As the years go on, the superyachts get bigger. 2016 saw some incredible concepts from all size ranges, but here we look at some of the biggest.

1. Project Teti, Zuccon, 94m

Zuccon SuperYacht Design says the concept is based on “the constant search for the right balance between internal and external spaces”. The aim has been to escape the notion that interior spaces should have priority. The fruits of this rethinking can be seen on the upper deck, which is the focal point of the 94-metre Teti. It is given over entirely to guest activity, with a huge pool forward creating an inviting guest terrace. There is a further pool and dining qrea aft, and a helipad at the bow.

Sunny Memories

2. Sunny Memories, Oceanco, 90m

Based on an existing Oceanco platform, Sunny Memories is the work of Dennis Ingemansson Design. The extended main deck aft means there is room for a sizeable oval pool aft, with hot-tubs on the sundeck and forward on the dedicated owner’s deck. On this deck, the forward master suite is equipped with a private bar and big-screen TV room. “The lines of Sunny Memories are inspired by the Belle Epoque era. Art Nouveau emerged from this period, which was characterised by optimism, regional peace, economic prosperity and technological, scientific and cultural innovations,” says Dennis Ingemannson. “This art movement is distinguished by its curvilinear forms and nature-inspired motifs, and that is what I wanted to sketch: elegant, sleek and timeless exterior lines with classic and modern detailing.”

Halycon 110M

3. Halcyon, Gill Schmid, 110m

Much work has gone into exploiting the use of advanced glazing techniques to create a superstructure out of floor-to-ceiling undulating windows in a combination of white glass and reflective glass. To enhance guest privacy, the white one-way glass is transparent from the inside and opaque  from outside. “The idea is for the glazing in the accommodation areas to blend in seamlessly with the white superstructure, creating one entity,” says Gill Schmid Design. Two glass-bottomed swimming pools dominate the aft areas of the main and the bridge deck, one on the main deck and one staggered in section on the upper deck.

Ascendance

4. Ascendence, Nobiskrug, 111m

With naval architecture by Nobiskrug, Project Ascendance is a claimed 25% lighter than a conventional yacht of similar specification. The slender, low-volume hull and the major bulkheads will be fabricated in steel, while the upper structures will be almost entirely built in carbon to improve stability and passenger comfort. “The exterior styling of the concept disguises the practical nature of the vessel using a strong diagonal feature and segmented graphical elements to add dynamism and lightness,” says Andy Waugh.

Oceanco Spectrum

5. Spectrum, Oceanco, 102m

The 102-metre Spectrum is a sleek beast from the board of Mario Pedol at Nauta Yachts. And that athletic poise is more than just looks – the 15.3-metre beam makes for a slender profile that, coupled with hybrid propulsion, makes for an efficient cruise. Spectrum’s accommodation over five decks provides plenty of flexibility for guests. The design makes for a seamless flow between outdoor deck spaces and the interior. Light is another key aspect of Spectrum, with large windows and extensive balconies bringing the outside in. The upper deck is given over to the owner with a panoramic view forward from the owners’ suite and access to a private spa pool and seating area. The forward deck is equipped with a touch-and- go helipad. Aft is an additional salon and bar area, which can form part of the owner’s private area or be opened to the other guests on board.

Private Bay

6. Private Bay, Fincantieri, 120m

The concept is from the board of Horacio Bozzo Design. “Private Bay is a different vision of a megayacht conceived with the aim of bringing protagonists closer to the sea. The exterior design is characterised by surfaces that intersect to reflect the light, with terraces and balconies overlooking the sea. The flare of the bow adds class and the leaning mast gives a sporty accent,” says Horacio Bozzo. The yacht takes the notion of the infinity pool aft and develops it into one of the yacht’s key living area. The total open beach club space is 160 square metres of lounge area with opening windows each side, plus a platform for access to the sea and easy boarding of PWCs and tenders. There is also an alfresco cinema and a bar in the pool.

Project Zen

7. Zen, Feadship, 80m

Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design and Feadship have combined to create the all-aluminium 80-metre Project Zen, a yacht that deliberately aims to escape the confines of the ‘wedding cake’ style of motor yacht. The designers hail the concept as “a seaworthy combination of beach house and loft.” The aft section of the superstructure features a 13-metre lounge, with opening sides and glass corners. The mid-section has an inside-outside dining area with sliding doors each side. Expandable balconies on both sides provide space for an aperitif, while the forward section consists of a bridge with floating consoles and two guest settees. There’s an eight-metre swimming pool on the aft deck, with a large hot-tub on the foredeck. Above the beach area there’s a panoramic stern lounge that doubles as a cinema.

MYS

8. Purity, Pride, 90m

Pride Megayachts, whose 88.8-metre Illusion is in build at the Chinese yard, has unveiled this elegant 90-metre with an eye-catching slipper stern and rounded aft decks. The design is at once both very classic and futuristic, with its sharply angled windows balancing out the aft lines.