SUPERYACHT #485
September 2002
Article selected from our quarterly magazine dedicated to the largest
and most luxurious boats with information, interviews, technical
articles, images and yachting news
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Text and photographs by Lino Pastorelli
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DIANO 24
The vague impression of "noises off", just distinct enough to make
out four brusque orders to the line-handlers to cast off from the
Santa Margherita pier; then the coastline begins to glide past
outside the large windows and the Diano 24 puts out to sea, a
silent white ghost in the haze of early summer. The Master opens
the throttle and the yacht eases forward: 15, 20, 25, 30 knots;
the speed is apparent from the instrument panel and from the way
in which Portofino is looming ever larger - not from anything else.
In the cool and cosy atmosphere of the saloon, you have no
idea that it's actually 35 degrees outside, while Mario Diano, the
designer of the boat, tells us about the philosophy underpinning
his production: very few buildings - two a year in the case of
the 80' - and all of the highest quality; it is no surprise that
they have been granted the CE Class, RINA Class and Maltese Cross
(supervision mark).
All Diano's yachts are made from materials
used in the noblest traditions of shipbuilding, and wood has very
few secrets for the master carpenters in the Riva Trigoso Yard.
The double skin consisting of plywood and mahogany heartwood
planking, with 40 mm thickness for the underwater portion of the
hull and 20 mm for the sides and upper works, the oak main frames
arranged every 40 cm with alternating intermediate vertical
frames, the laminated mahogany bar keel, the West triple coating
System followed by Boero paint cycles and AWL Grip finish, combine
to create an exceptionally strong and monolithic hull. The
bottom, a planing classic with runners and an outlet angle of 12-
13°, is a proven performer that has now been adopted on other
models produced by the Yard: you don't change a winning bottom! A
visit to the engine room, the real throbbing heart of the vessel,
reveals that content is just as important to Mario Diano as form:
the electrical, hydraulic and fire protection systems are built to
first-class standards, with two mighty Caterpillar engines of 1420
HP each, capable of propelling the boat at a 27-knot cruise and a
top speed of over 30 knots; at this speed, 7500 litres of diesel
oil and 2000 litres of water provide a range of over 500 miles.
The soundproofing is particularly elaborate with alternating
layers consisting of lead plates and materials specially designed
for the abatement of all the frequencies; access to the machinery
space is from the deck via stairs that also lead down to the crew
accommodation spaces - twin cabins with separate bathrooms. The
internal layout of the Diano 24 is chosen by the client: it's only
right that someone buying something akin to a valuable made-to-
measure piece of furniture should opt for a custom design in line
with his own unique wants and desires. In this case the interior
arrangement is a fairly classic style; on the main deck is the
living area, saloon and dining nook, which can if desired be
separated from the forward spaces and the cockpit; here, as
everywhere else, the area is air conditioned, and there is a large
settee and a dining table seating eight, a stereo, a liquid
crystal television set, opulent marine style fittings and a
pervading homey feel of cosiness thanks to the warm shades of the
cherry interior; here the same wood has also been used for the
flooring. Forward, the galley is fully equipped for the creation
of real Italian style culinary delights (or perhaps French haute
cuisine): a foldaway table for the crew, two capacious fridges,
lots of cupboard space, a deep freeze, a waste compactor, a large
double sink, dishwasher, six-ring cooker, a worktop for food
preparation, an oven that can comfortably handle a 10-kg bass,
refrigerating room, cellar and a slicing machine. The bridge -
the nerve centre containing all the electrical dials and controls
and the stunning array of electronic equipment fitted on board -
offers a commanding view and total control of the navigational
horizon; the removable remote control for engines and bow-
thrusters enables the Skipper to carry out manoeuvres from any
position on deck. Stairs inside lead to the flying bridge and the
lower deck, with the owner's suite situated aft. Here those lucky
enough to be invited are accommodated in three spacious staterooms
(all doubles), naturally with en suite bathroom and shower. Since
this yacht is custom-built, all the interior decoration and
fittings have been meticulously studied by Mario Diano himself,
like everything else, so as to optimise the use of available
space: from the lines of the bottom to the profiles, to the
determination of weights and volumes. The upper deck, featuring
the vast raised central sundeck, has a handy table and sofa as
well as the navigating bridge; here, in front of the seats for the
pilot and co-pilot, a thick sheet of raiseable Plexiglas protects
the controls and navigational instruments. Abaft the roll-bar,
which is positioned a fair way forward as always with this type of
hull, is the yacht tender - in this case a 4.5-metre inflatable
sportsboat - with its davit. The cockpit, which is simple and
neat and shaded by the flying bridge above, appears to be an annex
to the main lounge; ideal for romantic dinners against a backdrop
of fiery sunsets, it has a table that seats eight. The walkways
at the sides are wide and well protected and lead all the way to
the forward sundeck. Our return and mooring at Santa Margherita
go unnoticed; the electrical capstans and warping winches
facilitate operations and the Prosecco offered to us by our
wonderful guide is chilled to perfection: the "white wines zone"
in the refrigerated part of the cellar is carrying out its duty
impeccably, like all the other facilities on board.
 TECHNICAL DATA
Overall length: 24.00 m
Maximum width: 6.10 m
Draught: 1.95m
Displacement: 60,000 kg
Bottom: "V" shaped
Construction material: wood
Sleeping accommodation: 12 persons
Motorization: 2x1.420 HP Caterpillar
Fuel tank capacity: l 7,500
Water tank capacity: l 1,600.
For information: Diano Cantiere Navale - via Vespucci, 16037 Riva Trigoso (GE) Italy - Phone +39 0185 44706 Fax +39 0185 482213.
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