During the glittering frenzy of the Cannes Film Festival, where luxury yachts regularly dot the Mediterranean horizon like jewels on a crown, one vessel drew a level of attention that eclipsed the rest. Sleek, sculptural, and unabashedly futuristic, THIS IS IT became the coveted afterparty destination for A-listers and industry power players alike. Whispers of its cutting-edge design and immersive onboard experience quickly turned into headlines, and just like that, THIS IS IT wasn’t just a yacht—it was a cultural moment.
A Vision from the Future
Commissioned by Greek entrepreneur Tasos Papanastasiou, founder of XM, one of the world’s leading forex trading platforms, THIS IS IT was never meant to fit in. “He desired something ‘out of the norm,’” said the team behind the build. The result? A superyacht that not only won Yacht Design of the Year but has also been hailed as “the most futuristic superyacht of all times.”
Designed by Gian Marco Campanino and Mattia Piro of The Italian Sea Group, with naval architecture by Lateral Naval Architects, the yacht is a masterstroke of technological precision and aesthetic daring. Campanino, who served as both art director and project manager, described their ethos: “Our main goal was to create architecture on water… Nothing is straight, nothing is as it is supposed to be.”
Sculpted for the Sea
The yacht’s silhouette alone is enough to stop seasoned sailors in their tracks. Inspired by highperformance automotive design, its aerodynamic curves and fluid lines feel more concept car than classic yacht. But THIS IS IT’s innovation doesn’t stop at the hull.
Step aboard and you enter a world of asymmetry and light. “One of the yacht’s most striking features is its use of over 600 square meters of glass, including floor-to-ceiling walls that flood the interiors with natural light and offer breathtaking, uninterrupted 360° views of the sea,” said the design team. Thanks to its 14.5-meter beam—remarkably wide for a 43.5-meter vessel—the yacht delivers the volume and comfort of a 60-meter yacht within a sleeker profile.
“Every space onboard THIS IS IT is intentionally crafted—not just to impress, but to engage,” they explained. “Whether you’re dining with panoramic ocean views, lounging on a fold-out sea terrace, or enjoying the natural light play across the curved interiors, the experience is immersive and unforgettable.”
The Experience: Luxury Redefined
THIS IS IT accommodates up to 12 guests in six bespoke staterooms, including a full-deck master suite with a private balcony. Each suite showcases curved walls and seamless indooroutdoor transitions.
But the accommodations are just the beginning. A state-of-the-art wellness center includes a massage room, sauna, steam room, and a fully equipped gym. A private sun deck cinema offers alfresco movie nights under the stars, while the expansive beach club features fold-out sea platforms, 300hp Jet Skis, paddleboards, Seabobs, and snorkeling gear. A 15-meter Technohull Shadow Rib ensures high-speed transfers and exploratory adventures.
Onboard dining, helmed by an award-winning executive chef, is another highlight. Guests are treated to Mediterranean cuisine crafted from the freshest local ingredients. And for those looking to elevate the ambiance, “thematic nights” like Arabian Nights or Casino Royale are fully orchestrated by the crew.
A Star-Studded Affair: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s Exclusive Afterparty
The yacht’s allure reached new heights during the Cannes Film Festival when it hosted an exclusive afterparty for the premiere of A$AP Rocky’s latest film, Highest 2 Lowest. Docked just behind the Palais des Festivals, THIS IS IT transformed into a floating celebration of fashion and film.
Rihanna, supporting her partner, arrived in a curve-hugging sky-blue gown that showcased her growing baby bump, paired with white Ray-Ban Wayfarer Puffer sunglasses—a nod to Rocky’s latest collaboration with the iconic eyewear brand. Rocky complemented her look with an allblack ensemble and matching black Wayfarer Puffers. Inside the yacht, guests mingled in a reduplit ambiance, enjoying Rocky’s signature cocktails, and even popcorn, all while posing for photos in the new sunglass styles.
The guest list throughout the Cannes Film Festival time read like a who’s who of the entertainment and fashion worlds, including Jeffrey Wright, Barbara Palvin and Dylan Sprouse, Alex Consani, Kelly Rutherford, Evan Ross, Stella Maxwell, Formula 1 racer Lance Stroll, and director Spike Lee, who later shared a photo of himself and Rocky raising their drinks at the event. A-listers Luke Wilson and Scott Eastwood were also spotted aboard the yacht, mingling with guests and soaking up the panoramic views and enjoying AIX Rosé of Maison Saint Aix.
A Charter Like No Other
All of this can be yours for a weekly charter fee ranging between €350,000 to €390,000, depending on the season. This price includes the yacht rental itself but excludes fuel, food, and beverages. During the summer, THIS IS IT sails the Mediterranean—cruising through Greece, Italy, Spain, France, Croatia, and Turkey—and in winter, it heads to the Red Sea.
Despite its glamorous amenities, THIS IS IT is also a beast in the water. As a high-performance catamaran, it delivers impressive stability and fuel efficiency, with a top speed of 18–19 knots and a cruising speed of 12–14 knots. Its twin-hull design ensures a smoother ride, even in choppy seas.
Booking the Unbookable
The yacht is managed by IYC, a global yachting company known for overseeing some of the world’s most exclusive charter operations. Given THIS IS IT’s skyrocketing popularity— particularly after its Cannes debut—booking this vessel requires advance planning and the right connections. IYC handles all inquiries, custom itineraries, and onboard experiences tailored to guest preferences.
More Than a Yacht—A Game Changer
“THIS IS IT isn’t just a superyacht—it’s a floating expression of innovation and elegance,” said the team. With 750 gross tons of volume packed into 43.5 meters, its spacious open-plan interiors are unprecedented in yachts of its size. “Everyone who sees her in person is instantly captivated—photos and videos simply don’t do justice to her scale, presence, and sculptural beauty,” they added.
At a time when luxury is being redefined across industries, THIS IS IT doesn’t just keep up—it leads. Whether it’s revolutionizing marine architecture or elevating the art of leisure, this is a vessel that commands attention, sparks imagination, and, for a lucky few, delivers an experience beyond even the wildest charter dreams.
As one Cannes insider put it: “There were parties… and then there was THIS IS IT.”
And indeed, this summer on the Côte d’Azur, THIS IS IT proved to be the ultimate statement.