Rio Yachts at the 2026 Genoa International Boat Show: Italian Debut for the Sport Coupé 50

Following its world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival, the new Sport Coupé 50 will head straight to Italy. As soon as the French show concludes, Rio Yachts will bring its latest masterpiece to the Genoa International Boat Show, scheduled for October 1 to 6, where the Lombardy-based shipyard will also showcase the renewed Paranà 40 and the Le Mans 50 Grand Style. However, the public’s primary attention will undoubtedly be on the new Sport Coupé 50, a model that expands Rio Yachts’ interpretation of the contemporary luxury cruiser, taking it into a new dimension.

At Sea Year-Round with the Rio Yachts Sport Coupé 50

The new Sport Coupé 50 stems from the evolution of the Le Mans 50 platform, but introduces a series of design modifications that redefine its character and capabilities. The starting point is the revised and extended hull, which allowed for a significant increase in interior volume and, above all, the creation of a larger master cabin with headroom exceeding the segment average. The goal is to create a cruiser that can be used year-round at any latitude. From this ambition comes a configuration designed to combine the protection of a coupé with the freedom of an open boat.

The salon can be completely closed off via a sliding door, while drop-down side windows add an element clearly inspired by automotive design. Completing the system is a roof with adjustable louvers that allows control over ventilation and interior lighting. The result is a vessel capable of rapidly altering its configuration depending on weather conditions and onboard needs. Underway and on colder days, the salon assumes the protected feel of a coupé, taking full advantage of air conditioning and heating; in summer, opening the side surfaces and roof creates an atmosphere much closer to that of an open yacht. It is precisely this versatility—the result of meticulous design work—that underpins the “world boat” definition chosen by Rio Yachts: a boat designed to be enjoyed without strict geographical or seasonal limits.

Below deck, the Sport Coupé 50 offers a remarkably rational layout for a 50-footer, featuring three cabins and two heads. The master cabin spans the full beam in the stern area. Headroom reaches up to 1.95 meters, and numerous storage spaces help make the space suitable even for extended stays. Also noteworthy is the configuration of the master en-suite head, divided into two separate areas: the head and the shower. The shower is located in a position as unusual as it is clever: under the companionway stairs.

At the bow lies the VIP cabin, equipped with a dedicated head. This space can also serve as a day head, thanks to the separation of the shower area. Finally, the third cabin features a bunk bed setup, making it particularly suitable for children. The third cabin layout also introduces an extra level of flexibility: the space can be transformed into a crew cabin with independent deck access, allowing for better separation of traffic flows and increased guest privacy.

A standout architectural element is the spiral staircase connecting the main deck to the lower deck. This feature intentionally recalls the design language of 1970s and 1980s vessels, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens.

A Tender Garage and Amenities of a Larger Yacht

Among the less conventional features of the Sport Coupé 50 is the tender garage, sized to accommodate even a rigid-hull tender. This solution practically expands the boat’s operational capabilities without sacrificing onboard livability, following a design philosophy that carries over into the management of daily living spaces. The salon houses an 80-liter main refrigerator, while a second refrigerator can be installed beneath the outdoor seating. Below deck, a utility column can be fitted with a full-height refrigerator or various appliance combinations, including a washing machine and dishwasher. These features bring the new 50-footer closer to larger vessels and underline its calling for extended cruising.

Propulsion for the Sport Coupé 50 is strictly entrusted to straight-shaft inboard engines. The standard setup includes twin 600-horsepower Cummins engines, while twin 715-horsepower Cummins engines are available as an option. The choice to retain twin straight-shaft engine propulsion fits into the model’s overall philosophy as a cruiser designed first and foremost for long-distance cruising with a focus on comfort and reliability.

Le Mans 50 Grand Style: The Most Exclusive Interpretation

At the Genoa Boat Show, Rio Yachts will also present the Le Mans 50 Grand Style, a version characterized by a particularly refined execution. The Grand Style configuration stands out for its metallic paint job and rich trim, complete with meticulous finishing and premium materials. The model represents one of the most elegant interpretations in the shipyard’s lineup, focusing on customizability to enhance both interior and exterior spaces.

Technically, the Le Mans 50 retains an important option: the choice between traditional straight-shaft propulsion and an outboard engine layout. This dual offering allows the design to be tailored to the owner’s preferences and operational needs while maintaining the character of a high-end cruiser in both cases.

Paranà 40: Family Cruising According to Rio Yachts

Completing the Rio Yachts lineup at the Genoa International Boat Show is the Paranà 40, the shipyard’s entry-level model. An evolution of the previous Paranà 38, the new 40-footer introduces hull modifications and updated styling cues without compromising the features that drove the original model’s success.

Measuring approximately 13.30 meters in length, the Paranà 40 offers exceptionally generous living accommodations for its class. The interior features two cabins and two heads—a layout still uncommon in this size range, making the model particularly attractive for family cruising. Equipment can be further expanded with options typically associated with larger yachts, including air conditioning, a generator, a retractable hydraulic gangway, a hardtop with an opening roof, and dedicated sunshade systems. The result is a vessel built for versatile use, from day trips to multi-day cruises, offering a level of comfort that bridges the gap to higher-category yachts.

A key feature of the Paranà 40 is its option to be registered as a watercraft, enabled by its specific bow configuration. This is of particular interest to the Italian market, as it allows owners to enjoy substantial length alongside simpler management compared to registered vessels. Thus, the Paranà 40 maintains a competitive positioning, blending size, livability, and amenities with a design philosophy consistent with the rest of the Rio Yachts range.

Conclusions

The presence of Rio Yachts at the 2026 Genoa International Boat Show highlights three distinct interpretations of the cruiser concept. The Paranà 40 represents the option focused on family cruising and versatility; the Le Mans 50 Grand Style emphasizes elegance, craftsmanship, and customization; the Sport Coupé 50 introduces a fresh four-season yachting concept built around adaptable spaces for varying weather conditions. The latter will be the star of the stand: following its international debut in Cannes, its Italian premiere in Genoa will allow visitors a close look at a project into which Rio Yachts has poured significant research into livability—from the spacious master cabin and interior layout to the tender garage and extended-stay amenities.

Sources and References

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