Umberto Tagliavini
Umberto Tagliavini, based in Santa Margherita Ligure, has specialized in naval architecture, hull design, and structural calculations since opening his studio in 1985. His long-term collaborations include Otam's transition to semi-displacement yachts and Numarine, for whom he designed the acclaimed hulls of the 26XP and 37XP.
The Man Who Designs the Unseen Part
Umberto Tagliavini, based in San Michele di Pagana with a global market, specializes in the parts of boats that cannot be seen—hulls, structural calculations, and systems. Born in Santa Margherita Ligure where Italian boating began in the 1960s, he opened his studio in 1985 and continues with three collaborators. His work is not just a job but a passion where each new project presents both challenge and joy.
Expertise in Hull Design
Tagliavini describes himself as a naval architect who must be very articulate with technical aspects. His role in hull creation involves interpreting the shipyard's wishes while applying sophisticated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software to study flow and optimize performance. This expertise contributes to better-performing hulls with improved fuel efficiency and seakeeping.
Collaborations: Otam and Numarine
Tagliavini was instrumental in Otam's transition toward semi-displacement yachts, developing the 35m aluminium custom yacht for which he shaped the underwater hull and structural calculations, working alongside architect Tommaso Spadolini on exterior lines.
His long-term collaboration with Turkish shipyard Numarine began around 2002. He designed excellent hulls starting with the planing 55′, the planing 78′, and most notably the displacement 37XP, which perfectly achieves comfortable sailing without waves rising on deck. The 26XP hull holds special significance as it accommodates planing, semi-planing, and displacement configurations from the same mold with small modifications—offering the shipyard flexibility without major investment.
