, is another strenght. It features a large C-shaped sofa with extendable tables, opposite a sunpad that can be transformed into an extra sofa. It’s a modular space, perfect for dinners, cocktails, or family relaxation. Wide side decks, tall bulwarks, and stainless-steel handrails ensure safe movement even in rough seas, confirming the shipyard’s focus on functionality as much as aesthetics.

The interior of the Invictus ST550

Below deck, the level of craftsmanship and finish remains exceptionally high. The atmosphere is both elegant and welcoming, thanks to a refined use of woods, fabrics, and leathers that play on contrasts between light and dark tones. The interior dinette features a spacious L-shaped sofa and a linear galley that impresses with both its size and equipment. The full-size refrigerator is a clear statement of the Invictus ST550’s vocation for long, uncompromised cruising. Large side windows, electrically operated, flood the space with natural light and fresh air, making the yacht perfectly livable even without air conditioning.

The Master Cabin is the true heart of the night area. A five-star suite, it features a central king-size bed, a writing desk, a retractable TV, and a bathroom that rivals those of the most exclusive residences. Marble dominates the surfaces, while the separate shower with integrated seating takes comfort to another level. The VIP Cabin, also with a double bed and refined furnishings, maintains equally high standards, while the third cabin, fitted with unusually wide Pullman beds, offers a versatile and welcoming space. Here too, the details stand out—such as the presence of a washer-dryer, a rare feature in this category.

Owners can choose from different layouts, with either two or three cabins and the same number of bathrooms, giving them the freedom to adapt the yacht to their own needs—always with the common denominator of luxury and artisanal attention to detail that define Invictus.

Invictus ST550 Test Data

RPM

Speed in knots

Consumption in gal/nm

Gal/h

600

3.4

0.32

1.11

1000

8.8

0.96

8.45

1250

10.2

1.68

17.17

1500

11.8

2.48

29.32

1750

17

2.28

38.83

2000

22.7

2.19

49.66

2250

27.9

2.1

58.64

2500

33.6

2.32

75.02

2580

34.3

2.29

78.72

Technical Specs

LOA

16.87 m

Max Beam

5.04 m

Full Load Displacement

25 t

Passengers Capacity

14

Engines

2 x Volvo Penta IPS 800

 

2 x Volvo Penta IPS 950

 

 

Shipyard

Cantieri Aschenez

Design

Christian Grande

Luca D'Ambrosio

Editor-in-chief, boat tester and journalist. Luca began sailing at an early age with his father then as an adult discovered sailing regattas and offshore racing. He has been working in publishing for more than 30 years and continues to sail incessantly, especially aboard the editorial staff's boat, an old lady of the seas that he has completely rebuilt and which serves excellently as a "mobile laboratory" for The International Yachting Media.

Recent Posts

Genoa International Boat Show 2026: Italian Nautical Excellence Looks to the Future

The upcoming Genoa International Boat Show 2026, scheduled to take place from October 1 to…

2 days ago

Prestige M8 Evo: More Muscle, New Spaces, and the Same Unmistakable Luxury. The Sea Trial

Prestige M8 Evo: More Horsepower, Zero Visual Boundaries—Here Is How This Power Catamaran Surpasses PerfectionAnyone…

3 days ago

Aquila Catamarans in Cannes with Seven Models: World Debut for 45 Sail and 35 Sport

Aquila Catamarans is preparing to be among the stars of the Cannes Yachting Festival 2026,…

3 days ago

Alessandro Tirelli Named New CEO of Absolute Yachts: The Evolution of Italian Excellence

ABSOLUTE YACHTS: ALESSANDRO TIRELLI IS THE NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER.A new chapter opens for Absolute…

4 days ago

Jeanneau renews the Cap Camarat range: the new 6.0 CC debuts a new generation of dayboats

With over 35,000 units sold in more than forty years, the Cap Camarat range represents…

4 days ago

Absolute Navetta 66: Sea Trial and Complete Review of Absolute Yachts’ New Creation, and the Full Review of the New “Aurora”

ABSOLUTE NAVETTA 66: VIDEO SEA TRIAL AND FULL REVIEW OF ABSOLUTE YACHTS' NEW CREATION.The first…

4 days ago