What Is I’m Getting a Yacht About?
The premise of I’m Getting a Yacht in 292 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the glittering heat of the Italian Riviera, a modest dentist named Piero decides that the best way to make up for a fragmented family life is to buy a tiny yacht and set sail for a two‑week Mediterranean escape. The vessel, affectionately called Biba, promises a simple pleasure: open water, sunlight, and a chance to reconnect with the people who matter most.
Accompanying him are his spirited children, Fiorella and Claudio, whose enthusiasm for the open sea matches their father’s longing for a holiday that feels whole again. From the moment the trip is announced, Roberta, Piero’s ex‑wife, feels a pull to keep a closer eye on the youngsters. She covertly boards the journey, slipping aboard the Biba and turning the family voyage into a delicate dance of old affection, lingering pride, and the practical challenges of parenting on a moving platform. Their modest craft soon finds itself sailing alongside the sleek Kabir, owned by the affluent engineer Casorati and his well‑heeled crew, highlighting a gentle clash of class and expectations.
Meanwhile, a charming nurse named Alessia weaves herself into the picture, hinting at the complexities of adult relationships that linger beneath the surface of the family’s adventure. Her presence adds a layer of subtle intrigue, suggesting that Piero’s quest for freedom may intersect with his desire for connection in unexpected ways. The Mediterranean itself becomes a character, its calm bays and bustling ports reflecting the shifting moods of the travelers.
The film settles into a breezy, warm‑hearted tone that blends light comedy with genuine emotional stakes. As the boat glides over sun‑kissed waters, the characters are invited to navigate not just the physical currents but also the undercurrents of love, responsibility, and the hope of forging a new, shared horizon.
What Happens in I’m Getting a Yacht?
The complete story of I’m Getting a Yacht, from the first scene to the last, in 937 words (about 4 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
Piero [Johnny Dorelli] is a dentist who lives apart from his wife Roberta [Laura Antonelli], and in a bid to share a traditional two weeks of vacation with his children, Fiorella and Claudio, he buys a small boat named Biba to sail from Civitavecchia to Sardinia. Roberta herself heads south from Milan to join the voyage aboard the Kabir, a sleek yacht owned by the engineer Casorati [Vittorio Musy Glori], whose crew is filled with well-to-do, self-assured people who look down on the more modest family voyage. The scene is set for a family trip that will test loyalties, appetite for freedom, and the delicate balance between affection and independence.
The start of the trip is anything but smooth. The Biba, which is supposed to be a carefree two-week escape, proves a stubborn craft from the outset. It behaves like a half-hut rather than a seaworthy vessel, and the moment Piero takes command, the propeller gives out. He must dive into the sea to recover it, wrestling with the stubborn machinery and the salty air, while the fragile plan begins to fray under the pressure of bad luck and growing frustrations. After a few miles of dangerous navigation, a mishap forces them back to Civitavecchia when a net is torn on the fishermen’s gear, creating a tense moment of guilt and responsibility that places everyone on edge.
When the family finally reaches the Argentario coastline, Roberta’s concern for the children pushes her to leave the Kabir and insert herself into the more intimate shelter of the Biba. She wants a closer eye on Fiorella and Claudio, and her decision marks a turning point in the trip, forcing Piero to reckon with his pride and the reality that his vacation dream must contend with the needs of his family. The journey resumes, and the voyage gradually reveals a deeper current beneath the surface: the possibility of renewed closeness between Piero and Roberta. As they navigate the sea and its small, stubborn challenges together, their relationship begins to thaw, and the old warmth flickers back to life.
On land, the dynamics aboard Kabir add another layer of tension. Alessia [Daniela Poggi], a nurse who has become a lover to Piero, asks for a professional favor—an introduction to her own dream of expanding her medical practice by earning a recommendation from a well-known dentist. The arrangement sets off a delicate, awkward sequence that puts Roberta on alert and tests the boundaries of trust between them. A dinner is arranged under the pretext of propriety, and Piero agrees to accompany Alessia, using a harmless pretense to keep the connection discreet. Yet the ruse doesn’t go unnoticed; Roberta sees the situation clearly, and the couple faces a painful moment of truth. The dialogue cuts through the rumor and bravely acknowledges that they still feel a powerful pull toward one another, and that perhaps their bond can endure beyond the missteps of the past.
Meanwhile, the Biba continues its voyage and briefly appears to be ascending into a smoother horizon. The couple manages to reach the boat with a rubber craft, a small triumph that underscores how resourceful they can be when the stakes are high. But their temporary reprieve is shattered when two prison escapees board the Biba, turning the family’s fragile happiness into a crisis. The fugitives’ presence throws the vessel into chaos, and the would-be captors try to exploit the moment of vulnerability. Piero and Roberta act with surprising presence of mind and teamwork, managing to subdue their captors and regain control of the situation with a blend of restraint and quick thinking.
Yet the sea throws another wrench into things. Fiorella and Claudio, frightened by the violence and convinced that their parents have fallen prey to bandits, believe their world has been torn apart. In a moment of crisis, the children act with a mix of fear and duty and end up sinking the Biba by mistake, a drastic misinterpretation that isolates the family in the open water. Stranded in the middle of the sea, the parents must improvise a new plan for survival while keeping hope alive for their kids. It is here that Attilio [Christian De Sica], a figure connected to the Kabir’s world, comes into play as a guardian in disguise, stepping in to help the stranded family and set a path toward reconciliation and safety.
The boat’s sinking and the improvised rescue become a turning point that redefines the family’s future. The reunion is not simply a return to the past but a reimagining of what the family can be together. With Attilio’s intervention providing a lifeline, the family is brought back into each other’s orbit, and the narrative closes on a note of renewed commitment. Piero and Roberta, now more aware of the fragility and fragility of the life they share, look toward a fresh start—one that could include a bigger, sturdier boat and a future built on honesty, shared responsibility, and the joy of simply being together.
The story, at its core, remains a nuanced portrait of love’s resilience. It threads humor, tension, and genuine emotion through a summer voyage that tests every member of the family. Through setbacks and small triumphs, the film holds fast to the idea that genuine connection can survive miscommunication, temptation, and the fear of losing one another. In the end, the couple’s determination to rebuild what they have, with their children by their side and the possibility of a new, larger boat on the horizon, offers a hopeful, grounded note that stays true to the spirit of a family seeking its place on the sea of life.
I’m Getting a Yacht Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Piero plans a two-week family vacation and buys the Biba” to “A new life together on the horizon”. 13 events name a place, across 10 locations.
- 1
Piero plans a two-week family vacation and buys the Biba
Piero, a dentist, decides to take a traditional two-week vacation with his children Fiorella and Claudio. He buys a boat named Biba, which will take them from Civitavecchia toward Sardinia. This purchase marks the start of a challenging journey at sea.
When:start of trip Where:Civitavecchia
- 2
Biba proves unreliable at departure
As soon as the handover happens, the Biba immediately loses its propeller. Piero must jump into the water to retrieve it. The mishap foreshadows the rough voyage ahead.
When:immediate departure Where:Civitavecchia harbor
- 3
Return to port after damaging a fishing net
After a few miles at sea, the voyage is interrupted when Piero damages a fisherman’s net. The crew is forced to turn back to Civitavecchia to fix the situation. The incident strains the trip from the very start.
When:early voyage Where:at sea near Civitavecchia
- 4
Roberta abandons Kabir and joins Biba
Roberta, worried about her children, decides to leave the Kabir and board the Biba to join Piero and the boys. She heads toward the Argentario coast to reunite with the family. The choice marks a turning point in their vacation voyage.
When:after return Where:Argentario coast
- 5
The voyage resumes toward Sardinia
With Roberta aboard, the journey resumes despite the hardships. The voyage brings Piero and Roberta closer together as they press toward Sardinia. The goal of reaching the island remains central to their plan.
When:on voyage Where:Sardinia
- 6
In Porto Cervo, Piero meets Alessia
During the Sardinia leg, Piero encounters Alessia, his nurse and lover. Alessia asks him to recommend her to a well-known dentist. The encounter introduces tension as Roberta’s suspicions grow.
When:in Sardinia leg Where:Porto Cervo
- 7
Dinner with Alessia and Roberta's discovery
Piero excuses himself and goes to dinner with Alessia. Roberta discovers the affair, leading to another confrontation. They ultimately realize they still love each other and want to repair their relationship.
When:Porto Cervo dinner Where:Porto Cervo
- 8
Piero and Roberta decide to reconcile
After the confrontation, they acknowledge their enduring love and decide to give their marriage another chance. They recommit to facing the voyage and its challenges together. The reconciliation shifts the mood of the trip.
When:after confrontation Where:Porto Cervo
- 9
Biba takes off again; rescue mission
The Biba lifts off again toward Corsica while Piero and Roberta attempt to reach her with a rubber boat. The family works together to reunite aboard the vessel. The moment marks a new attempt to salvage the vacation and their bond.
When:after reconciliation Where:at sea heading to Corsica
- 10
Two prison escapees hijack the boat
Two prison escapees seize the Biba to use it for a trip to Corsica. Piero and Roberta become hostages as the fugitives try to escape by sea. The couple uses cunning to outwit their captors.
When:during hijack Where:at sea, en route to Corsica
Show the other 4 events of I’m Getting a Yacht Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Piero and Roberta overpower the fugitives
With quick thinking and teamwork, the couple disables the two escapees and regains control of the Biba. The immediate danger seems to be over as the hijack ends. Their relief is short-lived as the situation shifts to the next crisis.
When:during hijack resolution Where:at sea
- 12
The Biba is sunk by the children
Claudio and Fiorella, convinced their parents were killed by bandits, crash the Biba and leave the family stranded in the middle of the sea. Piero, Roberta, and the children fight to stay afloat as the vessel sinks. The family faces an uncertain fate far from shore.
When:aftermath of hijack Where:middle of the sea
- 13
Attilio rescues the family
Attilio arrives and rescues Piero, Roberta, and the children from the open sea. They are saved and taken aboard a vessel that can bring them to safety. The ordeal ends with the option to start anew together.
When:rescue Where:at sea
- 14
A new life together on the horizon
Reunited and safe, the family contemplates their future on a bigger boat and a fresh start. The vacation ends not with a perfect voyage but with renewed love and a plan to rebuild their life. The tale closes with hope for smoother tides ahead.
When:after rescue
Who Are the Main Characters in I’m Getting a Yacht?
10 characters, among them Piero Savelli (Johnny Dorelli), Roberta Savelli (Laura Antonelli) and Attilio (Christian De Sica): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- PS
Piero Savelli (Johnny Dorelli)
Played by Johnny Dorelli
Piero is a dentist who lives apart from his wife Roberta. He plans a two-week vacation with his children Fiorella and Claudio by buying the boat Biba. On the voyage, he must improvise through a string of mechanical mishaps while keeping his family together.
- 🏥 Dentist
- 👨👩👧 Family
- ⚓ Adventure
-
Roberta Savelli (Laura Antonelli)
Played by Laura Antonelli
Roberta travels from Milan to join her children and husband for a seaside vacation. She grapples with fear for the kids, emotional distance, and marital strains. Her decisions drive the reconciliation, even as she clashes with Piero over fidelity.
- 💑 Wife
- ❤️ Romance
- 👨👩👧 Family
- A(
Attilio (Christian De Sica)
Played by Christian De Sica
Attilio is a wealthy yacht owner among the Kabir's guests, embodying the social snobbery of the voyage. He is loyal enough to intervene and help the family when danger arises. His presence highlights class differences within the travel party.
- 💼 Wealth
- 👑 High society
- ⚡ Tension
- A(
Alessia (Daniela Poggi)
Played by Daniela Poggi
Alessia is Piero's nurse and lover who asks for a career recommendation. Her presence creates a moral dilemma and heightens Roberta's insecurity. She serves as the catalyst for the conflicts surrounding fidelity.
- 💋 Affair
- 🧭 Temptation
- ⚖️ Ethics
- FS
Fiorella Savelli (Cariddi Nardulli)
Played by Cariddi Nardulli
Fiorella is the daughter of Piero and Roberta; her perspective on the parents' marriage adds emotional weight to the voyage. Her misinterpretation of events leads to crucial plot turns, including the sinking of the Biba. She remains a focal point of the family’s resilience.
- 👧 Child
- 🧭 Perspective
- 🌀 Twist
- CS
Claudio Savelli (Itaco Nardulli)
Played by Itaco Nardulli
Claudio is the other child, part of the family journey aboard the Biba. His actions accidentally trigger a crisis that tests his parents’ resolve. He participates in the adventure, contributing to the emotional crescendo of the story.
- 🧒 Child
- 🗺️ Adventure
- 🧪 Young perspective
- C(
Casorati (Vittorio Musy Glori)
Played by Vittorio Musy Glori
Casorati is the engineer who owns the Kabir, hosting the voyage and representing the luxury yacht scene. He serves as a backdrop to the social dynamics aboard the boat. His presence anchors the setting and contributes to the plot’s nautical mood.
- 👷 Engineer
- 🛥️ Yacht owner
- 🧭 Mentor
- F#
Fugitive #1 (Franco Giacobini)
Played by Franco Giacobini
One of two prison escapees who hijack the Biba, creating immediate danger for Piero and Roberta. They are eventually incapacitated by the couple, preserving the family’s safety.
- 🕵️♂️ Criminal
- 🏝️ Escape
- 🗺️ Danger
- F#
Fugitive #2 (Sal Borgese)
Played by Sal Borgese
The second escapee adds to the peril of the voyage, forcing the family to improvise under pressure. Their defeat signals a turning point in the voyage’s tension.
- 🕵️♂️ Criminal
- 🏝️ Danger
- 🪢 Rescue
- P(
Parcheggiatore (Mimmo Poli)
Played by Mimmo Poli
A port parking attendant who appears briefly, anchoring the scene to Civitavecchia’s harbor life. A minor but colorful character who helps set the travel mood.
- 🚶 Daily life
- 🛠️ Minor role
Where and When Is I’m Getting a Yacht Set?
I’m Getting a Yacht is set in Civitavecchia, Argentario, Porto Cervo, Sardinia and Corsica. Here is why the place matters to the story.
Where
Civitavecchia, Argentario, Porto Cervo, Sardinia, Corsica
The film opens in Civitavecchia, a busy port that serves as a departure point for a family voyage. The journey threads through the Argentario coastline toward Sardinia, with Porto Cervo representing coastal luxury and high-society life. The story also brushes Corsica as a distant backdrop, all set on the bright, unpredictable Mediterranean Sea.
- 🏖️ Coastal towns
- 🚢 Yacht culture
- 🌊 Mediterranean setting
What Are the Themes of I’m Getting a Yacht?
4 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Love and Reunion, Adventure at Sea and Family Bonds.
-
01
Love and Reunion
Piero and Roberta's marriage is tested by distance, jealousy, and past affairs. Their vacation forces them to confront what they truly mean to each other. By surviving crises at sea together, they rediscover love and choose to rebuild their life as a family.
-
02
Adventure at Sea
The Biba voyage is fraught with mechanical failures and dangerous mishaps that push the family to their limits. They contend with the boat losing parts, a perilous escape by land, and a chase across the waves. The at-sea action provides both danger and unexpected moments of ingenuity.
-
03
Family Bonds
Fiorella and Claudio are central to the voyage, their safety and happiness driving many decisions. Their fears and hopes influence the parents’ choices and push them toward reconciliation. The family unit is portrayed as both vulnerable and capable of resilience.
-
04
Temptation and Trust
Alessia's affair with Piero introduces temptation and tests ethical boundaries. Roberta's suspicion heightens the stakes, forcing the couple to weigh desire against commitment. The subplot explores trust, honesty, and forgiveness within a marriage.
What Kind of Film Is I’m Getting a Yacht?
Hopeful in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Hopeful
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A steady-paced, hopeful family comedy-drama set on the Mediterranean, blending moments of tension and romance with a warm, ultimately uplifting story of reconciliation.
- hopeful
- warm
- tense
- family-oriented
- romantic
- adventurous
- family reconciliation
- divorce
- parenting
- marital strife
Content notes: child endangerment, brief hostage situation.
Quiz
How well do you remember I’m Getting a Yacht? Test yourself on the story.
