In 1999 Linssen Yachts and Nautica Lessi were the first to introduce the concept of steel displacement boating to the Italian market. In the country of Pininfarina and speed, it was a bit like selling fridges to Eskimos! But the charm of quiet cruising was appreciated in Italy and Linssen gradually gained the sympathy of a lot of boating enthusiasts there.

At the end of 2007 Nautica Lessi and Linssen Yachts amicably decided to part company. From now on, Lessi will also be focusing on vessels of 18 metres and up and it will therefore be collaborating with other Dutch builders. By contrast, Linssen will focus entirely on the market segment where their expertise and strength lie, namely high-quality series production of boats ranging from 9 to 15 (+) metres.

Linssen Yachts Italia: May 1st 2008 was the official starting date for collaboration between Giaroli s.a.s. and Linssen Yachts.

Giaroli will be representing Linssen under the name Linssen Yachts Italia. Giaroli s.a.s. was set up in 1981 and is the distributor for Grand Banks, Nauticat, and Targa. The company`s head office is in Orbetello, between Rome and Pisa, on Italy`s west coast. This is an excellent central location from which to serve Italy both north and south.

The Linssen Yachts Italia team, led by owner Giampaolo Murzi (56), consists of Giada Catalano (25, administration), Valentina Patrignani (24, sales), and Nicola Zazza (24, officially sworn broker, sales and service). At Marina Cala Galera, there are two fulltime employees who run the service and maintenance department. Giamp aolo Murzi considers it vital fo Giaroli`s "summer office" is at Marina Cala Galera in Porto Ercole. The company has 18 service points in Italy, strategically distributed between the mainland and the islands. The new arrangement for Giaroli to represent Linssen has also led to an agreement with the Linssen specialists Andrea Guerrini, Antonio Cinotti, and Santo Romeo of Sapore di Sale (Siena).

Linssen Yachts Italia will be displaying a Grand Sturdy 40.9 Sedan and a Grand Sturdy 470 MKII at the 48th Genoa International Boat Show from 4 to 12 October 2008.