| Name: | LA LUNA |
| Length: | 52m (171ft) |
| Guests: | 10 |
| Crew: | 7 |
| Builder: | Perini Navi |
| Designer: | Perini Navi |
| Interior Designer: | Perini Navi |
| Year: | 1997 |
| Engines: | Deutz |
| Speed: | 16 |
| Volume: | 499 tons |
| IMO: | 8998837 |
| Price: | $20,000,000 |
| Owner: | Luca Rovati |
La Luna is a classic 52-meter sailing yacht built by the renowned Italian shipyard Perini Navi. Delivered in 1997, she represents the golden era of large Perini Navi sailing yachts: elegant, powerful, comfortable and designed for long-range cruising under sail.
The yacht has carried several names during her lifetime, including Liberty, Galaxia, Luna and now La Luna. She is known for her timeless Perini Navi profile, steel hull, aluminium superstructure, generous interior volume and comfortable accommodation for up to 10 guests.
La Luna is now linked to Italian businessman and investor Luca Rovati, a member of the billionaire Rovati family. Rovati is also associated with the iconic 88-meter Perini Navi sailing yacht Maltese Falcon, making him one of the most interesting modern owners in the large sailing yacht world.
La Luna was built by Perini Navi, one of the most respected names in large sailing yacht construction. The yacht was delivered in 1997 and belongs to a generation of Perini Navi sailing yachts that helped define the modern luxury sailing-yacht market.
She measures approximately 52.27 meters, or 171 feet, with a beam of around 11.4 meters. Her gross tonnage is approximately 478 GT, giving her substantial interior volume for a sailing yacht of her size.
La Luna was built with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. This construction gives her the strength and stability needed for extended cruising, while still allowing the superstructure to remain relatively light.
The yacht’s exterior and naval architecture are by Perini Navi. Her classic ketch-rigged profile reflects the shipyard’s long-standing approach: combining traditional sailing beauty with automated systems, comfort and modern yacht operations.
La Luna can accommodate up to 10 guests in 5 cabins. Her layout is usually described as including a full-beam master suite, double cabins, a twin cabin and a flexible cabin that can be arranged as either twin or double.
The interior was designed by Perini Navi with contributions credited to Bernardo Chichi. The style is warm, classic and comfortable, with wood finishes, relaxed seating areas and practical spaces for extended time on board.
The main saloon offers a comfortable lounge and dining area, while the exterior decks provide space for alfresco dining, sunbathing and relaxing under sail. La Luna also includes amenities such as a gym, deck jacuzzi, Wi-Fi and a selection of water toys.
A professional crew of around 10 to 11 ensures smooth operation, guest service and yacht management. For a sailing yacht of this size, a skilled crew is essential, especially when combining charter-style service with active sailing operations.
La Luna is powered by twin Deutz-MWM diesel engines. Her cruising speed is around 11 knots, and her top speed is generally listed at approximately 13 knots. Some sources report higher maximum figures depending on operating conditions and measurement method.
The yacht has a reported range of up to 4,000 nautical miles at economical speed. This gives her genuine long-range capability, making her suitable for Mediterranean cruising, Atlantic passages and more adventurous sailing itineraries.
Her large fuel capacity, displacement hull and sailing rig allow her to combine motor-sailing efficiency with the quiet, graceful experience of cruising under sail.
La Luna’s earlier history is connected to Dutch ownership, and her previous name Liberty has led to frequent discussion among yacht enthusiasts.
Reports have linked the wider story to Dutch retailer and entrepreneur Eric Albada Jelgersma, who was known in the yachting world and associated with Perini Navi sailing yachts. Jelgersma later suffered a serious accident aboard the Perini Navi yacht, which reportedly left him paralyzed.
Eric Albada Jelgersma remained a prominent Dutch businessman until his death in 2018. His yachting history remains closely associated with large Perini Navi sailing yachts and the Liberty name.
La Luna is now linked to Luca Rovati, an Italian businessman and investor from the billionaire Rovati family. Luca is the son of Luigi Rovati, founder of the pharmaceutical company Rottapharm.
The Rovati family became internationally wealthy after selling Rottapharm-Madaus to Swedish pharmaceutical group Meda in 2014. The transaction was valued at SEK 21.2 billion, equal to approximately €2.275 billion and widely reported as about US$3.1 billion at the time.
After the sale, the Rovati family continued investing through FIDIM, the family’s investment vehicle. Their interests include life sciences, real estate, private investments and luxury hospitality.
Luca Rovati has also become visible in the high-end hospitality sector. He has been associated with investments connected to Gruppo Barletta, Arsenale Group and exclusive Italian luxury tourism projects.
Luca Rovati is also linked to the legendary 88-meter Perini Navi sailing yacht Maltese Falcon. Maltese Falcon is one of the most famous sailing yachts ever built and is known for her revolutionary DynaRig sailing system.
The connection between La Luna and Maltese Falcon is important because both yachts were built by Perini Navi, but they represent different generations of large sailing yacht design. La Luna reflects the classic Perini Navi ketch tradition, while Maltese Falcon represents the shipyard’s most radical and technically ambitious sailing project.
Together, the two yachts show Rovati’s strong interest in large, historically important sailing yachts rather than conventional motor yachts.
Perini Navi was founded by Fabio Perini in 1983 and became famous for building large sailing yachts that could be handled by relatively small crews. The shipyard combined luxury interiors with advanced sail-handling systems, making large private sailing yachts more practical for owners and charter guests.
La Luna is a fine example of this philosophy. She offers the comfort of a superyacht, but with the romance and atmosphere of a true sailing vessel. Her large deck spaces, classic rig and long-range capability make her appealing to guests who want a more authentic yachting experience.
Perini Navi later became part of The Italian Sea Group, which acquired the brand after the original company’s financial difficulties. The Perini Navi name remains one of the most respected in the sailing superyacht world.
La Luna underwent a major refit in 2017. This helped update the yacht while preserving her classic Perini Navi character.
Her amenities include a deck jacuzzi, gym, beach-club-style stern area, water toys, tenders, Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Charter descriptions also mention equipment such as Seabobs, kayaks, paddleboards, wakeboards, waterskis and snorkeling gear.
These updates help keep La Luna competitive in the charter market, where guests expect both classic sailing atmosphere and modern onboard comfort.
La Luna has appeared on the luxury charter market, with charter rates generally listed from around €175,000 per week, plus expenses.
Her charter appeal is based on a mix of sailing heritage, Perini Navi build quality, comfortable accommodation and Mediterranean cruising style. She is especially suitable for families or groups who want a more relaxed and elegant sailing-yacht experience rather than a high-speed motor yacht.
Charter availability can change depending on ownership use, season, location and management arrangements, so interested clients should confirm current status through an official charter broker.
La Luna’s value depends on her condition, refit history, charter income, market demand and the strength of the Perini Navi brand. Historic sale listings and brokerage material have placed comparable values around the low-to-mid eight-figure range.
A reasonable estimate for a well-maintained 52-meter Perini Navi of this age and pedigree is around €14 million to €20 million, depending on market conditions and technical status.
Annual running costs for a yacht of this size can be significant. They may include crew salaries, maintenance, insurance, berthing, fuel, rigging inspections, sails, surveys and periodic refit work. A practical annual estimate would often fall in the range of €1.5 million to €2.5 million, depending on use.
La Luna is linked to Italian businessman and investor Luca Rovati, a member of the billionaire Rovati family behind Rottapharm-Madaus.
Luca Rovati is the son of Luigi Rovati, founder of Rottapharm. The Rovati family sold Rottapharm-Madaus to Meda in 2014 for approximately US$3.1 billion.
Luca Rovati is also widely linked to the 88-meter Perini Navi sailing yacht Maltese Falcon, one of the most famous sailing yachts in the world.
La Luna measures approximately 52.27 meters, or 171 feet, in length. She has a beam of around 11.4 meters and a gross tonnage of about 478 GT.
La Luna was built by Perini Navi in Italy and delivered in 1997.
La Luna has previously been known as Liberty, Galaxia and Luna.
La Luna can accommodate up to 10 guests in 5 cabins, supported by a professional crew of around 10 to 11.
La Luna has been listed for charter at rates from around €175,000 per week, plus expenses. Current availability should be confirmed through a specialist yacht charter broker.
Reports link Dutch entrepreneur Eric Albada Jelgersma to Perini Navi yachts and the Liberty name. He later suffered a serious accident aboard another Perini Navi yacht, Liberty II, which reportedly left him paralyzed.
La Luna’s estimated value is likely in the range of €14 million to €20 million, depending on condition, refit history and market demand.
boatinternational.com – La Luna yacht specifications
superyachttimes.com – La Luna yacht overview
yachtcharterfleet.com – La Luna charter information
charterworld.com – La Luna yacht profile and amenities
northropandjohnson.com – Archived La Luna sale listing
reuters.com – Meda buys Rottapharm for $3.1 billion
forbes.com – Luigi Rovati and family profile
forbes.it – Luca Rovati, Into the Beauty and Maltese Falcon
superyachtfan.com – Maltese Falcon yacht profile
superyachtfan.com – Maltese Falcon owner profile
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