Design and Technology
TOP 10 YACHTS
From enduring techniques and traditions passed down through generations, to new innovations and cutting-edge materials, superior craftsmanship lies at the very heart of a superyacht
1
CASTOR
HEESEN
This impressive yacht from renowned Dutch yard Heesen is the latest in their 55m FDHF Steel Class. Both stylish and versatile, the boat boasts a mammoth, 82sqm master apartment, which sits forward on the main deck – along with six further staterooms to accommodate 12 guests. Where better to congregate than the full-beam sky lounge, with its expertly crafted floor-to-ceiling windows, retracting glass doors and sumptuous sofas? As the most voluminous 55m yacht currently offered by a northern European shipyard, designers Bannenberg & Rowell had plenty of space to play with when it came to crafting the interiors; they opted to combine style and comfort, with layered neutral tones, smoked oak flooring and Calacatta and Pietra Grey marbles throughout.
2
ARROW460
MERCEDES
Combining the performance and craftsmanship genes of a Mercedes Benz sports car with cutting- edge innovations from the yachting industry, the Mercedes Arrow 460-Granturismo is one dynamic boat. Clever design and shrewd use of space allows it to pack a lot into its 14 metres; including extendable tables and beds, a bathroom, dressing room and even a wine cellar. Suited to both day trips and comfortable overnight stays, this ‘silver arrow of the sea,’ with its eye-catching muscular exterior can comfortably accommodate up to 10 people and is capable of reaching speeds of up to 40 knots. Pump up the volume on the high-end audio system and prepare to make waves wherever you go. As the name suggests, this yacht is akin to a grand touring car – sit back and enjoy the ride.
3
CLOUDBREAK
ABEKING & RASMUSSEN
Built for awesome adventure, this 73m expedition yacht boasts everything from a ski room and a winter garden to a fireplace and a massage room. The boat is packed with examples of clever craftsmanship, but one of the stand-out features has to be the 60m corridor which runs from the beach club to the guest staterooms. Designed to avoid guests having to walk through the salon after a work-out or a swim, the corridor sits right above the engine room, requiring a total rethink of the room’s ventilation system, not to mention state-of-the-art soundproofing. Outside, a helideck (which converts to a party deck, complete with all the requisite lights and speakers) backs onto a circular screening room, designed for viewing itineraries before the next big adventure.
4
ENDEAVOUR
CHARLES E. NICHOLSON
Built in 1934, this beautiful yacht – an original J Class – has a long and fascinating history. Originally commissioned by aviation pioneer Tom Sopwith in an effort to win the America’s Cup, he transferred his know-how in craftsmanship and technology from the aviation industry and applied it to the 40m Endeavour. His efforts paid off. In her first season, she went on a winning streak and became a well- known name on the racing circuit. In the years that followed, the boat was passed down through many owners and had many close shaves, once being bought just hours before her scheduled demolition and another time being plucked from the Medina River in Cowes.
5
MIMI LA SARDINE
CANTIERE DELLE MARCHE
This elegant 33m explorer yacht, delivered just last year, is the fifth in the Nauta Air series from Italian yard Cantiere delle Marche, famed for yachts such as Stella di Mare and Yolo. With a focus on comfort and informality, Mimi La Sardine is a strikingly original boat, filled with natural light and incorporating beautifully crafted interiors, including materials such as weathered oakwood and Galizia granite. The yacht has four spacious guest staterooms and a stunning Owner’s apartment on the main deck forward – all kitted out with beautiful Italian furnishings from the likes of Flexform and B&B. Up to 12 guests can enjoy days spent lounging in the main saloon, chatting about the day’s adventures and planning itineraries at the timber table in the upper salon, or soaking up the sun on one of the inviting outdoor spaces. Further examples of craftsmanship can be seen in the huge windows throughout the boat, which lead out onto stern terraces, seamlessly blending interior and exterior spaces. Built to travel anywhere in the world, and with room for up to six crew members, Mimi La Sardine will keep you comfortable on even the longest journeys.
6
NYMPH
MATTHEWS BOAT COMPANY
One glance at this beautiful 23m motor yacht and it’s clear that she is a shining example of masterful craftsmanship. Originally built in Ohio back in 1913, she has since been lovingly restored over seven years in Virginia without losing any of her unique charm and character. With original features, such as the double-planked mahogany hull, pine decking and striking black and white tiling in the galley, this is a yacht that wears her history on her sleeve, though many amenities have been restored to ensure that she remains a comfortable and luxurious yacht. The engine room, for example, has been completely updated and she now benefits from a new 6 cylinder John Deere Turbo-charged engine and a 17KW Cummins Gen Set. Meanwhile, a full beam master stateroom sits across from the guest head, complete with a seating area and an elegant clawfoot bath tub. With space for four guests in beautifully appointed and charming suites, this is a yacht that will turn heads and win hearts wherever she goes.
7
MM725
MALCOLM MCKEON
There are sailing yachts and then there is the MM725. This 72.5m boat from Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design has a breathtakingly beautiful profile – elegant and majestic, cool and contemporary. The level of craftsmanship involved in her design is truly impressive – with a focus on abundant natural light and maximizing on outdoor spaces. To that end, the flybridge stands further aft than is standard, extending over the cockpit and allowing light to flood into the salon. Meanwhile, fold-down bulwarks either side of the cockpit create balconies and increase the size of the beach club – really magnifying the sense of space and helping to bring the spirit of the ocean inside. For the Owner, there are floor-to-ceiling windows in the master stateroom to take in sweeping views as well as direct access to the beach club. The tender well, meanwhile, converts to a pool, where guests can cool off with rest and refreshments under a Bedouin canopy. In terms of performance, a lifting keel and a square top mainsail have been incorporated, and the downwind sails are stored on a self-stowing reel below deck, adding the finishing touches to this elegant cruising sloop. This is a magnificent yacht from Malcolm McKeon, whose exceptional designs and concepts have been winning awards for over 30 years.
8
ANNA I
FEADSHIP
Dutch yard Feadship is renowned for superior craftsmanship and Anna I is a shining example of this builder’s exceptional skill set. At 67m, the yacht sleeps up to 17 across seven spacious staterooms, including an exceptional double height Owner’s suite with a private observation deck and direct access to the private foredeck, ideal for soaking up some sun or enjoying breakfast. All the staterooms are generously proportioned with the welcome addition of heated marble floors in the en suites. This is a fantastic yacht for groups with the main salon transforming into a disco and the sky lounge into a cinema. There’s also a helipad, enabling speedy access to adventures on land. Guests will additionally love the spa pool and swim platform, as well as the gym and steam room for indulgent relaxation on board. Award-winning Michael Leech Design Studio are behind the indulgent interiors, which bring together dark woods, marble and plush soft furnishings to create a warm and elegant ambience.
9
POLARIS 1
ROSSINAVI
This is one masterful yacht, built by Italian yard Rossinavi as the second in their Prince Shark series. There are multiple show-stopping elements to this majestic aluminium yacht, many of which stem from design techniques borrowed from military vessels – but one of the most striking is the innovative flybridge, which gives guests uninterrupted views from nine metres up. Clever design and shrewd craftsmanship means that guests on this level are protected by smoked glass windows, allowing them to relax without interruption from heavy winds or scorching sun. Another highlight is the spa pool, lined with beautiful Murano glass tiles and complete with a decorative waterfall. These elegant touches extend to the rest of the boat where 19th century paintings, crystal chandeliers (one of which stretches across three decks) and precious materials including varnished ebony and marble set the tone for a superior vessel with bags of charm. This is one strikingly elegant yacht that benefits from both form and function.
10
ATHENA
ROYAL HUISMAN
Royal Huisman’s biggest ever yacht is a triumph of engineering, craftsmanship and style. At 90m, this award-winning, triple-masted schooner makes an instant impression, thanks to her graceful silhouette and unique profile. Launched in 2004 and now fresh out of an extensive refit, the yacht was originally inspired by Creole, an eye-catching 63m wooden schooner built in 1927 and owned by the Gucci family. Athena’s classic interiors by Rebecca Bradley Design are a triumph befitting of such a stylish heritage – with lightly stained mahogany detailing, sumptuous furniture and elegant finishes throughout.
Sleeping ten guests across five attractive staterooms, she makes an excellent choice for groups, with a charming library, inviting socializing areas and impressive entertainment facilities. She is a unique yacht too, with superior craftsmanship in her blood. One interesting example of this lies in an innovative, soundproofed passage which sweeps through the engine room, allowing guests to peak in on activity below deck. With room for 19 crew, and all the latest amenities and modern comforts, guests are guaranteed a cool and comfortable stay on Athena. This is a yacht with worldly wow factor and in fact, she is the largest sailing yacht available for charter today.
