Nishii Zosen Sterling 45m 1986/2016 Refit Long-Range Yacht for Sale in Varazze, Italy

Nishii Zosen – Sterling 45m - 1986 (2016 Refitted) - 44.8m Luxury Yacht, 5+5 Cabins with 10+9 Sleeping Capacity (Guests + Crew) - Varazze, Italy
Delivered in 1986 by Nishii Zosen – Sterling, this 44.8-metre full-displacement motor yacht represents a rare combination of classic pedigree, substantial volume, and long-range capability, further enhanced by a comprehensive 2016 refit that modernised both technical systems and onboard comfort. Designed by naval architects Nishii Zosen – Sterling with exterior styling contributions from Yutaka Jojima and Jon Bannenberg, the yacht reflects a distinctive design language characterised by soft sculptural lines, elegant proportions, and timeless visual balance. Constructed with a GRP hull and GRP superstructure, she benefits from reduced maintenance requirements while maintaining structural integrity and long-term durability. Measuring 44.8 metres in length with a 36-metre waterline, an 8.11-metre beam, and a 2.41-metre draft, she delivers a stable and comfortable platform at sea. With a gross tonnage of 480 GT and a displacement of approximately 378 tonnes, the yacht offers impressive interior volume spread across three decks finished in teak. Her white hull and superstructure enhance her clean profile, while carefully integrated glazing bands and signature oval hull windows contribute to a recognisable and elegant exterior identity. The full-displacement hull form ensures excellent stability and seaworthiness, making her suitable for extended passages and offshore cruising. The yacht is registered under the Cook Islands flag and has benefitted from multiple ownership periods and operational refinements throughout her lifetime, reflecting a well-travelled and continuously maintained pedigree. Her design philosophy prioritises long-range comfort, onboard space, and functional circulation between decks, making her an exceptionally capable platform for private ownership or commercial operation.

Performance and engineering are delivered through twin Mitsubishi S-12R T2MPTKH diesel engines, each producing 1,309 horsepower for a combined output of 2,618 horsepower. This propulsion setup is paired with twin screw propellers, delivering efficient thrust and reliable maneuverability across a wide range of sea conditions. The yacht achieves a maximum speed of 15 knots and cruises comfortably at 12 knots, with a substantial range of approximately 3,750 nautical miles at cruising speed, enabling extended ocean passages and transoceanic capability. With confirmed transatlantic range capability, she is engineered for serious offshore operation and long-distance cruising without frequent refuelling stops. Fuel storage totals 60,290 litres, providing significant operational autonomy, while freshwater capacity of 7,571 litres supports extended onboard living. A Nakashima Stone Vickers bow thruster enhances low-speed handling and docking precision. The vessel’s full-displacement hull ensures fuel-efficient cruising characteristics when operating at displacement speeds, while maintaining stability and comfort in varying sea states. Mechanical systems are arranged for reliability and long-term durability, with engineering spaces designed for ease of access and maintenance. The yacht’s 2016 refit included upgrades across multiple mechanical and operational systems, improving efficiency, reliability, and onboard safety. Noise and vibration control measures have been implemented throughout the machinery spaces to enhance onboard comfort, particularly in guest accommodation areas. The combination of Mitsubishi engineering, displacement hull efficiency, and long-range fuel capacity positions this yacht as a highly capable ocean-going platform suitable for private cruising, expedition-style travel, or extended charter operations.

The interior layout is defined by volume, light, and architectural openness, offering a rare sense of scale for a yacht of her era. Accommodation is provided for up to ten guests across five cabins, including a full-beam owner’s suite located forward on the main deck. This private suite features a king-size berth, lounge seating, walk-in wardrobe, and a marble-finished en-suite bathroom equipped with dual basins, shower, bidet, and separate water closet facilities. The guest accommodation continues on the lower deck with four additional cabins, each with en-suite bathrooms and flexible arrangements, including two forward cabins that can convert into a larger VIP-style suite configuration when required. Interior circulation is significantly enhanced by a centrally positioned elevator that connects all decks, improving accessibility and convenience across guest and entertainment spaces. A dramatic triple-height atrium forms the centrepiece of the yacht’s interior, featuring a floating spiral staircase constructed from stainless steel and glass, allowing natural light to penetrate multiple levels and creating a visually striking internal volume. The main saloon and upper lounge areas are designed for both formal entertaining and relaxed living, incorporating large windows that provide uninterrupted panoramic sea views. A circular observation lounge adds a secondary social environment, while a fully equipped bar supports entertaining on a larger scale. The sundeck incorporates a partially enclosed wellness area, including a gym with skylight illumination and a steam shower, allowing fitness and relaxation facilities to be enjoyed in complete privacy. Exterior living spaces are equally expansive, with a large aft deck configured for alfresco dining for up to twenty guests, seamless access to sunbathing areas, and a hydraulic transom door that opens to create a waterside beach platform. A diving board further enhances direct sea access, reinforcing her recreational versatility. Forward deck areas provide additional lounging and operational space, contributing to the yacht’s balanced layout between leisure and functionality.

From a systems, safety, and operational standpoint, the yacht is comprehensively equipped to support extended cruising with a high level of autonomy and reliability. Navigation systems include radar, GPS positioning, AIS tracking, autopilot functions, and integrated chart plotting systems, ensuring precise route management and situational awareness at sea. Communication systems provide reliable offshore connectivity, while onboard monitoring systems support real-time oversight of critical machinery and safety functions. The vessel is fitted with advanced stabilisation systems designed to enhance comfort both underway and at anchor, significantly reducing roll motion and improving onboard experience in varying sea conditions. Electrical systems include structured distribution panels, breaker systems, shore power connectivity, inverter/charger units, and onboard battery banks designed for redundancy and operational stability. Plumbing systems incorporate freshwater pumps, bilge pumping systems, hot water generation, and structured black and grey water management tanks, ensuring efficient and environmentally compliant operations. Safety systems include fire suppression equipment, fire extinguishers, life rafts, and navigation instrument compliance systems, all maintained in accordance with operational requirements. The hull and structural configuration is based on a GRP full-displacement design, providing durability, reduced maintenance requirements, and strong long-term performance. Teak decks extend across multiple exterior levels, complementing the yacht’s classic aesthetic while providing functional non-slip surfaces. The vessel has undergone multiple ownership phases and extensive refit work, most notably in 2016, which included upgrades to onboard systems, interior refinements, and technical enhancements. A key design feature includes her signature oval hull windows and flowing exterior lines, which remain highly recognisable within the global superyacht fleet. The yacht’s ownership structure, registry under the Cook Islands flag, and long-standing operational history make her suitable for a range of usage profiles including private cruising, extended voyages, and charter operations. Prospective buyers are encouraged to conduct full technical surveys, sea trials, and legal due diligence including classification review, registration verification, and inspection of onboard systems. The purchase process typically includes structured negotiation, deposit arrangements, escrow handling, and final delivery procedures, ensuring a transparent and secure transaction process for all parties involved. Combining volume, range, engineering strength, and architectural distinction, this yacht represents a rare opportunity to acquire a proven long-range motor yacht with exceptional interior volume and enduring design pedigree.