I absolutely love being on the water. Combine that with luxury, speed and innovative technology – and you've got one of my favorite stories yet: taking a ride on a Jet Capsule – in Naples! 

Being in Naples for my first day on assignment was already a good start to my two weeks in Italy – as I'd never seen the city before, but riding a super luxurious yacht made it even better. Honestly, the exterior design takes some getting used to. But the co-founder of the company, Pierpaolo Lazzarini, says he's glad it stands out – that he's happy people tend to take photos of it when they see the capsule. I certainly would have if I'd seen it gliding away on the shores of Italy.

Lazzarini says he wanted to create something unique – and it does seem like he succeeded, at first sight. It looks like a compact spaceship made for water. The capsule is designed to withstand pretty much any kind of weather. Once you step inside, it does feel like you are safely secured in a runaway boat from a James Bond movie. Plus, during the ride, even while going fast, it felt really smooth, I actually enjoyed it like I would a ride at a water park. Kind of wanted to play around. Like a luxurious water-toy.

As captain of our short journey, Lazzarini seemed to share the feeling – seated at the front seat, at ease and enjoying the ride. Once off the air, he told us to buckle up and went full speed. It was so amusing, I almost asked if I could take it for a spin myself.

I loved the simplicity of the design. But don't get me wrong – clearly, a lot of effort has been put into making the Jet Capsule into a high tech yacht. It's powered by a 325 HP Yanmar motor and a Hamilton water jet, and can go up to 35 knots. The jet capsule we got to ride in had the interior configuration of the seated model – where eight passengers can board the boat, yet Lazzarini says the sky is the limit to what they can design. I, for one, definitely started thinking about the party model he mentioned… lounge beds on the roof… more comfort inside, making it more of a pleasure model than a transportation vehicle. That's what I would opt for.

But I have to admit the practicality of it as a transportation vehicle made it appealing in that sense as well. Normally I am based in Istanbul – where the Bosphorus Strait runs between Asia and Europe. Two main bridges connect the continents and thousands cross each day through hours of traffic. A Jet Capsule would be king in Istanbul. I pictured myself going to work from home to the studio across town – a drive that would ordinarily take at least an hour would probably take about five minutes in the Jet Capsule. Fun though.

Before telling us the minimum price of a Jet Capsule, Lazzarini thoroughly explained why it couldn't be any cheaper, and it all seemed logical, with the engine and the fiberglass design and all… but well, it's not your everyday toy, with a price tag of 250,000 U.S. dollars.

(Top image via Jet Capsule)