“Human-centered lifestyle design is the new undercurrent of innovation in yachting,” says Marilyn Mower, editor of Futureyachts, an e-zine published this week by Boat International Media. “People want a vessel that will give them experiences they can’t have elsewhere, and for too long have been handed designs for vessels that simply replicate all their land-based elsewheres, albeit with a pointy end,” she adds.
“Along with technology, other disruptors that are and will be impacting yachts, are climate change, fuel, political and border adjustments and rapidly shifting economic generators. It may look a little messy, chaotic even, but the next era of yachts definitely isn’t going to be one-size-fits-all. Futureyachts 2017 is all about starting the conversation and diving into the sea of ‘what-ifs’ that are always the catalysts for change.”
L’Amage
A 190m concept created by Hamid Bekradi of HBD Studios and Christoph Kuhnert of Yacht Naval Architects of Hamburg. The brief was to design a futuristic superyacht style using current technology to accommodate 28 guests in 14 staterooms, plus an owner’s apartment and capacity for 70 crew. Outdoor entertainment is abundant. A lounge with a bar and sitting area flanks a dance floor and an infinity pool that is protected from the wind.
Tomahawk 52
An explorer yacht conceived as a ship for its technical and seakeeping qualities and as a yacht for its comfort, the Tomahawk 52 is a fully custom design by Columbus Yachts and its design partner Marco Casali. The name Tomahawk comes from the bow shape’s resemblance to a Native American axe. The concept can be developed in lengths from 40 to 100m. Casali says Tomahawk is a “yacht inside a ship” that balances comfort with exceptional seakeeping.
Argo
A go-anywhere explorer superyacht with Italian craftsmanship and celebrated design know-how, the 48m Argo is Rossinavi and UK-based designer Ken Freivokh’s first project together. The yacht is designed for exploration but can also serve as a support vessel for much larger yachts thanks to her extensive tender storage. A custom-designed crane launches two tenders, as well as a personal submarine and an amphibious landing craft. The aft deck has a touch-and-go helideck.
Y-Club
What about a floating hotel? That’s the idea, now in discussion, behind Y-Club, a superyacht hotel club project created by naval architect Frank Neubelt. The intention is to create a fleet of four to be managed by a five-star hotel chain. This 100m vessel will be the testbed; the following three are planned to be around 130m. Y-Club 100 will carry 36 guests and 50 crew. All the suites have private balconies, living and sleeping areas and separate dressing rooms.
Spectrum
Conceived by Nauta Design and Oceanco to encompass a broad range of possibilities in terms of both propulsion and living spaces, her layout over five decks provides considerable flexibility for 14 guests. There is a close relationship to the sea throughout, with a seamless flow from outdoor deck spaces to the interior. Large windows and extensive balconies provide abundant light, an important factor in the design. The lower deck includes a wellness suite with sauna, steam room, beauty treatment area and massage room.
Project Norse
A sail-assisted exploration vessel with trans-oceanic range capable of voyaging to both poles, while offering maximum self-sustainability and minimal environmental impact. Inspiration came from “the extensive range and endurance of the longboat and the use of the sail as a secondary power source”, explains designer Oliver Stacey. Three identical masts hoist in-boom furling mainsails.
Project Barracuda
Under construction at Turquoise’s Kocaeli shipyard, and due for delivery in 2019. The masculine lines of the exterior styling by H2 Yacht Design pay homage to the studio’s previous collaboration with Turquoise, the 74m Talisman C. This interior, created by Ken Freivokh, is practical yet elegant, with an emphasis on enjoying the sea. The saloon-cum-dining room opens to the aft terrace and features a full-beam upper lounge and bar, a beach club, steam room, massage room and an indoor/outdoor gym. Project Barracuda will accommodate 16 guests in an owner’s suite, two VIP suites and four guest cabins.
Private Bay
Horacio Bozzo’s new 123m concept for Fincantieri shows off a sporty raked mast atop a sleek hull and superstructure. “The exterior is characterised by surfaces that intersect, creating reflections with terraces and balconies overlooking the sea,” says Bozzo. Accommodation is for 18 in an owner’s suite and eight VIP cabins. The most stunning feature is the 160-square-metre beach club, showcasing an infinity pool with swim-up cocktail bar, outdoor cinema and fold-out stairs for easy access to the sea.
Explorer
A nod to the past with a clear vision of the future: the stunning new André Hoek-designed 56m explorer under construction by Turquoise Yachts in Turkey is reminiscent of classic steam ships yet is designed and built to be an exploration yacht. Among her features are generous under-deck storage for two sizeable tenders, state-of-the-art satcom equipment in domes hidden within the composite funnel, and a large boarding platform integrated in the structure with retractable stairs for easy boarding. The contemporary interior has teak detailing.
Komorebi
A hybrid of a different sort, Komorebi takes the efficiency of a stabilised multihull up a notch thanks to a pair of wing sails that project originator Marc Pajot says will easily drive the yacht to 12 knots, reducing passage-making fuel burn by 30 per cent. Sails are controlled by three buttons, and the battens and sailcloth drop on to their booms for storage. A beautiful, spacious interior offers five cabins.
Blue Coast Yacht Trimaran
Faster, lighter and more fuel efficient. French multihull specialist Coste Design lauds the benefits of the uniquely formed power trimaran, offering 60, 80 and 100m platforms. The yacht combines the swift and efficient performance of a trimaran with luxurious accommodation — this particular superstructure affords for a voluminous saloon and excellent vistas with wraparound windows.
Project Atlas
Combining the advantages of motor yacht size, explorer yacht range and sailing yacht fuel savings. A collaboration by UK studios H2 Yacht Design and Laurent Giles Superyacht Architects. As a sailing boat, she combines an easily driven low-drag hull form with an efficient multi-masted rig. The elegant exterior has soft, flowing curves and deck spaces are expansive. Lifeboats are cleverly integrated into the upper deck superstructure and hidden by detachable bulwarks.
Adventure 4008
Dutch yard Damen expands its SeaAxe range with this 43m yacht. Designed to appeal to outdoor thrill seekers, it has a muscular and rugged look, and performance to match. The aft deck can carry all the necessary water toys, including subs, watercraft and tenders, and can also serve as a helipad. The accommodation caters for up to eight guests in five cabins.