A Gradual Affair

“We have always had a passion for sailing,” reveals Paola Trifiró, who with husband Salvatore – the founding member of one of the key law firms in Italy with offices in Milan, Rome, Turin and Genoa – own 49.7m Zefira. The Fitzroy Yachts’ build serves an experienced couple who have steadily climbed up the sailboat ladder, having previously owned nine smaller vessels before building the Dubois Naval Architects Ltd design. Paola imparts practical advice for would-be owners regarding the value of having a strong team for new build projects.


The Trifirós passion for yachting has been a gradual affair and not one purely focused on the love of sailing but as a means to experience new places and cultures – to expand their knowledge of the world. “My first sailboat was a seven-metre yacht called Calife, built in France,” recalls Paola, a family and inheritance lawyer. “When I met my husband Salvatore – who shares the same passion for sailing – we decided to upgrade to an eight-metre yacht. This continual upgrade went on to see us owning an 11.5m and then a 14m by Dufour, which felt like a superyacht to us at the time.”

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Ownership is not without its frustrations and something that hasn’t escaped Paola and Salvatore is the burden of heavy taxation.

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When it came to building Zefira, the pair knew how they wanted to use the vessel, and with the experience of having sailed sloops, ketches and also yawls, they were fully versed in the type of sailboat they were after. “We changed from a Cantieri di Pisa – an old, classic, yet elegant, wooden boat – to a Jongert build, which has a hard steel keel and offered great overall comfort. We then changed from this to the sleek and elegant boats by Dubois Naval Architects. When we decided to build our new boat Zefira, the collaboration with the studio was easy and fruitful,” reveals Paola.


For most owners, the enjoyment of a project starts at the onset of the design phase, and if managed correctly, the subsequent build phase can be as exciting as sailing the finished product. However, ownership is not without its frustrations and something that hasn’t escaped Paola and Salvatore is the burden of heavy taxation. “This point represents a heavy handicap for everybody who wants to build a boat,” explains Paola. “The desire to sail the boat of our dreams meant that we submitted to all the taxes due. However, the problem remains that the nautical sector is heavily penalised, and continues to be every day.”

Unfortunately for EU residents there are no easy ways of getting around costs such as VAT when building a yacht for private use within Europe. However, tax is not the only element to consider when trying to minimise costs. As the Italian owner stresses, it is crucial to have a solid and experienced team behind you, as this will save you money in the long run by avoiding mistakes. “It’s fundamental to seek advice from your captain and project manager throughout the construction phase,” advises Paola. “The fee for their services will be largely compensated for by the final and finished result. Our captain and our architects, Ed Dubois, Malcolm McKeon and interior designer Rémi Tessier, have shown the highest degree of competence, skill and integrity.”


When caught up in the excitement of a new project, it is easy to get swept away by the aesthetics and gadgets. However, as Paola explains, you can always change fabrics but to alter a layout is far more expensive. “You can change a lot of aspects on a second-hand boat, such as the upholstery, loose furniture, colours, and so on – which still costs money, mind you – but you can’t modify the spaces without enormous costs.” Paola also highlights the importance of going below the skin of a design, paying special attention to the engine room and all the mechanical aspects with the help of an experienced captain. In doing so, an owner will save time in the long run, as it will ensure the operational aspects of the vessel.


The enjoyment of sailing excursions does not come without a price but it is one that the Trifirós are happy to pay, as Zefira does not merely provide a beautiful holiday; for the Italian couple, it adds to their quality of life. “We get a great amount of satisfaction from our investment, and it gives us a lot more than anything else,” concludes Paola.

The sailing yacht is now for sale through Dubois Yachts Ltd with an asking price of 29.5 million euros.

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