Hydro Tec – Innovative Italian Superyacht Naval Architecture and Design Studio
Hydro Tec is an Italian yacht design and naval architecture studio founded in 1995 by Sergio Cutolo in Ovada, near Genoa. Originally an engineering firm, it has evolved into a full-service superyacht designer offering integrated solutions from concept sketches to final engineering, known for innovative, functional, and creative vessels built with leading shipyards.
Professional Background
Hydro Tec was established in 1995 by Sergio Cutolo, a naval architect and marine engineer with prior experience at top international shipyards. Starting as a specialized engineering and naval architecture firm, it naturally expanded in the early 2000s to include full exterior and interior design capabilities.
Now headquartered in Ovada (Alessandria province, near Genoa), Italy, Hydro Tec provides a unique integrated design vision—handling everything from initial creative concepts and preliminary sketches to detailed structural engineering, hydrodynamics, and final production drawings (steel cuts).
The studio combines innovation, engineering precision, functionality, and creative aesthetics, positioning itself as one of the few offering a comprehensive "full package" service in the yacht industry.
Key Achievements and Style
Hydro Tec excels in custom projects across various yacht types, including displacement explorers, fast planing hulls, and hybrid concepts. Their designs prioritize:
- Seaworthiness and efficient naval architecture
- Bold, contemporary lines with strong personality
- Practical, owner-focused layouts and innovative features (e.g., expansive beach clubs, advanced tender garages)
- Sustainability considerations in modern projects
Notable stats and highlights:
- Dozens of yachts delivered or in build
- Long-term collaborations with Cantiere delle Marche, Dunya Yachts, Palmer Johnson, Eurocraft, and others
- Award-nominated and recognized projects
- 25+ years of continuous evolution, celebrating milestones like 25th anniversary in 2020
The firm is praised for transforming innovative ideas into internationally acclaimed yachts that balance form, function, and performance.
Notable Projects
Hydro Tec's portfolio features distinctive superyachts and explorer vessels, including:
- Haze² (30.8m Cantiere delle Marche, award finalist with exterior and naval architecture by Hydro Tec)
- Crossbow (100m superyacht concept with beach club for up to 16 guests)
- Audace (explorer series collaborations)
- Various Cantiere delle Marche Darwin Class and custom builds
- Partnerships yielding robust, ocean-capable yachts with signature styling
These projects demonstrate Hydro Tec's strength in engineering-driven design that enhances both aesthetics and real-world usability.
For more on Hydro Tec-built or designed superyachts, explorer yachts, and the latest in innovative naval architecture, visit expert resources at https://ruyachts.com.
Studio and Contact
Based in Ovada, Italy, Hydro Tec continues to push boundaries through creative naval architecture and close shipyard alliances. Official website: hydrotec.it. Instagram: @hydro_tec.
Under Sergio Cutolo's leadership, Hydro Tec stands out as a forward-thinking studio that delivers technically superior, visually striking superyachts ready for global adventures.
