Neo 520 Roma – detailed walkthrough

Here´s my second boat I bring from last Cannes Yachting Festival. You might have read my resumé of the show, which has stirred up some controversy. There´s no hiding, no sugarcoating and no appeasing anymore: The European boating industry finds itself within the hardest crisis since decades and faces a dramatic and profound change of structure.

A brand like Neo Yachts & Composites however is perfectly well fitted to face he raging storm on the market. It was so clear and obvious to me. I could literally see it with my own eyes during Cannes Yachting Festival. As I stated it many, many times before: The solution of the current crisis is within the highly specialized, high quality niche product. Which does not have to mean that production numbers have to be low. But I am convinced that a boat like the Neo is best suited to navigate the current stormy waters, withstanding the trials of a collapsed market. There was no shortage of visitors during the whole show aboard the new Neo 520 Roma – and judging by what I´ve been told and what I can see, there´s no shortage of customers neither.

Meeting Paolo Semeraro: Heart and brain of Neo Yachts

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It wasn´t my first time aboard one of Paolo´s full carbon racers. I very vividly remember Boot Duesseldorf 2023, that´s more than three years ago, when I boarded his Neo 570, the “Carbon Star Wars”-boat, as I described it back in the day. A year later Neo Composites showcased their smallest racing machine, the Neo 350 here in Cannes. And again it was a true revelation for me. For the first time I witnessed a boat that truly – not only on the paper of a glossy brochure – really combined true sailing power with a certain kind of cruising comforts. Up to this point, “performance” was more a kind of marketing gag, not a measurable asset.

Paolo Semeraro however is no newcomer. The name has a ring to it for those who know. He started Neo Composites already back in 2012. His aim: Building sailing machines that would offer the power of a TP52, but which would be able to being handled by smaller crews, by sailing amateurs if your will. And boats which at the same time could be used as full-fledged cruising yachts. I know, I know, we have heard that so many times that typing these words alone feels boring. But Paolo really means it. And the success of his brand shows it: The shipyard is busy churning out these carbon-flukes, making happy one owner after the after. I am happy however that Paolo founds the time and agrees to take me aboard and show me around. So … let´s go, shall we?

Flowing lines – the intricate Ceccarelli design language of a Neo

First of all you have to admire the lines of Giovanni Ceccarelli, who is responsible for developing a whole proprietary design language for Neo Yachts. You may have read my article “Schockverliebt!”, which is a German word that means “suddenly deeply in love”, where I strip down and analyze two yachts which at that time were fascinating me – one of which was the Neo 460. Ceccarelli essentially designed a wave that materialized in carbon.

Which in itself is a kind of time repeating itself. Back in the day, Paolo Semeraro used to be a successful sailmaker for Banks Sails. He is credited with developing (or being part of the development) a special and groundbreaking sail cloth technology, called “Membrane”, where he emphasized to laminate the sail-shape into the sail itself. Maybe comparable to the 3Di-technology, if you will. Certainly its own story worth an article, if I think about it. Anyway, the Neo yachts incorporate this ideal of materializing waves, hydrodynamic shapes and flowing lines. Simply put: A Neo yacht is absolutely unique in her design language. There is nothing out there like a Neo in terms of style.

Another name worth mentioning when talking about Neo Yachts is Shaun Carkeek. This legend of yacht design is a true guru and master of performance. His work for the Neo 570 C (I don´t know if “C” stands for carbon or Carkeek, really) cannot be underestimated, same goes for the Neo 600. This mate is the king of coming up with ideas for true dual purpose-yachts, combining acing with cruising. Traces of him are undeniably found in every Neo boat. Have I promised too much? Don´t you agree that these pictures of her stern section alone make your blood … warm up a bit? Well, buckle up, there´s much more to discover!

Ah, speaking of discovering: If you subscribe to the monthly free newsletter, you will not only just never miss any new article out of the approximately 10 articles per month, you will also have the nice and carefree service of just checking the thumbnails within the email and click on those topics which are of most interest for you. Additionally, there are the teasers for the new videos in my YouTube-channel as well, so why not just investing a few clicks, before you go on reading?

Made for fast cruising. And racing.

So, for God´s sake, let´s just board this flat, lightweight sailing monster and start our tour, shall we? As with any Neo yacht I´ve ever visited, this 520 Roma is also covered with nice EVA-foam on the whole area of the cockpit. This owner went for a simple light-grey without any styling nor pattern. As with EVA-foam, you can also have more intricate designs and virtually all colors of the rainbow.

I like the feeling of EVA on my bare feet, it´s simple to apply, simple and easy to clean and also to repair. And above all: It adheres to Neo´s iron rule: Be as light as possible. This Neo 520 has a maximum width of 4.99 meters, which is carried all the way back from the shrouds to the end of the boat. That said, the size of the cockpit is awe-inspiring! There is plenty of space forward on the seating benches, but most of the area is reserved for a working crew sailing this yacht.

Although the Neo is supposed to function as a full-fledged cruiser as well, I´d say the ratio between “working space” and “lounge area” is far more on the sailing side. The two helm stations are closely adjoining the seating benches. Here, nice simple but beautiful three-spoke composite wheels dominate the aft area. The helm panels are fairly simple: There´s a small electronic chart plotter, the Diesel engine controls, autopilot panel and Genoa winch controls. Simple – no frills, I shall say.

Behind the steering wheels, the mighty mainsheet traveler with its control lines to either side bridges the whole width of the cockpit, with a another set of two awe-inspiring drums ready to take on the various sheets and trim lines. On port side the control panel for the hydraulic backstay tensioner is located with the somewhat a little less bigger winches controlling the gennaker sheets completing the setup for the running gigging. The whole parade of over-sized winches sums up to a total of eight winches.

Paolo explains that with this configuration the Neo 520 is both perfectly well set up for small-crews (and also single handed sailing, if you want) and full-sized crews in regatta mode. Each sheet, control or trim line for each sail will have its own dedicated winch, making it possible to have a highly flexible crew setup and at the same time offering the luxury to grant each trimmer station their own dedicated winch.

A word on these large drums: Paolo is especially proud of these. They come from Harken, but have originally been developed together with Neo Composites to fit the needs for a high-power and capable lightweight winch for the Neo 570. Now, available as a series product, this “Air 300” winch is mounted on the 520 as well. Their “secret” lies in the somewhat empty or hollow middle section, significantly lowering their weight relatively to their power. Also – and Paolo demonstrates this – the Air 300 winch is capable of “intelligent” coiling. That said, the winch-speed and power is adapted to the winch load, utilizing electric energy cleverly and making overload and breaking of ropes virtually impossible.

This selection of just the best products made by the best brands makes Neo unique in the business. Here, in the niche, money is not of utmost importance so that other qualities take over its place: Ruggedness, power, efficiency and dedication to speed can move further up the list, before the budget comes into play. I mean, except for Neo Yachts, I only know TP52s, some Imoca 60s and the AC75 utilizing the Air 300 winches. Same goes for any deck hardware you can think of, including the headsail furlers.

Speaking of the headsails: Of course does the Neo 520 feature a custom made bow sprit of carbon. This bow sprit is capable of flying any headsail you can think of. From the large masthead gennakers to Code-sails of any number. Owners who want the full experience can upgrade to the Karver KJC-system which is high-pro equipment to effortlessly and quickly work their headsails. The more I follow Paolo´s explanation, the more I am convinced that this beast isn´t just your next marketing-performance-yacht. This is the true thing! Nothing for posers, it´s a boat for ultimate sailing.

Only the best of the best: Neo´s rigging

Which, of course, can also be said for the rigging of the Neo 520 Roma. I don´t know if you have already read my article about my visit to the Pauger Composites headquarter in Hungary (or have seen the video vice versa? Click here for the YouTube-flick), but there´s a deep and fruitful relationship between Paolo Semeraro´s Neo yachts and the composite specialists of the puszta. I mean, it tells you something when on a boat even an Axxon-spar will not be used: Paolo has mast and boom custom made for any Neo yacht by the Hungarians, so much for that.

The mast on this Neo 520 Roma is a mighty three-spreader tapered full carbon mast by Pauger. It is some 23 meters long, reaching a maximum air draft for this boat of 24.50 meters. The mast is made from high-modulus carbon fibers which comes with absolute top-notch Grand Prix-details. It weights 200 kilograms, rigged less than 300 kilograms, which may be a world record. But the coolest feature (apart from the white glossy paint), is the standing rigging. Usually, normal high-grade rod rigging would weigh in more than 80 kilograms. Pauger´s custom carbon standing rigging comes in at just 14 kilograms. Fourteen!

That´s absolutely wild! The mast is hydraulically jacked up into and against its standing rigging, securing it safely. It goes without saying that the whole standing rigging is monitored by Cyclops load sensors, allowing for both marina trim and trimming “on the fly”. As for the boom and vang, also from Pauger, the boom saves approximately 40 percent weight over a same sized aluminium-boom. Any more questions? The perfect leech profile is maintained with the solid boom-vang, powered by hydraulics. Well, this is not top-shelf, this is a whole new level …

The boat is incredibly lightweight: The whole 520 Roma is said to weigh in only just above 10.7 tons! That´s almost 50 percent weight in the keel plus additionally (and optional) further more 600 liters of flexible water ballast if needed to boost the righting moment upwind. Awesome! I mean, my Omega 42 clocks in at 7 tons, which is great for a 42 footer. But this huge boat with just 3 tons more, is nothing short of being incredible. Just for comparison, the already nicely and quick sailing First 53 by Beneteau weighs 16 tons, called “light displacement”. I don´t think that there´s any doubt in which league the 520 Roma plays.

Most impressive: The power carbon fibers

Paolo and his company are addicted and dedicated to lightweight composite yachts. Speed on water is determined by the shape of a hull, the sails area and – of course – the weight. With Neo Composites, Paolo tries to push the limits ever so slightly with every new boat, without sacrificing safety and practicality. As fragile those most modern carbon flukes are, Paolo´s Neo yachts should also function as “normal” cruising yachts. That said, a certain level of ruggedness and everyday-useability is guaranteed.

Although I´ve never had the pleasure to visit Neo Composites in Bari – which is still very much up high on my “to do”-list! – I have seen the videos and reels by the guys. Neo in Bari can be dubbed the center of lightweight carbon boat building of Italy, next to only very, very few other of those highly specialized and dedicated companies, like Genoa-based Sangiorgio Marine. That said, carbon composite separated infusion, whoch is the main building material of the Neo 520 Roma.

This high-grade material comes already soaked with just the right amount of resin, making it the prime choice for anyone looking for the exact grammage of material, seeking to shave off any surplus weight, not willing to accept even the slightest increase of mass for the product. In this, it´s the perfect building material to carve out the beautiful lines of Ceccarelli – I jump aboard the neighboring boat in the exhibition to be able to fully admire the incredible design of this yacht. I am a bit sad, though, because it had been announced that the new Neo 460 would be on display – which would be my boat of choice if I´d had it – but she wasn´t ready for the show, so we have to content ourselves with her bigger sister.

Lots and lots of space …

So, let´s talk some number here. As with every type or name of any boat, the numbers can be quite misleading. In the business, only the metric numbers tell the “truth”, whilst the types often imply larger boats. It´s the same with the Neo 520, but this time the other way round: This yacht is bigger than she “sounds”. You might check out this article about Dufour´s awkward naming strategies, if you want to delve deeper into this. So, how large is the Neo?

Neo 520 implies she´s a 52-footer, right? But this measurement is only true for her waterline, which is exactly 15.90 meters, the said 52 feet. Including her bowsprit the boat is staggering 18 meters long, which makes her a 60-footer by most definitions. As most boat builders name their types along the overall length. Paolo is modest in this regard. As a “true” 52-footer, there´s plenty of stowage aboard, which is needed to put away all them fenders and sails. Look at the picture above: This sails locker in the front adjoining the anchor chain locker is almost as big as my bathroom at home!

Down below, it´s another new world opening up. Paolo takes me down to explain the interior of the Neo 520. And as with everything on this yacht, her interior layout as well as her design is very, very much different from what you would expect. Because, the Neo 520 is not wasting around with plenty of space. It doesn´t as well take away your breath with large free volumes, resembling a dancefloor in a disco. Nope, note here. So let´s check out the Neo´s interiors.

One layout for every type of owner

That said, of course as with any boat of that type and class, as a near one-off the layouts are flexible and interchangeable. The one shown here in Cannes comes with a crew-owner-configurations, more racing- and more owner-oriented layouts are possible. It´s within the DNA of Neo Yachts that these boats combine the best of both worlds: The practical and seaworthy design of racing and the luxury of a distinguished owner.

The Neo 520 Roma comes with a lifting keel. That said, the saloon is dominated by the large housing for the keel fin and the hydraulic systems if the telescopic keel is fitted. It can be used as a saloon table and worktop as well. Talking variable draft, the Neo 520 ranges from a 2.10 to 3.20 m configuration if you choose the lifting keel, the boat in Cannes featured a 3.50 meters fixed keel. Paolo opens the lid cover and lets me expect the mechanics: Everything looks oversized and solid – after all, the keel is one of the single most important parts of any sailboat.

Before the mast-support (te mast is deck-stepped) is the nav-station. This is, to be honest, the only detail I did not fully understand. Because in order to reach this station, the navigator or skipper has to walk fully through the saloon and has the instruments “behind” the mast stand, facing backwards. Although this whole station is mounted in a rotating lever, this did not fully persuade me. Paolo unhinges the lever and rotates the while nav-station 90 degrees, fixes it and sits down.

That way, as he explains, the nav station can always be turned upward to the windward side, allowing the navigator to sit down “on the high ground” and work in a nice, comfortable way. I agree, this is a nice feature, yet it´s still so far away from the entryway – if somebody wants to talk to the navigator or the navigator wants to convey information up on deck, they have to scream all the way through the whole saloon. But maybe I am the only one finding this a bit odd – and maybe this is just a tiny detail that does not count too much. Maybe …

Combining racing and cruising

As for the onboard comforts, anything is of course possible. The large galley on port side comes fully stacked. The boat´s chef will have no hard time preparing meals for the hungry crew here: There´s more than enough stowage, a nice large combined induction stove/oven and microwave. The sink is large enough to clean the dishes even of a bigger crew. Everything is custom, so any owner can decide for which appliances he want to go.

It´s worth noting that everything inside the boat is not only made from carbon and lightweight sandwich foam but most of these parts are structural too. The whole kitchen is part of the structure that adds stiffness and rigidity. Everything is smoothed out so fine and painted with so much craftsmanship, that it comes with an absolute spotless finish. The Neo 520 Roma comes with a lot of skylight hatches and coach roof windows, nevertheless, if it wasn´t for the extra-white glossy-paint, there wouldn´t be all too much natural light.

As it is within the character of a racing-oriented yacht, Paolo naturally does not want to cut all too many holes into the hull. Because, of course, any window lessens stiffness and hurts the structure, making the need for reinforcements around those. So if you expect to have a full 360 degrees view onto the outside, you will be disappointed: This is a stiff monocoque body, with as less holes as possible.

The Neo 520 Roma as shown here in Cannes comes with the full three-cabin-layout. Both aft cabins are very flexible in their setup. You can either have a huge 2-person bed which could also take on three or four individuals (for whatever reason is subject of your fantasy …), or you could have it in a “crew bunk”-configuration. Additional bunks can be folded down, which are also possible to adjust to the heeling angle of the boat. Perfect for crewed racing and lots of watches. The cabinets are simple, but equally big: These can take on mountains of sail clothing!

Comfort for the owner, still.

That said, the above mentioned feeling of being “down under in the basement” is strongest perceived in the owner´s cabin in the front. It´s an almost ascetic design that boosts the impact of this cabin. Paolo jumps onto the bed – which again is absolutely and staggeringly huge in size! – but at the same time he kind of “shrinks” facing the enormous volume of the front cabin. There are very, very few design elements, almost nothing to “play around” a bit with this huge internal volume, visually.

Instead, the oversized large plain white walls – again, without a window – are dominating the room. I admit for my personal taste there is too much plain white and I feel overwhelmed, partially kind of “clobbered” by so much room. For my taste, this room would easily do with some visual elements, maybe different colors of padding or a little bit of decorative stuff. But again, as a fully customizable yacht, I am sure Paolo and his design team would be happy to adjust the color palette of the boat´s appearance to any taste of any owner. Apart from this, the internal volume up front here is breathtaking, even for a 50-footer!

As an owner of this 520 Neo, of course the bathroom is fully equipped, even with the latest in toilet-technology. Of course, the WC is made from carbon as well. Back in the crew´s bathroom and the day bath, a simple Jabsco pumping WC is utilized. I have to smile a bit as it looks a bit anachronistic, especially here on this carbon-spaceship. But hey, why waste stuff where simple, cheap solutions will do the job just as fine?!

In the end, the liveaboard qualities and amenities of the Neo 520 Roma are plentiful and I´d say that this boat offers the full cruising comforts you´d expect from a yacht. As beauty and style is always in the eye of the beholder, it remains your decision if you like this clean, reduced and edgy look of the yacht´s interior. She´s definitely at the extremely modern end of the spectrum, almost Bauhaus-like, I would say. But it´s also “form follows function” here, a Neo never was and will never be a Versailles-style type of boat, bristling with heavy jewelry.

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Is this the new form of fast cruising?

My impression is that the Neo yachts, no matter which size, are kind of similar to the reduced looks of a RM Yacht or a Pogo, albeit much, much lighter, more powerful and faster. Here, the material and its purpose is king. It is the threshold which determines its existence on board. Paolo does only allow stuff to be installed when it serves the purpose of the boat. Here´s nothing just because it looks good. Everything must serve the greater cause. Which in case of a Neo is … sailing power, speed and fun.

The success of RM, JPK, Pogo and also Neo speaks volumes. There is indeed a market for sailing yachts which offer less “luxury” and bling, but trade décor for speed. Quick passage-making saves time at the location. Likewise, greater speeds make for a larger range, making it possible to discover farther destinations. Plus: A Neo can and will wind in serious competition. So, is this the future of cruising? It´s certainly one very, very interesting and profitable part of the industry. Neo´s order book speaks volumes.

So, thanks so much, Paolo, for this deep insight and the chance to roam this beast! It was a pleasure, not just to discover this boat, but again to watch you talking with so much delight, with so much enthusiasm and joy about your “baby”! And maybe this is what makes Neo even more special – this boat is made for a purpose, following a clear vision. Not a spreadsheet calculating sales probabilities. This is a yacht with a great heart, for sure.

Also lightweight, also Neo – here are some more articles:

Aboard the fantastic Neo 570

A number smaller? Here´s a pocket-Neo

Falling in love with Ceccarelli´s designs …