The Lord Foster designed 41m Ocean Emerald has been launched at Porto Lotti Marina near La Spezia in Italy on 25th April. It is the first in a series of four identical super yachts being built for the YachtPlus fractional ownership programme.
Ocean Emerald is a startling departure in design from the more traditional motor yacht at least on the outside. The dramatic grey superstructure arches from the bow all the way aft. The extra deck space this creates on a 41 metre boat is impressive with 2495 ft2 being devoted to outside space and a further 2790 ft2 available for guest and crew accommodation.
The master suite set well forward benefits from stunning forward facing views and two separate bathrooms. Light wood effect deckheads, faux leather and marble veneer give the impression of luxury. Accommodation for ten more guests is on the lower deck in four similarly decorated cabins.
The large main salon with its untreated exterior quality teak deck, benefits from huge windows providing ample light but the rest of the yacht's interior is inevitably more tightly packed as a result of the huge areas devoted to outside living on deck. The décor is modern but neutral to accommodate the differing tastes of up to 16 different owners. We particularly liked the centrally located spiral staircase, which traverses all three decks allowing light to flood the lower deck from the skylight above. At night the internally illuminated steps of the staircase will give the same dramatic effect.
Although Lord Foster is best known for his architectural landmarks such as London's Gherkin and the Millennium bridge across the Thames, this is not the first yacht he has designed. In 1991 he created the 55 metre Ronin, another radical design which recently featured in our list of the Top 50 Most Beautiful Yachts ever built. Not only is Lord Foster the interior designer and exterior stylist of Ocean Emerald, he is also one of the fractional owners and hopes to be on board for the first time in June this year.
Frances and Michael Howorth, SuperYachtWorld, 28 April 2009
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The Lord Foster designed 41m Ocean Emerald has been launched at Porto Lotti Marina near La Spezia in Italy on 25th April. It is the first in a series of four identical super yachts being built for the YachtPlus fractional ownership programme. 
Although Lord Foster is best known for his architectural landmarks such as London's Gherkin and the Millennium bridge across the Thames, this is not the first yacht he has designed. In 1991 he created the 55 metre Ronin, another radical design which recently featured in our list of the Top 50 Most Beautiful Yachts ever built. Not only is Lord Foster the interior designer and exterior stylist of Ocean Emerald, he is also one of the fractional owners and hopes to be on board for the first time in June this year.