Callegari acquires Geniuss to strengthen premium tender footprint

Callegari RIBs has acquired Geniuss, the Italian builder specialising in custom yacht tenders and developer of a patented outboard engine translation system.

This strategic expansions follows Callegari RIBs’ return to the market following its acquisition by Recchia Industrial Group in March 2026.

The acquisition of Geniuss forms part of Callegari’s growth strategy to expand into the premium tender sector while integrating its composite engineering and manufacturing capabilities into the Geniuss product range.

Annual production, currently standing at around 50–60 units, will be consolidated at Callegari’s manufacturing facility in Anagni. The Geniuss brand will retain its identity as part of the Callegari Group.

Investment will support the development of a new line of carbon-fibre tenders using advanced resin infusion technology. By pairing lightweight composite construction with high-performance engineering, Callegari aims to boost production efficiency and deliver lighter, stronger vessels. The company says future models will also be designed to integrate electric propulsion systems to align with the wider industry shift towards sustainable solutions.

Geniuss has built its reputation around an innovative patented mechanism that repositions the outboard engine inside the tender through a translation system. The design aims to optimise onboard space while improving the trim and balance of the mothership carrying the tender.

By eliminating the protrusion of the outboard’s lower unit, the system enables the tender to be stowed more compactly on the yacht’s swim platform while improving weight distribution.

The sliding support, folding transom and internal engine translation mechanism optimise the tender’s centre of gravity during launching and recovery, while also reducing drag when the tender is towed. The result is the ability to accommodate a larger tender within a smaller footprint, improving both practicality and safety by removing the risks associated with an exposed propeller and lower unit.

The mechanism is available in both manual and electro-hydraulic versions, with the latter operated remotely via wireless control.

Following the acquisition, Claudia De Sanctis, managing director of Geniuss, will remain in her executive role and will work alongside the Callegari management team to strengthen the brand’s international presence while accelerating its technological and commercial development.