Tailored to impress

For connoisseurs of classic men's style, the name Kiton resonates like the sweet melody of "’O sole mio." If the suits of this brand are worn by the elite of politics, cinema, and business—and each suit requires dozens of hours of meticulous handcrafting—then it’s no surprise that Kiton selects its collaboration partners with the precision of its master tailors.

For its new capsule collection of yachting apparel, KNT, Kiton, chose not a footballer or an actor as its ambassador, but a star of the seas. In partnership with Sacs Marine, they created an exclusive maxi-RIB, the Strider 13.

“We aimed to create something more than just a boat—it’s the embodiment of the ideal summer lifestyle,” says Sacs Tecnorib Marketing Director Nicola Antonelli. Meanwhile, at Kiton, the boat, designed by Christian Grande, is described as a work of art—a kinetic sculpture ready to launch from its pedestal.

The standard version of the Strider 13, unveiled a year earlier at the Cannes Yachting Festival, is a 13-meter cabin RIB with contours seemingly crafted to slice through waves at breathtaking speed. For true hedonists, this boat is like a sip of fresh champagne at sunset, whether in Palm Beach, Palma de Mallorca, or Palm Jumeirah.

This boat offers a trinity of pleasures, from leisurely cruises to thrilling diving adventures and extreme water sports. The compact helm console, open bow, spacious inflatable sides, and wide swim platform free up deck space. Heading out to sea with 16 people? No problem. If there are extreme divers among them, there’s plenty of room for gear. If the fishing bug bites, you can easily set up rods and tackle. Freshly caught fish can be turned into culinary masterpieces in the well-designed cockpit galley, equipped with an induction cooktop and sink, conveniently located behind the captain’s seat.

The RIB is available in two configurations—with inboard Volvo Penta engines or outboard Mercury Verado engines. In the case of inboard engines, the center section of the wide swim platform submerges. Outboard engines naturally reduce the platform’s size, but there’s still plenty of space for easy water access. Optionally, a carbon shower can be installed on the platform. Two sunbeds are separated by a central walkway leading to the teak-floored cockpit. The sunbed lifts to reveal a garage for storing a Seabob and sports gear.

The cockpit features a large convertible table on two legs, surrounded on three sides by a deep sofa spanning the full width of the hull—a true oasis of comfort.

The bow area in front of the helm console transforms into a second solarium. There’s no fixed sunbed here, only cushions laid out. Remove them, turn up the music, and you’ve got yourself a dance floor. The boat can even be moored bow-first, thanks to wide steps at the front that invite you to climb onto a high pier—or dive off them into the water.

The hardtop fully covers the helm console and two captain’s chairs, shielding them from scorching sun, strong winds, and sea spray. This area is designed in a modern, sporty style, with clear influences from Italian automotive design. The dashboard is finished in carbon fiber, and dual Raymarine screens make navigation easier and safer. The integrated joystick control system ensures effortless maneuvering.

On the left side of the console, there’s an entrance to a comfortable L-shaped cabin. A double bed is connected to a long sofa, which can be transformed into a mini-office by removing the cushion. Opposite, there’s a full bathroom with a separate toilet and a rain shower. Under the stairs, there’s space for two additional beds, available as an optional feature.

Naturally, such a masterpiece demands a bespoke approach. Sacs Marine offers endless customization options. Depending on your requirements, the Strider 13 can have a bright, sporty look, an elegant and refined aesthetic, or even a rugged military style—complete with a camouflage paint scheme.

Kiton, true to its essence, brings its own bespoke touch. The teak deck resembles a light cocoa-colored suit with white pinstripes. The seats are upholstered in soft gray fabric with a tweed-like texture. Certain details, like the table base, are painted in Kiton’s signature Etna red, reminiscent of the buttons on their jackets or jeans. The cabin interior is finished with bleached oak and nubuck.

The Rebel 13 KNT x Sacs stands out not only for its refined details and materials but also for its technical upgrades. Instead of the standard pair of outboard engines, it features a trio of white Mercury Verado V10 engines, each with 400 hp. “Creating a boat that combines the power of the Strider with the elegance of Kiton was no easy task,” says designer Christian Grande. “We aimed to incorporate all elements of the KNT collection into this model, from sandy tones to the red accents that define its signature style.”

The partners unveiled their project at Pitti Uomo, the most important men’s fashion exhibition in Florence. Held twice a year, this event showcases luxury brands, classic menswear labels, and progressive young ateliers from around the world. It also serves as an informal parade of fashion enthusiasts. Swedes, Japanese, Italians, and Latin Americans, defying the June heat, dress to impress, posing for photographers and showing off their style.

Presenting the boat in such an atmosphere was an unconventional move. Kiton and Sacs Marine displayed the pristine white boat with bright accents next to the Neapolitan brand’s pavilion at the 16th-century Fortezza da Basso. Sun loungers and mannequins dressed in the new KNT capsule collection were arranged nearby.

“We wanted to go beyond the ordinary and offer our clients something truly unique,” said Kiton Managing Director Antonio De Matteis. “This is not just a boat; it’s an extension of their lifestyle, reflecting their values, their pursuit of quality, and their love for freedom.”