The First America´s Cup catamaran yacht AC72 due to be launched in July

February 22, 2012

The first America’s Cup sailing yacht AC72 is due to be launched this July as expected by workers at the team’s base at Pier 80 in San Francisco, Core Builders Composites in New Zealand and Janicki Industries in the Pacific Northwest. America’s Cup rules allow teams to launch their first catamaran yacht AC72 after July 1.

The ORACLE Racing team Photo by G. Grenier/ORACLE Racing

The ORACLE Racing team - Photo by G. Grenier/ORACLE Racing

“No question the AC72 will be a big step up from the AC45 we are currently racing on the America’s Cup World Series circuit,” says team skipper James Spithill. “The AC45s have proven spectacular; the AC72s will be sensational.”

The AC72 yacht is the new class of America’s Cup yacht that is designed to a box rule, one that sets tight limits on parameters such as length, beam, weight and wingsail area.

The team has split production of its yacht between three sites because each is a center of excellence.

At Pier 80 in the 34th America’s Cup host city, the team builds the basic molds for the hulls and crossbeams of the catamaran. The molds are then shipped to Janicki Industries, north of Seattle, Washington, where the large structures are machined to fine tolerances.

In a process in which Janicki is a world leader, high-tech resin is applied to the molds and then machined to its final shape by a five-axis mill to tolerances finer than the thickness of a sheet of paper.

“We’ve worked with Janicki for nearly 10 years because every little fraction of accuracy you achieve accumulates. Greater accuracy means less material and less weight. That means the boat is built precisely as the designers conceived it,” said shore team manager Mark Turner.

The ORACLE team racing on their catamaran yacht AC45

The ORACLE team racing on their catamaran yacht AC45 - Photo by G. Grenier/ORACLE Racing

ORACLE Racing’s hull molds were refined at Janicki’s plant in the same mill that handles secret work for some of the largest manufacturers of civilian and military aircraft and aero structures in the world.

Once the finished molds are back at Pier 80, a boatbuilding team begins to laminate the high-strength, carbon-fiber cloths with epoxy resin.

Since last year teams have raced the catamaran yacht AC45 in the America’s Cup World Series, a circuit of events in Europe and the US. The AC45 is a one-design yacht, meaning that each is built by a single manufacturer to the same exact specifications. CBC built the fleet of AC45 catamarans that were designed as a means to fast-track teams’ understanding of wingsail technology. The AC45 yacht will continue on the World Series into next year.

The AC72 yacht will feature next summer in the Louis Vuitton Cup Challenger Series, held from July 4 to September 1, 2013 and America’s Cup Finals, taking place from 7-22 September, 2013. The step up in performance will be phenomenal.

“In the AC45 class, the boats are the same so the results are often determined by the sailors who made the better decisions and handled their boat better,” said ORACLE Racing CEO Russell Coutts, the all-time America’s Cup winner.

“In the AC72, teams will develop their own design so technology plays a bigger role. Compared to any previous America’s Cup, the design rule is relatively tight. Technology will produce a faster, smarter boat, but not a ‘golden bullet’ design,” Coutts said.

Design comparison

The catamaran yacht AC45:

Hull Length               13.45 m (44 feet)
Maximum Beam       6.90 m (22.6 feet)
Wing Height              24.50 m (80.38 feet)
Maximum Draft         2.70 m (8.8 feet)
Displacement           1,400 kgs (3,086 pounds)
Wing Area                 93.7 sqm (1,008.58 square feet)
Jib Area                     30 sqm (323 square feet)
Gennaker Area         100 sqm (1,076 square feet)
Crew                           5@85 kgs/per (187 pounds)

The catamaran yacht AC72:

Hull Length               22.0 m (72.18 feet)
Maximum Beam       14.0 m (45.93 feet)
Wing Height              40.0 m (131.23 feet)
Maximum Draft         4.4 m (14.44 feet)
Displacement           5,900 kg (13,007 pounds)
Wing Area                 260 sqm (2,798 square feet)
Jib Area                     100 sqm (1,076 square feet)
Gennaker Area         400 sqm (4,305 square feet)
Crew                           11@92 kgs/per (203 pounds)

Royal Southern Yacht Club 175th Anniversary Luncheon at Buckingham Palace

February 22, 2012

This year´s Royal Southern Yacht Club’s 175th Anniversary was formally recognized by a private luncheon organised yesterday for 150 members of the Hamble-based Club invited by its Patron, H.R.H. Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh K.G. K.T. In an exciting and pleasant coincidence, Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britain’s sovereigns for 175 years.

150 members of the Royal Southern Yacht Club toast its Patron H.R.H. Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh at yesterday’s Patron’s Lunch held at Buckingham Palace. Credit M. Austen

150 members of the Royal Southern Yacht Club toast its Patron H.R.H. Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh at yesterday’s Patron’s Lunch held at Buckingham Palace. Credit: M. Austen

A pre-luncheon champagne reception was held in the Picture Gallery, during which guests were presented to His Royal Highness by the Commodore of the Royal Southern Yacht Club, Mr. Mark Inkster, prior to luncheon in the State Ballroom.

His Royal Highness is celebrating 64 years of Club membership and the Royal Southern Yacht Club has enjoyed Royal patronage since its formation. His Royal Highness was gracious enough to accept the invitation to become Admiral of the Club in 1952 and became its Patron in 2002.

Cap Sante Boat Haven Marina in Anacortes renovated by Bellingham Marine

February 22, 2012

Cap Sante Boat Haven located near the Strait of Juan de Fuca in Anacortes, WA recently completed a renovation, which included replacement of the marina’s “E” and “F” Docks.  The new docks were manufactured by Bellingham Marine and installed by Culbertson Marine who completed work on the project in late January.

Cap Sante Boat Haven marina in Anacortes renovated by Bellingham Marine

Cap Sante Boat Haven marina in Anacortes renovated by Bellingham Marine

The upgraded design and amenities selected by the Port of Anacortes for “E” and “F” mimic work done by the marina in 2007 on “C” and “D” docks.   “We are slowly working to upgrade the entire facility to provide boaters with the highest standard of accommodations found anywhere else in the region” commented Dale Fowler, Harbormaster for Cap Sante Boat Haven.  The marina has replaced approximately 40% of its 850 slips.

Over 33,000 square feet of docks were replaced by the Port in their most recent work at Cap Sante – 132 new berths plus two side-ties accommodate vessels and superyachts from 40 feet to 113 feet LOA. The new docks feature Bellingham’s Unibolt® system with rounded finger ends, composite trim and polymer rub boards.  The design also includes an innovative cleat design, which allows the position of the cleats to be easily moved.  Jesse Ellenz, Bellingham Marine General Manager said, “Fixed cleat locations have long been a challenge with the bolt system but in the Company’s latest round of R&D the challenge was overcome and we were able to provide the Port with a more flexible dock system.”

Cap Sante Boat Haven is a publicly owned and operated facility managed by the Port of Anacortes.  The Port’s mission includes being a ‘steward of the public resources… and protecting quality of life as an appropriate balance among economic, social and environmental elements.’  According to a statement made by the Port, the redevelopment of Cap Sante Boat Haven offers a model for creating a waterfront attraction that generates jobs, helps businesses and improves the shoreline environment.

As the world’s leading marina design-build construction company, Bellingham Marine produces Unifloat® concrete floating dock systems as well as timber and metal frame systems.  The company also produces Unistack® dry stack systems for marinas worldwide.

RORC CARIBBEAN 600: Superyacht Hetairos in front

February 22, 2012

The 214ft supermaxi sailing yacht Hetairos claimed poll position in the RORC Caribbean 600 at 1500 local time, passing to leeward of George David’s 90ft maxi yacht Rambler off the east coast of Montserrat.

S/Y Hetairos let loose on a broad reach, blasting through the Caribbean surf at a speed in excess of 22 knots. The Hetairos superyacht has twice the water line length and more than double the sail area of Rambler but the American maxi with RORC Chief Executive, Eddie Warden Owen on board, is not giving up without a fight. Rambler has put up every sail they can to “send it” and Hetairos are finding it difficult to shake them off.

RORC Caribbean 600, 2012. Rán off St Martin on Tuesday 21st February. Credit: RORC Caribbean 600/Tim Wright/Photoaction

RORC Caribbean 600, 2012. Rán off St Martin on Tuesday 21st February. Credit: RORC Caribbean 600/Tim Wright/Photoaction

Yachts Hetairos and Rambler will probably make the northwest corner of Guadeloupe well before dark and they are expected to finish the race tomorrow morning. However they are both unlikely to finish the race by Wednesday 0340 to break the course record set by Rambler 100 last year.

Sailing yacht Rambler’s navigator, Peter Isler blogged this from the boat:

“Hi from the weather rail of Rambler. We’ve been watching a sail on the horizon creep up on us over the past 5 hours – we are on the race’s longest (145 mile) leg and it’s a fast jib reach. The boat coming up from behind is of course Hetairos, the giant ketch. This is a leg perfectly suited to her strength; straight line reaching speed. It’s only a matter of a few hours and she’ll be past us unless things get tricky, which appears unlikely until our next turning mark Guadeloupe, one of the trickiest parts of this race track, as we sail below (downwind) of the biggest and tallest island on the course. Last year on Rambler100 we drifted for a few hours in Guadeloupe’s wind shadow and that sort of tricky sailing might give us a chance to make some gains on Hetairos… time will tell.”

Isler continues: “Beautiful sailing on deck, T-shirt, shorts and everyone but the helmsman grinders and trimmers hiking out. Lots of flying fish going aerial to get away from our bow wave. It’s plenty hot down below though; as most hatches are shut to keep spray from coming in. We just enjoyed our first freeze-dried meal, beef stew that was popular amongst the crew. The watch system is being strictly adhered to now; no sail changes in the last few hours so hopefully everyone will be charged up for the battle under Guadeloupe and the rest of the race. We’ve seen much shiftier and lighter winds than last year when the Rambler100 set the monohull course record that record is definitely secure until 2013 at the earliest.”

RORC Caribbean 600, 2012. Rán off St Martin on Tuesday 21st February - Credit: RORC Caribbean 600/Tim Wright/Photoaction

RORC Caribbean 600, 2012. Rán off St Martin on Tuesday 21st February - Credit: RORC Caribbean 600/Tim Wright/Photoaction

Niklas Zenstrom’s JV72, Rán is the new handicap leader after time correction. However, Rán is likely to arrive on the northwest corner of Guadeloupe after dark and experience a significant wind shadow. Second overall is Amanda Hartley’s Swan 56, Clem, which was rounding St.Martin at the top of the course at 1500 local time. Third overall is Scarlet Oyster, which is in good breeze south of St.Martin. The weather forecast for the next 48 hours shows a significant increase in wind strength, freshening to over 20 knots. This may well favour Scarlet Oyster and Clem but both yachts are heavy displacement and are unlikely to plain. Jaime Torres’ First 40.7, Smile and Wave is lying fourth overall and lining up for a wild sleigh ride tomorrow. As the Puerto Rican team come off the breeze and turn south for what promises to be a ballistic 150-mile surf to Guadeloupe.

Jonty and Jack Layfield are racing two-handed on J/39, Sleeper. The father and son team were approaching the Anguilla Strait at the top of the course at 1600 local time today. No doubt Jonty and Jack will be looking forward to a long reaching leg and possibly the first real rest they will have had since starting the race nearly a day and half ago. Perhaps Sleeper will be a very apt description of what the Layfields will be looking forward to the most.

The RORC Caribbean 600 has two magnificent schooners racing: Greg Perkins, skipper of sailing yacht Adela and yacht Windrose of Amsterdam, skippered by Alex Howard have barely been apart since the start of the race. Hugh Agnew, Adela’s navigator called in by satellite phone as the two Spirit of Tradition yachts rounded Tintamarre. Adela was on a tight reach, all 300 tons of her doing 13 knots:

“I don’t think there has been more than two miles between us since we began. It has been a fascinating encounter and one that is all about boat on boat tactics,” said Hugh. “We had an heroic tacking duel through the Anguilla Strait. The leg down to Guadeloupe looks like a tight reach in building breeze, classic conditions for these awesome yachts. We have just cracked off after rounding Tintamarre. We have an enormous amount of sail up and we have opened up a ¾ mile lead but no doubt Windrose will catch us up and we will have another bout of energy sapping sail manoeuvres on the south side of Guadeloupe in the early hours, I have to say this is a truly epic race.”

RORC Caribbean 600, 2012. Med Spirit under a rainbow off St Martin on Tuesday 21st February - Credit: RORC Caribbean 600/Tim Wright/Photoaction

RORC Caribbean 600, 2012. Med Spirit under a rainbow off St Martin on Tuesday 21st February - Credit: RORC Caribbean 600/Tim Wright/Photoaction

The new Motion Code: Blue SERION EXPLORER E60 motor yacht

February 22, 2012

The Austrian design studio motion code: blue has released its latest design concept, the SERION EXPLORER E60 yacht which is a reinterpretation of long range passage maker yachts for the next generation of yacht owners.

SERION EXPLORER E60 motor yacht by Motion Code Blue

SERION EXPLORER E60 motor yacht by Motion Code Blue

With the SERION E60 yacht project, the design studio shows its competence in research and development (R&D) and wants to set a clear statement for future yacht design.

The SERION EXPLORER E60 yacht concept is based on a research of trends in yacht design and upcoming value shifts within the next 15 to 20 years.

The new Motion Code Blue SERION EXPLORER E60 motor yacht

The new Motion Code Blue SERION EXPLORER E60 motor yacht

The new Motion Code Blue SERION EXPLORER E60 motor yacht

The new Motion Code Blue SERION EXPLORER E60 motor yacht

SERION EXPLORER E60 motor yacht by Motion Code Blue

SERION EXPLORER E60 motor yacht by Motion Code Blue

SERION EXPLORER E60 yacht concept by Motion Code Blue

SERION EXPLORER E60 yacht concept by Motion Code Blue

The aim of SERION E60 yacht is to broaden the developing picture of future motor yachts within 60ft by elaborating changing megatrends, markets, and consumer behaviours but also focusing on unconventional functions and features within this class. This concept highlights areas of possible improvement and redefines the overall character of classic passage makers.

The SERION EXPLORER E60 yacht concept focuses on the ability of long range journeys, autarkic traveling and maximum living spaces at all climate or weather conditions and would make an excellent charter yacht.

Reasonable changes within future lifestyles prove that influences of extreme urbanization will cause an increasing demand for deceleration. It is highly expectable that the aspect of wellbeing and experiencing as well as independent and autarkic traveling will come to the fore, and the picture of fast looking dynamic yacht designs will slowly start to fade away.

Motion Code Blue SERION E60 motor yacht concept

Motion Code Blue SERION E60 motor yacht concept

Motion Code: Blue SERION E60 motor yacht concept

Motion Code: Blue SERION E60 motor yacht concept

The growing trend for passage makers is clearly visible in the super yacht segment, where not only the idea of long range journeys, but also the unmistakable look and feel of a moving luxury environment on any ocean of the planet makes up for the main purchasing reasons.

Comparing the growing interest for long range vessels in smaller classes and the current variety of the 60 ft-market, there is a clear gap regarding future consumers’ expectations in terms of design and product identification.

Exterior design concept:

To make up for the missing luxury appeal in many passage makers within 60ft, high emphasis was put on aesthetic and emotional, yet practicable treatment of lines, forms, and proportions across the entire hull-and superstructure-design.

The visual, functional and emotional fusion of motor yacht and sailing yacht-characteristics communicate the spirit of joyful long distance traveling as ecologically friendly as possible.

Merging an emotional luxury approach with the idea of a rough ocean-going explorer vessel, SERION E60 rather fits to the aesthetics of luxury yachts, than to conventional trawlers and passage makers of its class.

Due to this, the main deck is stretched to the bow, where it connects to the main superstructure.

Besides its new and unconventional overall appearance, the yacht offers several exterior features such as 2 balconies, one on each side of the greenhouse and a tilting bathing platform to create a huge beach club.

The wide flybridge of the SERION EXPLORER E60 yacht concept stretches itself above the whole main deck and the wheelhouse provides shade and safety.

Interior design concept:

With an unconventional division of spaces and a layout concept that is based on reduction and special utility areas, each deck on board the SERION E60 offers super yacht- inspired advantages in terms of a spacious and light flooded atmosphere.

Depending on its temporary habitation and involved climate conditions, large units of the insulation glass can be converted. Retractable panoramic windows transform the main deck to an open loft whenever desired and sliding windows within the sky-cabin, which is located behind the wheelhouse on the fly bridge, enable open air night’s right underneath the stars.

The functional design approach of the main deck enables the experience of fusing interior and exterior spaces, creating a generous feel at any spot on board. A boundless view across the entire length of the main deck subconsciously suggests a living space far bigger than 60 feet.

As the rear sliding door opens up completely, the external bar and internal kitchen unit seem to entirely merge together.

SERION EXPLORER E60 yacht by Motion Code Blue

SERION EXPLORER E60 yacht by Motion Code Blue

In a nutshell:

Taking typical trawlers and passage makers to another level of sophistication, the SERION EXPLORER E60 yacht concept expands the horizon of imagination towards future 60ft displacement yachts.

Renowned yacht builder Oyster Marine acquired by HTP Investments BV

February 21, 2012

The Dutch investment company HTP Investments BV (HTP) has today, Tuesday 21st February, 2012, acquired the award winning UK yacht builder Oyster Marine Ltd for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition comprises the Oyster Group companies Oyster Marine Ltd, Oyster Brokerage Ltd and Southampton Yacht Services Ltd.

Oyster 625 Sailing Yacht Blue Jeannie

Oyster 625 Sailing Yacht Blue Jeannie

Founded in 1973, Oyster has a worldwide reputation for its luxury, blue water cruising yachts, which are renowned for their quality and performance. The company is recognised throughout the sailing world for its commitment to providing owners with outstanding levels of customer service and after sales support and has twice been awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

The current Oyster fleet includes twelve modern designs ranging from the Oyster 46 to the magnificent superyachts, the Oyster 100 and Oyster 125 yacht by Dubois. Two of the newest Oysters on the water, the Oyster 625 yacht Blue Jeannie and Oyster 100 superyacht Sarafin by Dubois have received much acclaim from customers and the yachting media. The Oyster 625 recently won the Best Luxury Cruiser category in the 2012 European Yacht of the Year awards, whilst the Oyster 100 is shortlisted in the World Superyacht Awards. Despite the challenging economic conditions of the last few years, Oyster has continued to develop and launch new products, which has contributed to a gain in market share and the company has had a very strong start to 2012 with around £10m of contracts signed in January.

Dubois designed sailing yacht Sarafin - Oyster 100 superyacht

Dubois designed sailing yacht Sarafin - Oyster 100 superyacht

HTP acquired Oyster by using the exclusive funds of the partners Wim de Pundert and Klaas Meertens and is therefore not subject to any restrictions with respect to the amount invested and the period over which the investment is held. HTP expands the activities of its portfolio companies both through organic growth and further acquisitions, supporting the management in strategic decision making and any required reorganisation of the firm’s financial structure.

Klaas Meertens, Managing Partner of HTP Investments said, “As investors, we are delighted to have the opportunity to add such a strong and prestigious British brand to our select portfolio of companies and have every confidence in Oyster’s CEO, David Tydeman and the existing management team to take the business forward. For myself and Wim, this is a personal acquisition and a long term investment. We look forward to working with David and the team to develop Oyster’s strategy for the future and build on the success the whole team at Oyster has achieved over the last three years.”

Commenting on the transaction, Oyster CEO David Tydeman said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for Oyster, our team of loyal staff and suppliers. HTP Investment’s acquisition is funded by the private funds of its two partners and means that Oyster can look forward to a period of long term stability, doing what we do best – building great sailing yachts.”

Oyster will celebrate its 40th Anniversary in 2013 and plans are already well advanced for a memorable event to mark the occasion. On 6 January 2013 a fleet of 30 Oysters will depart the Caribbean on the first ever, exclusive world rally for Oyster owners, which will be a really unique event that few, if any, other yacht builders could emulate.

Oyster was advised on the transaction by Stephen Craik and Khush Purewal of KPMG Corporate Finance. Commenting on the transaction, Stephen Craik said, “Oyster is one of the world’s leading luxury brands synonymous with prestige and high quality. HTP provides the company with a long term partner who can ensure the further development of the business and the brand”.

70m Rossinavi Yacht NUMPTIA designed by Tommaso Spadolini and interior by Achille Salvagni

February 21, 2012

Launched in April, 2011, superyacht NUMTIA is a spectacular 70m vessel built by the prestigious Italian shipyard Rossinavi and rightfully one of the finalists in the 2012 World Superyacht Awards. Designed by Design Studio Spadolini, with elegant and immaculate interior design by Studio Salvagni, motor yacht NUMPTIA represents a truly unique luxury yacht with excellent interior and exterior spaces, accommodating 12 guests in 6 superbly furnished and luxurious staterooms.

The stunning 70m Rossinavi Numptia superyacht designed by Tommaso Spadolini with interior by Achille Salvagni

The stunning 70m Rossinavi Numptia superyacht designed by Tommaso Spadolini with interior by Achille Salvagni

The exterior design by Tommaso Spadolini of Design Studio Spadolini

In late spring 2007, the Florence based and internationally renowned designer Tommaso Spadolini was contacted by the Project Manager who requested a preliminary draft of a yacht measuring approximately 60 metres. Based on the absolute musts requested by the Owner, the designer has quickly realised that more than 60 metres were required to accommodate all of the features. Today, measuring 70 metres in length over all, motor yacht Numptia boats large common areas with ample spaces, as well as routes to and from the various areas, that are easy to navigate and guests cabins, in which natural light is present.

Luxury Superyacht Numptia designed by Design Studio Spadolini

Luxury Superyacht Numptia designed by Design Studio Spadolini

Luxury Yacht Numptia designed by Design Studio Spadolini

Luxury Yacht Numptia designed by Design Studio Spadolini

The Owner’s suite is a private haven, where the Owner or potential charter guests  can isolate themselves in order to work on business matters as well as spend moments of leisure and relaxation in privacy. The bridges are suitable for both formal and informal occasions, making Numptia suitable not only for private cruising but also for luxury yacht charter.

Relaxation and fun aboard 70m Rossinavi NUMPTIA yacht designed by Tommaso Spadolini

Relaxation and fun aboard 70m Rossinavi NUMPTIA yacht designed by Tommaso Spadolini

As per Spadolini’s description, superyacht Numptia is made of continuous longitudinal, vertical and transverse curved lines, lending softness to her profile, presenting her as an impressive 70m yacht,  not as a miniature replica of a ship. Returning Numptia’s point of contact to the sea was made possible by way of the gentle sloping of the bridges downwards, toward the water in a cascade of curves.

Superyacht Numptia - Exterior Seating - Detail by Rossinavi

Superyacht Numptia - Exterior Seating - Detail by Rossinavi

Thanks to his excellent relationship with the Rossinavi shipyard, Tommaso Spadolini was able to contributed to another stage of the yacht’s realisation. During the advanced stages of the construction, unable to find furniture and furnishings in keeping with the owner’s dream and suitable for many gentle intersecting curves, the Studio Spadolini have provided the shipyard with drawings and specifications for the construction of all sofas, seats, large and small tables, furnishings for the pantry, kitchen and bar, as well as several sun beds, which were then placed on various outdoor decks of the yacht.

70m motor yacht Numptia exterior detail by Rossinavi

70m motor yacht Numptia exterior detail by Rossinavi

Originally, luxury yacht Numptia was designed to be used only by the Owner’s family. Over the time enquiries were made and necessary changes applied in order for Numptia to become a successful charter yacht. The changes involved the necessity of revising the layout of the guest cabins to become more ‘democratic’. This is where Tommaso Spadolini introduced the well known Italian architect Achille Salvagni to the client, who then went on to design and style the interiors of this impressive and elegant superyacht.

70m Luxury Motor Yacht Numptia by Rossinavi - designed by Tommaso Spadolini and interior by Salvagni Architetti

70m Luxury Motor Yacht Numptia by Rossinavi - designed by Tommaso Spadolini and interior by Salvagni Architetti

70m luxury superyacht Numptia - Outdoor relaxation

70m luxury superyacht Numptia - Outdoor relaxation

The interior by Achille Salvagni from Salvagni Architetti

Achille Salvagni, Numptia’s interior designer, believes that an interior is not only designed for a Client, but also about the Client. Their narrative decorating is designed not to tell a story about the designer and his studio, but to convey the spirit of the Owner. It becomes a visage that illustrates the underlying unique personality of the Owner. Every project is a unique opportunity to take the Clients beyond their expectations. Good design does not begin with decorating but defining the architectural vocabulary of the space.

Luxury motor yacht Numptia - Dining Room

Luxury motor yacht Numptia - Dining Room

Superyacht Numptia with interior by Salvagni Architetti - Dining Room Wall

Superyacht Numptia with interior by Salvagni Architetti - Dining Room Wall

“My interiors are always defined by a sense of calm because I think there is a great beauty in simplicity and neutral rooms which reveal the sculptural qualities of furniture and objects.” Achille Salvagni

Elegant interior of the luxury motor yacht Numptia designed by Achille Salvagni

Elegant interior of the luxury motor yacht Numptia designed by Achille Salvagni

Rossinavi superyacht Numptia - Interior design by Salvagni Architetti

Rossinavi superyacht Numptia - Interior design by Salvagni Architetti

The studio never uses to separate different living areas in terms of use and architectural schemes, the designer always wishes the space to be a unique fluid where different purposes can be settled. Especially in very narrow and long space the definition always creates fragmentation and sense of confusion, that’s why they realised a unique lounge and wide area where different situation can be provided without interfering with the dignity of the space, where one can easily have a party with dancing people rather then receiving guests in a formal way. The big ceiling eye creates a sense of dynamism, which at the same time gives a big quietness.

Beautiful interior of the 70 luxury yacht Numptia by Salvagni Architetti

Beautiful interior of the 70 luxury yacht Numptia by Salvagni Architetti

Everybody needs memories, that’s why Salvagni always ensures that one is close to objects from a previous life, objects from the past and taken from different cultures: Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania as well, all melted together to create a perfect balance.

Superyacht Numptia with interior by Salvagni Architetti

Superyacht Numptia with interior by Salvagni Architetti

He continues to be inspired by the things that exist freely in our daily life: the quality of light, the colours of nature and the harmony in perfect proportions.

Furthermore he strongly believes  that pursuing the target of doing something unexpected and unorthodox, compared to the existing panorama is the key to success and to realise our vision of a more comfortable and charming way to live onboard.

Stunning design elements by Salvagni Architetti aboard luxury charter yacht Numptia

Stunning design elements by Salvagni Architetti aboard luxury charter yacht Numptia

The idea during Numptia’s design was that the designers were going to try and keep a calm sense of pure design, creating monolithic spaces, delicately shaded with the use of closely matched colours and well-placed lighting accents.

Their passion for absence and naked truth of interiors is enhanced with added luxury and detailing. Simple lines and original materials.

70m Luxury yacht Numptia - Interior by Achille Salvagni

70m Luxury yacht Numptia - Interior by Achille Salvagni

The level of customisation makes Numptia noteworthy, the expertise comes through in every practical and organisational aspect of this yacht as well as in the décor, everything has been thought out carefully down to the last detail, setting aside as much space as possible for a comfortable staying.

Throughout Numptia, woods have been used to achieve an attractive contrast between dark and light elements, from dark ebony to beige bleached teak, the use of marble, stone, bronze and natural fabrics have all helped to create a welcoming atmosphere where the naturalness of the materials is foremost.

Luxury superyacht Numptia with interior design by Salvagni Architetti

Luxury superyacht Numptia with interior design by Salvagni Architetti

Each deck has its own personality, but they all fit harmoniously together to form a stylish whole, whose result is a dramatic sense of continuity, a precious wooden box which includes jewels pieces of furniture made of parchment, galuchat, glossy black ebony, bronze and Murano glass.

Luxury Yacht Numptia - Owner's suite bath

Luxury Yacht Numptia - Owner's suite bath

Rounded teak curves, instead of crown mouldings, ensure continuity between walls panelling and ceilings, all in bleached teak, just like the “poor luxury” of a Jean Michel Frank’s interior, to create a truly unique piece.

70m NUMPTIA superyacht - Owner's Suite - Interior by Salvagni Architetti

70m NUMPTIA superyacht - Interior by Salvagni Architetti

Conversation areas aboard superyacht Numptia are provided with sumptuous custom made sofas and armchairs upholstered with light coloured fabrics, this combination of colours and materials goes well with the warmth of the wall panelling, floor, beige carpeting and glossy dark ebony veneered doors.

Interior of the stunning and elegant motor yacht Numptia by  Salvagni Architetti

Interior of the stunning and elegant motor yacht Numptia by Salvagni Architetti

Fluidity and sense of space are revealed in NUMTIA’S bar area, which is not just a corridor between main saloon and dining room, but is conceived as a nut shell, a place to stay comfortably. Covered with rhomboidal and curved teak panels, resulting from the geometry of the walls, creates a dramatic cave effect strengthened by a warm, soft light, shining down and filtered through several bronze caps in form of sea urchins. A leaf shaped cut in the ceiling provides a soft indirect light.

Relaxing sauna aboard luxury yacht Numptia

Relaxing sauna aboard luxury yacht Numptia

Visual axes and focal points have a major role in defining interior relationships on board Numtia. From main saloon, beyond the bar, a sliding door in German silver, tribute to one designer by the Milanese group of 30’s, is a screen, which allows to have a view on the focal point represented by a stone carved relief on the dining wall and a glittering table placed in front of it. Another focal point is the bath tub, carved in stone and its background in marble, placed in front of the bed of the master stateroom. A sliding door, again, in precious custom lacquered panels allows to create a unique space and view.

Relax aboard luxury motor yacht Numptia by Rossinavi

Relax aboard luxury motor yacht Numptia by Rossinavi

The same is true for the ebony fireplace mantel in Bridge deck saloon and the elliptical shape on the ceiling which dominates the space.

Bridge and Upper Deck are designed to accommodate a considerable number of guests in various areas for entertainment and relaxation. Guests have a SPA area at their disposal overlooking a sea terrace, which includes a fitness gymnasium, sauna, massage room and hammam. Indeed sports, recreation and well-being areas play a major role on board the  70m Rossinavi yacht Numptia.

Superyacht Numptia by night

Superyacht Numptia by night

This stunning 70m Rossinavi built superyacht NUMPTIA is powered by twin 3516 B DITA-SCAC Caterpillar engines, reaching a top speed of over 16 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots. Her large tanks hold 200,000 litres of fuel and 40,000 litres of water that allow her to have a long cruising range.

2012 RORC Caribbean 600: The George David’s RP90 sailing yacht Rambler out in front

February 21, 2012

George David’s RP90 sailing yacht Rambler is currently leading in the battle for line honours in the 2012 RORC Caribbean 600 yacht race. Coming from the USA, the Rambler superyacht is over 20 miles ahead of the 214ft superyacht Hetairos, even though Rambler is less than half the size.

The George David's RP90 sailing yacht Rambler

The George David's RP90 sailing yacht Rambler Photo Credit: T. Wright/photoaction

The luxury yacht Rambler rounded the Tintamarre just after dawn this morning to begin the 160-mile power reach south to Guadeloupe. Rambler barely stalled for speed right through the night. The American maxi cut the corner at Nevis, as better than expected breeze hurried their progress. Except for dropping below ten knots in the wind shadow of St.Martin, Rambler has been absolutely launched. The supermaxi Hetairos may close the gap on the reach but the superyacht is now well behind Rambler. Rambler provisionally lead IRC Zero after time correction with Niklas Zennström’s JV72 yacht Rán lying in second place. Swan 80 yacht Selene had a good first night to take up third place on handicap.

In IRC Two, Ross Applebey’s Oyster 48 yacht Scarlet Logic is provisionally leading overall in the RORC Caribbean 600. Over night, the predicted fall in wind speed never materialized and Scarlet Logic maintained good boat speed throughout. After rounding Saba, Scarlet Logic was back on the wind and trucking along at seven knots. Smile and Wave, Jaime Torres’ First 40 found ballistic pace during the night and is in second. Amanda Hartley’s Swan 56 yacht Clem did not have such a good night and has dropped back to third.

As expected, the largest yacht in the fleet, Hetairos lead the five superyachts by some margin. The 214ft carbon fibre ketch was flying last night reaching at a speed in excess of 18 knots rounding St.Kitts. By midnight Hetairos was rounding Saba and beating north. However, none of the 36 crew will have retired below. In the dead of night, the tricky slalom course through St.Barths and past St.Martin would have required all hands. Behind Hetairos two monumental duels are playing out, the charter yacht Sojana and the luxury charter yacht P2 have enjoyed each others close company virtually from the start.

Race fans may have noticed however that P2 have completely split from the usual heading after rounding Saba. The 38m Perini Navi superyacht P2 looks to be ‘banging the corner’ going to the far extremity of the course. This morning P2 was on a beam reach at full speed heading to St.Barths, whilst Sojana was beating to windward. It will be interesting to see which tactical play wins out. The sailing yacht Adela and the superyacht Windrose of Amsterdam are enjoying a titanic sparring match and there is nothing between the two yachts on the water, however Adela does give Windrose a significant amount of time under IRC.

IRC One has a new provisional leader after time correction. The Smile and Wave yachts had great pace off the breeze during the night, however the beat around St.Barths should favour Spanish entry Clem. Colin Buffin’s Uxorious IV elected to take a more northerly course after Saba and the Swan 62 looks to be pointing higher than rivals.

Bernie Evan Wong has just cleared the wind shadow behind St Kitts. However, shortly after sunrise, the High Tension yacht made an unusual bare-away in the lee of St.Kitts, presumably to effect some sort of repair. It was almost exactly the same spot as High Tension dismasted last year. Happily, Bernie and his team are going well and enjoying the ride.

New KEYFRAMESTUDIO motor yacht Space 65´

February 21, 2012

The motor yacht Space 65′ created by the Florence-based Italian design studio, KEYFRAMESTUDIO will be officially presented later this year. The Space 65´ yacht is a very successful day cruiser.

New motor yacht Space 65´ by KEYFRAMESTUDIO

New motor yacht Space 65´ by KEYFRAMESTUDIO

The numerous design innovations and the “timeless” styling of the luxury yacht Space 65′ have given the vessel great visibility which has culminated in the publication of the book, named “SPACE 65’. YACHT DESIGN AND INNOVATION”. This book by ALINEA will be used by Universities around Europe to teach “masters” students how to design a state-of-the art vessel. Due to this success, KEYFRAMESTUDIO is now styling the interiors, expected to be revealed to the public this summer.

DESIGN
The Space 65′ yacht is designed with the idea to create a completely innovative yet timeless vessel both in function and in aesthetics, while maintaining the best use of all spaces (thus the name SPACE). All the spaces on this vessel have been designed to interlace between each other to create new, larger, innovative as well as interchangeable areas that double the usability of the interior/exterior livability.

KEYFRAMESTUDIO luxury yacht Space 65´

KEYFRAMESTUDIO luxury yacht Space 65´

The huge variable transparency glass dome makes the salon the most luminous of the category. The dome also overlooks the lower-deck salon giving it an amazing sensation of depth and light.

The huge glass aft door completely opens uniting the outer sunbed areas with the inside salon creating an enormous open space. Like the dome the main aft door is made entirely of variable transparency glass. This technology allows the door to become completely non-transparent therefore becoming a perfect “cinema” screen for the the guests on-board the yacht Space 65′.

“MAGIC” TECHNOLOGY
The variable transparency glass is obtained by stratification of liquid crystal films that are able to vary their polarization electrically. This allows the dome to be totally transparent (to enjoy a wonderful starry night), partially obscured (during the hot hours of the day) or completely obscured (to have maximum privacy in a port).

The Space 65´ Yacht by night - rear view

The Space 65´ Yacht by night - rear view

TENDER
The tender is the strong point of the yacht, being totally integrated as part of the sea platform. It becomes totally invisible when parked, using as its housing a part of the yacht that is usually not utilized and therefore allowing the engine room to be of incredible size. The tender will be revealed to the public along with the interior styling later this summer.

On board the luxury yacht Space 65´

On board the luxury yacht Space 65´

MOTORS
The tender storage in this special way has allowed KEYFRAMESTUDIO to use the engine-room in a way that it is extremely spacious.

40m J-class luxury yacht Rainbow by Holland Jachtbouw launched

February 21, 2012

The renowned Dutch shipyard, Holland Jachtbouw successfully launched its 40m J-class sailing yacht Rainbow on February 17, 2012. Re-designed by Dykstra & Partners Naval Architects according to the original concept of William Starling Burgess, the Rainbow superyacht is an amazing racing vessel, providing her guests with full comfort and the first J-class yacht fitted with hybrid propulsion. She is currently being stepped and sea trials will start in March. Rainbow is expected to participate at the 2012 summer´s regattas, including the J-class races in England.

The launch of the J-class superyacht Rainbow

The launch of the J-class superyacht Rainbow

For her launch Rainbow was brought outside the ultra-modern main construction hall at Holland Jachtbouw, wheeled onto a barge and lifted by two cranes into the water. This sophisticated operation took full advantage of the yard’s rare capacity to launch vessels with a draught of five metres (Holland Jachtbouw can actually accommodate yachts of up to 5.5 metres draft and 65 metres in length).

“It is such a thrill to be able to fully appreciate a design that was last seen in the open almost eighty years ago,” says the yard’s co-director Tako van Ineveld. “This ‘new’ Rainbow took us over two years to build while her predecessor was completed in just one hundred days. This does not mean we are slower… It is a reflection of the incredible degree of sophistication that is now contained within these timeless lines. The original Rainbow was an empty boat with a deck of sailing gear and a powerful aluminium rig. This Rainbow is a different proposition altogether.”

The project’s naval architects were Dykstra & Partners, and this office also partnered with deVosdeVries design on the interior. The original Rainbow was drawn by William Starling Burgess in the early 1930s and the vessel was scrapped in 1940. This design has now been incorporated into an all-aluminium yacht that meets the J-class Association maximum performance rules.

All modern functional requirements have been integrated with full respect for Rainbow’s heritage, while the decks have been kept as clean and flush as possible featuring only a mahogany doghouse and skylight. The latter offers a quite spectacular contrast with the superb jet black-coloured hull and gold leaf cove stripe. “We believe that Rainbow is the most beautiful J on the water today,” says Van Ineveld. “But more importantly, she is built to win races!”

Gerry Dijkstra and his team have utilised all their vast experience and the very latest computer modelling to optimise the superyacht Rainbow’s performance via a lightweight construction with a high degree of overall stiffness. The rig includes a Southern Spars high-modulus carbon mast, boom and spinnaker pole, continuous carbon fibre rigging, North Sails 3Di racing sails and Lewmar high-speed hydraulic winches. All are entirely customised to the luxury yacht Rainbow’s specific requirements and, like everything metallic on deck, anodised to create a light grey look.

All the new generation of Js need to have a fully functioning interior under JCA rules, and the Rainbow yacht’s owner has spared no expense when it comes to luxury accommodation and premium equipment, including full air conditioning.

The original Rainbow yacht did not have an engine room so there was obviously not a great deal of space to accommodate one within the lines plan. Holland Jachtbouw’s solution has been to create an ingenious hybrid propulsion and power system especially for this project.

As a result, the sailing yacht Rainbow can be operated entirely on her Hy-Store Li-ion batteries, including sailing, navigation and hotel load. This also meets the owner’s request for silent periods onboard, without generators running, from 11 pm to 7 am. And that in turn promises much for those who enjoy cruising and, potentially, chartering Rainbow.

This hybrid solution replaces the conventional main engine and two generator configuration found on other Js, which have a larger engine room than the comparatively lighter Rainbow (170 tonnes). The main engine replaces the second generator, while the remaining generator is a variable speed electric unit. The main engine generator can also act as an electric motor that can also run the propeller. This solution is smaller in size and saves on fuel. The batteries can also be charged while sailing without losing more than 1.5 knots of speed.

Other key overall benefits of this innovative propulsion solution include a dramatic reduction of the ecological footprint, a 30 percent reduction in the fuel required to generate the hotel load, and a similar reduction in the maintenance costs for the power plant in hotel load. Redundancy is built-in with five power sources available: The hybrid battery, the variable speed generator, the variable speed engine generator, the shaft generator (when sailing) and shore power (when available). There is also a substantial reduction in audible noise levels both inside the yacht and out.

In terms of styling, the Rainbow yacht’s interior features raised and fielded mahogany panelling with art deco details. The owner’s stateroom is aft and there are two ensuite twin guest cabins, each with a Pullman berth. In addition to offering accommodation to up to eight guests, Rainbow will have a permanent crew of seven led by Captain Nick Haley who has previously skippered two other members of the Holland Jachtbouw fleet, namely the sailing yacht Windrose of Amsterdam and the superyacht Athos.

This April a team of race professionals will join the permanent crew for the first time to embark on seven days of extensive training in the North Sea. All will look very impressive thanks to a sponsorship agreement with Pelle Petterson. This renowned competition yachtsman has taken a keen interest in the Rainbow project and offered to supply his trademark Pelle P technical sailing clothes.

During the J-class regattas in Falmouth and Cowes, the Rainbow yacht will be accompanied by a support vessel to accommodate the larger crew at night.

Rainbow also has a full schedule of engagements to compete in the other major regattas of 2012. The general public will be able to admire her at the Monaco show where Rainbow will be on display close to the Holland Jachtbouw stand.