The Navigatori class's 43.5-knot trial result depended on very light displacement, special fuel, and overloaded machinery. The machinery suffered damage during those trials, and normal operational speed was about 32 knots. Removing equipment needed for combat made the headline result a poor guide to fighting capability. Despite efforts to improve stability, the original bow form struggled in heavy Mediterranean conditions. Rebuilding with clipper bows improved performance at sea. The design also emerged before the First London Naval Treaty, when repeated failed negotiations had already made renewed restrictions foreseeable.
Chapter · 32:05-34:20
Navigatori-class speed claims and seakeeping
Navigatori's damaging 43.5-knot trials overstated its normal 32-knot capability, while heavy Mediterranean weather required a new bow.