Unveiled in a world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September 2026, the FIM 580 Contessa won the Best Layout award in the 45–64-foot yacht category at the World Yachts Trophies. The debut put Fabbrica Italiana Motoscafi’s new flagship in the spotlight. The yacht is now on display at the Genoa International Boat Show, running from 1 to 6 October.
PAD PROJECT contributed to the development of the model by undertaking the detailed 3D design of the interior furniture for the main deck and lower deck. Led by Project Manager Michael Giombani, alongside Chiara Cardinali and Danilo Pasquale, the team translated the interior design into technical solutions aligned with the shipyard’s construction requirements.
With a length overall of 17.80 metres, the 580 Contessa marks the debut of FIM’s sport-fly range. The exterior design was developed by the shipyard in collaboration with Design aLot, while the interiors are the result of a collaboration with Studio Nerocardinale.
The flow between spaces shapes the onboard experience. In the saloon, electrically retractable side windows and an opening louvred roof regulate light and ventilation, while the convertible table adapts to different uses throughout the day. Below deck, the accommodation comprises a full-beam owner’s suite, a forward VIP cabin and a twin guest cabin. The layout and attention to detail in these spaces enhance everyday comfort.
PAD PROJECT’s work covered the furniture for the saloon, galley and helm area on the main deck, as well as the cabins, bathrooms and passageways on the lower deck. The design scope also included interior partitions and wall and ceiling lining systems, the elements that shape and finish the interior spaces.
The 3D model incorporated information and components supplied by the shipyard, enabling the team to assess the feasibility of the furniture solutions and examine their interfaces with structures and onboard systems. Thicknesses, materials, wood grain direction and hardware were specified within the design, so that each element was also defined in terms of its construction.
The process progressed from alignment of the spatial layout and architectural design through functional design to completion of the detailed 3D model. Working closely with the shipyard, the team developed the interior solutions with careful consideration of actual space requirements and the relationships between the various onboard components.
The design team comprised Michael Giombani, Project Manager, alongside Chiara Cardinali and Danilo Pasquale. Carried out between November 2025 and February 2026, the project involved more than 800 hours of technical development work on the interiors.
The collaboration with FIM was built on a shared understanding of PAD PROJECT’s working method and transparent communication about the information needed to develop the interiors. The design progressed in line with the agreed deadlines, taking account of the shipyard’s needs and the transition to manufacturing.
The recognition received by the 580 Contessa at Cannes highlights a project in which spatial planning plays a central role. For PAD PROJECT, contributing to its development meant addressing the foundations of quality in yacht interiors: alignment between design, onboard constraints and manufacturing feasibility.
Product quality stems from the ability to bring different areas of expertise together through design engineering. Through this collaboration, the 3D model becomes a shared tool, connecting the vision for the interiors with the work of those who will build them.
5 October 2026
