2015 has shown us many exciting, innovative and downright wacky superyacht concepts. Here we look at 10 of the best.
1. X-Kid, 90-metres, Stefano Pastrovich
This explorer from Pastrovich builds on his X-Concept range, designed for the owner who appreciates the attractions of ‘parkour’ (from the French free-style training discipline), and who has developed a taste for something breathtaking, elegant and edgy. “The yacht has a grand exterior and glamorous interior that gives you the ability to browse without limits,” he says.
2. Acquaintance, 105-metres, Vitruvius and Oceanco
The 105-metre superyacht has distinct Philippe Briand-designed lines. In keeping with the Vitruvius philosophy, the yacht is designed to be up to 20% more fuel efficient than her competitors and offer clean, modern living spaces. The project is YPC-compliant, meaning she will be able to accommodate up to 24 guests in 11 cabins.
3. Expedition, 75-metres, Andy Waugh Yacht Design
An owner with challenging specifications inspired the design of Expedition. “The styling of Expedition uses strong graphical elements and long sweeping curves to disguise the high levels of internal space and potentially ungainly helicopter and swimming pool features,” says Waugh. “The explorer yacht proportions produce a strong, purposeful posture, and the lines sweeping diagonally up towards the tip of the bow provide an intrepid character.” Expedition expects a range of 5,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 15 knots, and estimated build cost of around €100 million.
4. Sunrise, 68-metre, Tony Castro and Sunrise Yachts
This modern explorer superyacht has been designed with global circumnavigations in mind, her design harks back to the rugged heritage of offshore supply vessels and fishing boats, while looking forward for today’s modern explorers. The concept boasts room for a helicopter in a climate controlled garage, twin limo tenders, a car, submarine, various jet skis, paddleboards and a variety of inflatables water toys.
5. Flow, 44 & 51-metres, Vripack and McMullen and Wing
The muscular lines of this explorer yacht, which comes in 44 and 51-metre versions, disguise an innovative accommodation plan. The sky lounge boasts gull-wing ‘lookouts’, while the main deck amidships has a full-beam family space dubbed the ‘treasure room’. A beach club area aft on the main deck offers some incredible views, with folding bulwarks and floor-to-ceiling windows ensuring the space is suitably open.
6. Symmetry, 180-metres, Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design
“The yacht’s layout is created by symmetrically building up from the centre, instead of using a traditional linear set-up. Functions on the decks are organised around a central void. The symmetrical shape of the hull allows for bi-directional cruising at sea,” says Sander Sinot. Six decks – each of which has a specific function and character – plus a beam of 29 metres create huge interior volumes with room for 34 guests and 48 crew.
7. Mangusta GranSport 48, Alberto Mancini and Mangusta
The next generation Mangusta: an all-aluminium 48-metre raised pilothouse yacht boasting a top speed of 26 knots. “This line enables us to enter a new segment of yachts with sporty lines, as well as an extensive range and low consumption,” says Francesco Frediani, group commercial director at the Overmarine Group.
8. SeaXplorer, 65-100-metres, Damen
Damen, the parent company of Amels, has already had great success with its SeaAxe shadow yachts and has developed this new concept that combines the rugged offshore capability of the shadow vessel with the comforts of a cruising superyacht. “A number of experienced yachting clients approached us about adapting Damen’s professional vessels, so we knew from them that there were simply no globally capable luxury explorer yachts out there,” says Rob Luijendijk, managing director of Amels.
9. Project Nova, 50-metres, Heesen
Project Nova was unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show as the latest Fast Displacement Hull project from Heesen, but with a twist. Mark Cavendish, sales and marketing director at Heesen, says: “Project Nova is not designed for exceptional high speeds, but instead uses the ultra efficient and easily driven hull form at the lower speeds typically associated with traditional displacement hulls but with vastly lower fuel consumption.” Using the hybrid propulsion system, Project Nova can cruise at 9 knots using the generators alone, at which the consumption is predicted to be a staggering 45 litres an hour.
10. Ottantacinque, 85-metres, Fincantieri and Pininfarina
Characterised by her large aft deck space, Ottantacinque is a striking project that opens up the interior and exterior spaces. The twin aft pools are flexible, and the water level can be adjusted and even emptied completely to create a large entertainment platform spanning 160 square metres. Accommodating up to 14 guests, the yacht enjoys five decks, including a private owner’s deck, the aft of which enjoys its own infinity pool.Ottantacinque will have a top speed of 18 knots delivered by twin diesel engines, with a range of 6,000 nautical miles at 12 knots. She will cruise with 19 crew. “The result is a sculptural floating home with elegant and dynamic areas, where style meets function, aerodynamics, on-board comfort and ergonomics. Every detail is designed to harmonize with the aesthetic theme of the yacht,” says Paolo Pininfarina, chairman of Pininfarina.