Who we are
50 years yacht building & Consulting
Sebastiano "Gianni" Gravagno, CEO of Antago Yachts Americas, LLC, has always had a passion for boats, which helped his transition to becoming an major entrepreneur in the industry.
After founding Austin Parker Yachts USA LLC in 2014, Gianni transitioned into an independent yacht consultant role focusing on new construction. And this led to his now reintroducing Antago Yachts, which he originally started in the 1980's, with the goal of building this iconic brand in the USA.
Gianni has an impressive career path, starting by importing Colin Chapman's Lotus yachts to Italy, then becoming the sales manager of Chris Craft, one of the most important Italian shipyards in the 1970s, producing 500 boats per year. In the 1980s, he became the sole sales manager of Mochi Craft, a shipyard producing 120 boats per year between 33 and 56 feet, very large sizes at the time. He later opened the "American boats" market in Italy, becoming the exclusive importer of Bertram, Cigarette and Blackfin. He then decided to take on a much bigger challenge, becoming the European sales manager for Tecnomarine, whose yacht range was between 60 and 130 feet.
Gianni later created his own shipyard, Antago, and built 85 yachts, many of which were sold to major worldwide entrepreneurs.
As a consultant, he started both Cantieri Abati Yachts and Cantieri Navali Austin Parker for third parties.
And now Gianni is excited in this new venture which will succeed as the timing, along with his expertise in shipbuilding and consulting, are in perfect alignment, and will ensure Italian style with US build, avoiding tariffs and staying competitive.
Whether you are looking for a new Antago, or any new build, Gianni has 50 years of experience that guarantees you perfection.
We can also offer global brokerage through our association with Florida Yachts International, licensed yacht brokers, Ms. Maria Palacios
Sebastiano (Gianni) Gravagno
Contact Gianni Gravagno directly: (Italian & Spanish)
011 39 335 5492699
Also on Whats App
Operations Director/ Transaction Advisor
Maria Palacios
Maria brings over 30 years of experience across every facet of the yachting industry — from new construction(working directly with shipyards such as Baia, Baglietto, Novamarine, Tornado, Bertram, Antago, and Austin Parker) to brokerage, operations management, negotiations, closing documentation, transport, marketing, boat shows, sales, and luxury charters.
Her extensive international network of trusted associates and clients, carefully built over three decades, ensures that every yachting requirement is handled with unmatched professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail.
Fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian, Maria operates between Miami and Italy, ideally positioned to serve clients worldwide with the support of Florida Yachts International staff and vast resources.
Contact her for expert, personalized consulting for any yachting need- she will ensure your transaction is the best because she represents your best interests. And while open to the use of AI, ChatGPT, and all the advantages modern technology offers, there is nothing like being able to say a human thought and wrote this, and will work hard on your behalf. "I create. I make things happen."
*Luxury Yacht Acquisition & Charter Advocate,
Although I am an independent consultant, discreetly specializing in representing the interests of luxury, high end buyers, my license is with Florida Yachts International, an established and prestigious yacht brrokerage: fyi.com
In these days of AI, information is just a prompt away.
However , that will never replace experience in the real world. My responsibities go far beyond "sales"!
I function more as a high level expert Asset Strategy Manager.
I prepare a total package, according to your needs. This could include a 5 year TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) . projection and a charter-yield analysis.
While a standard transaction concludes at the closing table, my approach begins with a commitment to total vessel stewardship. I provide a comprehensive, 360-degree solution that handles every complexity of ownership—from initial acquisition and bespoke refits to crew placement and global logistics.
You don’t just acquire a yacht; you gain a dedicated advocate
I have always operated in a Asset Stewardship / Asset Strategy Managerrole, regardless of yacht size, model or price.
My relationship does not stop at the acquisition..yacht transctions are very nuanced and involved;
And with me, you don’t just acquire a yacht; you gain a dedicated advocate to guide you through and beyond the process. Even to resale and move up!
We are recognizing industry changes and the influence of AI offering instant answers.
But nothing compares to 30 years of experience, which is what I offer as a buyer's advocate- this is many intricate steps beyond traditional yacht sales.
A Yacht Asset Strategy Manager treats a yacht as a financial asset, not just a toy.
My role is to oversee the vessel through its entire lifecycle — from acquisition to resale — ensuring costs are controlled, regulatory compliance is maintained, and the yacht retains maximum market value.
The objective is simple: protect the owner’s investment and position the yacht for the strongest possible resale when the time comes.
1. Demystifying the Costs: I provide a 'One-Look' Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) sheet. No hidden fees. We map out dockage, insurance, and maintenance 5 years in advance.
2. The OBBBA Tax Advantage: We leverage the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to potentially write off 100% of the purchase price in Year 1. I turn a lifestyle choice into a strategic business deduction. ( for larger yachts in charter)
3. Operational Confidence: Stewardship isn't just buying; it’s training. I provide needed safety courses, help you vet the right captain, and handle the "back-of-house" logistics so your time on the water is actually relaxing.
Expert Yacht Sales, Charter & Consulting
