Gunboat Brief

Gunboat Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

I3D – Lighting design studio for luxury super yachts

January 02, 2012

At the beginning of December, 2011 we have posted an article about an interdisciplinary design consulting firm I3D Inc. (In3Design), which specialises in lighting design for luxury yachts. Designers focus on the unique identity and atmosphere of the given space, how it communicates with people, and how it changes to suit their needs. While almost every other detail is customized on yachts, lighting is frequently ignored. When the sun sets and the lights are turned on, one discovers the most generic illumination, often provided by outdated lighting technologies.

Lurssen Superyacht Pacific - Photo credit to Martin Groothuis

Lurssen Superyacht Pacific - Photo credit to Martin Groothuis

On most modern yachts, very little stands out at nighttime. They are undefined masses looking like ‘black-holes’ from shore when moored in a bay. The hours that exterior stylists spend on creating signature shapes disappear into darkness and are not represented at all. Private residences and restaurants often have more unique lighting than multi-million dollar yachts.

Emotional and unique approaches to yacht lighting create subtle moods and add both pleasure and value to a yacht by reflecting an owner’s personality. These lighting techniques put a signature stamp on form and function, adding sophistication to luxury. I3D sees the untapped potential for stunning new lighting designs for luxury yachts.

Interior lighting designed by I3D for super yacht PACIFIC - Image courtesy of I3D

Interior lighting designed by I3D for super yacht PACIFIC - Images courtesy of I3D and Lurssen

Beatrice Witzgall’s passion for performance sailing, combined with her lighting expertise, allows her to understand the opportunities that lie beyond the traditional lighting approaches. This combination leads to a deeper understanding of the practical challenges and requirements of yachts as far as realizing their design potential and opportunities.

At this point, I3D has worked on numerous yachts ranging from some of the most high-profile and prominent superyacht launches to high performance catamarans. I3D involvement ranges from full lighting design services, to technical consultancies, to support in architectural design aspects and development of graphics. I3D has worked extensively with many acclaimed designers such as Bannenberg-Rowell, Reymond Langton, German Frers and shipyards such as Luerssen, Abeking & Rasmussen, Nobiskrug, Hodgdens and Gunboat.

Super yacht Pacific in Harbour of Kiel - Photo courtesy of Ferdinand Rogge

Super yacht Pacific in Harbour of Kiel - Photo courtesy of Ferdinand Rogge

Luxury yacht projects that are included in I3D’s portfolio:

85m Lurssen motor yacht Pacific

PROJECT TEAM “JOSI”:

Delivery: November 2010

Interior: Bannenberg Rowell

Exterior: German Frers

Shipyard: Luerssen, Germany

Awards: Finalist for Superyacht Awards 2011 – Judges’ Commendation in the ‘BEST DISPLACEMENT MOTOR YACHT OF 1,300GT TO 2,999GT’

LIGHTING STATEMENT:

For PACIFIC, the owner’s brief was clear: “impress & surprise us showing something that hasn’t been done before on any yacht.” Therefore, I3D had the amazing opportunity to implement many of our unique design visions into this outstanding project. All spaces were defined by different light settings for the various user scenarios. Integrated lighting accentuated the multitude of complex materials and textures; and the complex and outstanding architectural design details. A mood-altering color scheme linked interior with exterior spaces and created a fluent spatial experience. Together, these and other innovative lighting features created PACIFIC’s unique signature look, pushing the envelope for innovative lighting design and setting a new industry standard.

60ft Gunboat catamaran Phaedo with Architectural Layout / Graphic / Lighting by I3D - - Image courtesy of I3D

60ft Gunboat catamaran Phaedo with Architectural Layout / Graphic / Lighting by I3D - Photos Levin Trautmann / Team Phaedo

66′ Gunboat catamaran Phaedo

PROJECT DETAILS “6604”:

Delivery: October 2010

Shipyard: Gunboat, South Africa

Project Manager: Paul Hand

Architectural Layout / Graphic / Lighting: I3D, inc.

Client: Lloyd Thornburg

Awards: 2011 Best Boats: Flagship Multihull

This catamaran truly pushed the envelope and redefined what a fully equipped “performance cruising boat” nowadays can mean. Not only did it apply race boat technology, pushing weight

and performance to the limit without compromising or sacrificing luxury life-style elements in a highly designed loft-type space, but it also rethought every system, detail, and technological

addition. The result is a custom, modern, cleanly-designed, stylish and open penthouse space that has every feature of a fast, light-weight performance racing yacht. This 66’ Gunboat catamaran is equal in many aspects to an over 100’ Super Yacht in terms of space, speed, performance, and quality of finishes. However, it is optimized in terms of crew, maintenance costs, fuel, and energy savings. It sets new standards for catamarans, bringing the possibilities to a new level. This project represents I3D as truly an interdisciplinary firm with scope ranging from architectural layout to the styling and branding including graphics and the lighting design.

Lurssen mega yacht Pacific - Photo courtesy of Ferdinand Rogge

Lurssen mega yacht Pacific - Photo courtesy of Ferdinand Rogge


YACHTS – other design services: architectural design & GRAPHICS

• architectural design

I3D – In3Design are a strong believer in an integrated design approach that combines backgrounds and bridges disciplines, using a comprehensive understanding of a situation in order to create

new insights and see new potentials. Relying on their strong background in architecture, they created for PHAEDO an open loft-style modern space for this usually cluttered platform yacht. I3D focused on creating clean lines, alignments, and a continuity of space that connects the inside to the outside in order to create a seamless spatial experience.

• BOAT GRAPHICS & LOGOS

With I3D’s strong understanding of the various design disciplines, they understand the underlying design principles, concepts and themes enabling them to develop a representative brand. The graphics should strengthen and accentuates the identity and have a unique, but specific character. Graphics should reflect the overall design principles of the project.

YACHTS -  I3D’s confidential projects that make part of their portfolio

LIGHTING design CONSULTANCY – UNDISCLOSED details : I3D respect their clients wishes to keep project details confidential! Yacht projects are a combination of high-end individualized residential spaces with a strong hospitality aspect. Yacht projects deal technically with very challenging conditions. Their involvement extends from interior to exterior lighting, in which they specifically focus on creating a strong signature look. Due to the character of the industry, I3D unfortunately can’t share or disclose further project details and images of their work despite having had the great opportunity to work on some outstanding and unique designs. Some, but not all, of their yacht projects, are listed below.

Design proposals:

• EXTERIOR DESIGN for a very large Megayacht

Designer / Shipyard: N/A – confidential

• EXTERIOR DESIGN for a large Megayacht

Designer / Shipyard: N/A – confidential

FULL DESIGN SCOPE

• 24.5m M/Y exterior lighting

Designer / Shipyard: N/A – confidential / USA

Delivery: November 2010

• 78m A&R #6492 – mega yacht Amaryllis – Full Interior & Exterior

Designer: Reymond Langton Design

Shipyard: Abeking & Rasmussen, Germany

Delivery: Summer 2011

• 149’ explorer yacht - Interior & Exterior

Shipyard: N/A / USA

Delivery: 2011

TECHNICAL LIGHTING CONSULTANCY:

• 78m A&R mega yacht TITAN

Designer: Reymond Langton Design

Shipyard: Abeking & Rasmussen, Germany

Delivery: Summer 2010

• 74m M/Y #783 mega yacht Graffiti

Designer: Reymond Langton Design

Shipyard: Nobiskrug

Superyacht Lighting Design by I3D

December 01, 2011

I3D, inc. ( In3Design) is an interdisciplinary design consulting firm with a strong emphasis on lighting design. Its focus is on the unique identity and atmosphere of a space, how it interfaces with people, and how it transforms to meet their needs. Lighting design is an integral part of architecture and its design elements. It creates the intangible emotional feel of a space, but it also creates an iconic look, defining a signature identity or brand.

Lurssen 85m Mega Yacht PACIFIC with I3D light settings

Lurssen 85m Mega Yacht PACIFIC with I3D light settings

Award-winning designer Beatrice Witzgall established “I3D, Inc.” in 2007, basing the new company in NYC. The name originated from “In3Design”, Inc. a company founded in 2004 which also represented her interdisciplinary design approach and her background in fields such as architecture, graphic design, and interactive digital technologies. Combining art with technology, this interdisciplinary expertise enables her to think dynamically, seeing bold new opportunities for innovation in unexpected places. I3D not only offers individual design services in these fields, but also bridges these design ideas as a design manager, creating one comprehensive program, design strategy, and spatial identity.

Gunboat 66´ catamaran yacht PHAEDO with I3D light settings

Gunboat 66´ catamaran yacht PHAEDO with I3D light settings

I3D lighting techniques put a signature stamp on form and function, adding sophistication to luxury. Emotional and unique approaches to yacht lighting create subtle moods and add both pleasure and value to a yacht by reflecting an owner’s personality.

I3D sees the untapped potential for stunning new lighting designs for luxury yachts. Beatrice Witzgall’s passion for performance sailing, combined with her lighting expertise, allows her to understand the opportunities that lie beyond the traditional lighting approaches. This combination leads to a deeper understanding of the practical challenges and requirements of yachts as far as realizing their design potential and opportunities.

At this point, I3D has worked on numerous yachts ranging from some of the most high-profile and prominent superyacht launches to high performance catamaran yachts.

I3D involvement ranges from full lighting design services, to technical consultancies, to support in architectural design aspects and development of graphics.

Currently I3D is involved with several hospitality projects as well as commercial and private projects. Additionally, Witzgall’s passion for yachting has led her to work on various prominent and “Superyacht Award”- nominated Megayachts or performance sailing yachts with acclaimed designers such as Reymond Langton, Bannenberg Rowell, German Frers, RWD, DLBA, and shipyards such as Luerssen, Abeking & Rasmussen, Hodgdens, and Gunboat.

Ocean Theatre, Dramatic Spectacle in the Transatlantic Race 2011 This Morning

June 30, 2011

Newport, R.I. USA – This morning, the tension was mounting dockside as 14 yachts made final preparations before they took the second start of the Transatlantic Race 2011 in a spectacular scene full of drama.

Phaedo and Maltese Falcon at the Transatlantic yacht race 2011 - Richard Langdon

Phaedo and Maltese Falcon at the Transatlantic yacht race 2011 - Richard Langdon

With a huge number of spectator boats gathered to see the fleet off, the breeze started to build just as the first warning signal sounded from the Castle Hill Light at 13:50 Eastern Daylight Time.  A freshening southwesterly caught several competitors off-guard, resulting in three boats — Scho-ka-kola, Concise 2 and Jazz — being called over the line at the start.  Scho-ka-kola returned almost immediately, however, Concise 2 and Jazz continued to race and it was nearly half an hour before these two yachts returned to cross the line correctly.

Concise 2 is one of two Class 40s in the fleet, and the eagerness of its young crew gave Dragon, which is being sailed double-handed by Michael Hennesy (Mystic, Conn.) and Rob Windsor (East Northport, N.Y.), an early lead in the class – by the time Concise restarted, Dragon was 4.5 miles ahead.  No doubt the Concise crew will be digging deep to make up for lost time.

Jazz, the Cookson 50 skippered by Nigel King (Lymington, U.K.), came back very strongly after their premature start.  Navigator Mike Broughton (Hamble, U.K.), speaking dockside just an hour before the start, believes it will be an interesting first night.  “The cold front should come through as we go around the Nantucket Shoals, and how we play that could be pretty much a key area.  I am seeing a bit of coastal racing for this ocean race.  This is a fascinating racecourse and has been for hundreds of years.  The conditions are the same now as they have been for all those years…the jet stream, the low pressure systems, the Gulf Stream.  Many of the grand prix offshore events can be broken down into a series of legs, but this one is more like trying to hit a moving target; trying to work out where you want to go and when that pressure will get there.”

In IRC Class Two, Christoph Avenarius and Gorm Gondesen’s Shakti and Jens Kellinghusen’s Varuna have begun their battle within the race.  Both yachts are from Germany and have exactly the same hull, however, there are subtle differences between the two yachts as Shakti’s tactician, Bendix Hügelmann (Hamburg, Germany) explained before the start.  “Varuna has more sail area and weight in her keel, which should give them an advantage in heavier conditions.  However, we recently raced each other and there was little difference in speed between us.  Two days ago, the crews of both Shakti and Varuna had dinner together.  We hope to make each other go faster by our close competition, rather than slow each other down.  It is also very useful to have another yacht close by, should we need assistance in an emergency.  We will be pushing Shakti to win, but safety is always the most important aspect of any yacht race.”

In IRC Class Three, the Reichel Pugh 66 Zaraffa made the best start.  Owner Huntington Sheldon (Shelburne, Vt.), at 80 years of age, is believed to be the oldest competitor in the Transatlantic Race 2011, and has a crack crew on board including Axel Maghdal (Norway), Richard Mason (New Zealand), Jens Dolmer (Denmark) and Matt Humphries (England), all of whom have all competed in the Volvo Ocean Race.  “This is a professionally run team and Zaraffa won the Transatlantic in 2003 and a lot of people said that was a fluke,” said a defiant Sheldon just hours before the start.  “I aim to prove those people wrong.”  From the way Zaraffa started it looks as though the team mean business.

Second Start Fleet - Amory Ross

Second Start Fleet - Amory Ross

The team on the Volvo 60 Ambersail is proud to be the first-ever Lithuanian yacht to compete in a Transatlantic Race.  “To see the Lithuanian flag at the New York Yacht Club was very special,” said skipper Simonas Steponavicius (Vilnius, Lithuania) just hours before the start.  “The sail number of Ambersail is LTU 1000, which was chosen as it signifies one thousand years of our country’s history.  This is a very proud moment for the crew and also for our country.  We wish all of the competitors good luck and fair winds for the race.”

Notably absent from the starting area was Chris Frost’s (Durban, South Africa) Prodigy.  The 54’ canting-keeled yacht, which took line honors in the 2011 Cape to Rio yacht race (easily breaking the record set 40 years ago by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston’s Ocean Spirit), developed a technical problem just minutes before the start.  The issue seems to have been resolved, however, as Prodigy set off on the race within an hour of the rest of the fleet.

While the first start of the day produced some high drama, the start for the two yachts in the Open Class was just as extraordinary.  As the magnificent 298’ Maltese Falcon unfurled acres of canvas and entered the starting area, the Gunboat 66, Phaedo, owned by Lloyd Thornburg (St. Barthelemy) was dwarfed in comparison. Go here for more images of the charter yacht Maltese Falcon under sail.  Catamaran Phaedo is one of the world’s most head-turning maritime creations and the carbon fibre, Lamborghini-orange catamaran has become one of the most well-known yachts on the regatta circuit – some more pics here.  However, the spectacle of the Art Deco giant, Maltese Falcon, dominated the proceedings, announcing its intentions with a bone-rattling blast of colossal air-horns to warn spectator yachts that they were about to tack for the line.  It was a full five minutes before the three rotating rigs, each weighing 30 tons, completed their revolutions and Maltese Falcon heeled over bound for the start of the Transatlantic Race 2011.

Phaedo, however, was far more exuberant and timed the approach to perfection, coming up under Maltese Falcon.  At first they were caught in the enormous wind shadow of their leviathan nemesis, but as Phaedo came out of the wind hole, gasping for air, the crew onboard hauled in the sheets.  Pulling the trigger, Phaedo accelerated away from the opposition, but not for long.  Weighing in at an unbelievable 1110 tons, Maltese Falcon soon overhauled Phaedo and the rest of the fleet in today’s start, achieving a boat speed of over 14 knots.

Today’s starters have a lot of ground to make up just to catch up with the six yachts that started on June 26.  The yachts in IRC Class 4 and the classic yacht Nordwind have a 400 mile head start.  Star of the show in the leading pack is the McCurdy and Rhodes 48, Carina, skippered by Rives Potts, Jr. (Essex, Conn.).  Carina is the closest yacht to The Lizard finish – albeit with 2360 miles to go to finish this epic race.

Sponsors of the TR 2011 are Rolex, Thomson Reuters, Newport Shipyard, Perini Navi and Peters & May, with additional support by apparel sponsor Atlantis Weathergear.

Gunboat 66 catamaran

Gunboat 66 catamaran

Gunboat 66

Gunboat 66