If you’ve been around yachting a while, certainly Bob Roscioli’s name is familiar. He’s been a fixture in the industry for more than five decades. Among his accomplishments: acquiring rights to the Donzi sportfishing brand name nearly 30 years ago, and building the boats in Bradenton, Florida. He also created Roscioli Yachting Center, a rigging and repair center as well as a marina in Fort Lauderdale. With more than 70 sportfishing yachts under his belt, Bob Roscioli remains active in the boatbuilding business. He’s currently overseeing two new R76 projects, each for repeat customers. Despite the same dimensions and similar styling, the yachts will serve different purposes.
For instance, one of the customers, from Europe, already has an R80 from Roscioli Donzi. Rather than give her up and step down in size, though, he wants a complementary craft. Specifically, he wants cruising-yacht comforts still within a primarily sportfisherman style. Therefore, his R76 yacht (above) carries the nickname the Med. Walkaround teak decks are one highlight, as is a flying bridge for dining, sunning, and entertaining. Eisenglass panels can enclose the area for air-conditioned comfort. More sunpads await at the bow, as does a recessed seating area. In traditional motoryacht style, this R76 Med further has a dining area and wetbar on the aft deck, nicely shaded, too.
Since the owner anticipates people staying aboard, he requested a master stateroom and VIP cabin below decks. A crew cabin is aboard, too. Friends and family will enjoy 360-degree views up on deck, thanks to the saloon and dining area being open to the galley fully forward.
While she’s decidedly cruise-oriented, the other R76 yacht (above) is fully focused on fishing. The owner is an avid angler who was heavily involved in the build of an R58 three years ago. He walked through full-scale mockups as much for his benefit as his wife’s. Because the couple plans even more, longer fishing and fun trips with loved ones, the new project suits their needs.
Among their requests are a Release Marine Battle Saddle fighting chair and a handful of livewells. Lest we forget, a 500-pound-per-day Eskimo icemaker should get plenty of use, too. Interestingly, the owner may run the yacht without crew on occasion. “It’s nice to have the option of having a captain onboard when you want or need him,” Bob Roscioli says, explaining berths will accommodate a captain and mate. Their quarters match the decor standards for the master and forward VIP, especially nice if friends or family use the cabin instead.
Whether a captain or the owner runs the yacht, this R76 puts the controls on the flying bridge. A mezzanine level is the perfect place for cheering on a catch on the line. The catch of the day can become the perfect dinner when it’s time to retire inside, where again there’s an open floorplan.
Despite their different purposes, these two R76 yachts both have MTU power. The builder anticipates each cruising at 33 knots and topping out upwards of 36 knots. Their 5’4” (1.65-meter) draft means shallows will be accessible as well. In terms of space, the two have the same 19’6” (nearly 6-meter) beam.
Roscioli Donzi Yachts donziyachts.com
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