Perini Navi was founded in Viareggio in 1983 when Fabio Perini launched a prototype sailing yacht with ample living space that could be sailed with a reduced crew. That vision grew into the most successful fleet of large bluewater cruisers in the world. He then expanded his operations by acquiring the Picchiotti shipyard in La Spezia, a pioneering builder of luxury motor vessels, followed by the Yildiz yard in Tuzla, Istanbul.