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BMT Nigel Gee Project Utopia superyacht awarded at Monaco Yacht Show

October 13, 2011

BMT Nigel Gee, a subsidiary of the BMT Group, had a success with its avant-garde concept design, Project Utopia superyacht, developed together with Yacht Island Design and revealed at Monaco Yacht Show 2011. The SuperYacht Owners’ Guide (SYOG) newly launched awards presented two categories: “Contribution to Superyacht Knowledge”, won by Dominion Consultants and “Superyacht Design of the Future”, picked up by BMT and Yacht Island Design.

Project Utopia superyacht presented by BMT Nigel Gee and Yacht Island Design

Project Utopia superyacht presented by BMT Nigel Gee and Yacht Island Design

Project Utopia superyacht presented by BMT Nigel Gee and Yacht Island Design

Project Utopia superyacht presented by BMT Nigel Gee and Yacht Island Design

James Roy, Yacht Design Director at BMT Nigel Gee explains: “The level of enthusiasm around Project Utopia superyacht has been overwhelming and it’s great that the judging panel of these awards has recognised and duly credited the concept as a real and possible vision of the future.  The origin of Utopia yacht came from a client’s brief which was to have ‘a piece of floating real estate that could be moved between nice locations’.  I remember very clearly a moment of excitement when the design team realised that the project would not necessarily have to end up looking like a traditional yacht.  However, that particular brief evolved into a need to travel at speed, which forced the design into a more traditional form.

Project Utopia superyacht presented by BMT Nigel Gee and Yacht Island Design

Project Utopia superyacht presented by BMT Nigel Gee and Yacht Island Design

Project Utopia superyacht presented by BMT Nigel Gee and Yacht Island Design

Project Utopia superyacht presented by BMT Nigel Gee and Yacht Island Design

Nevertheless, the seed to create a project outside the bounds of normal proportion and form had been sown and the intervening years saw us take inspiration from all areas of naval architecture.  We concluded that if we removed the perception that a yacht had to be a mode of transport then the creative envelope could open up considerably.”

Project Utopia superyacht presented by BMT Nigel Gee and Yacht Island Design

Project Utopia superyacht presented by BMT Nigel Gee and Yacht Island Design

Measuring 100m in length and breadth, and spanning over 11 decks with the equivalent volume of a present-day cruise liner, there is enough space to create an entire micronation. The Project Utopia megayacht design is based on a four legged platform employing the same principals of any small waterplane area design for minimum motions in even the most extreme sea conditions. Each leg supports a fully azimuthing thruster and with four such units, the design can redeploy between desired locations at slow speeds. A large central structure bisects the water surface acting as the conduit for the mooring system which is a critical element of the design, as well as housing a wet dock for access by tenders. In addition to tender access the design features multiple helicopter pads.

Project Utopia superyacht presented by BMT Nigel Gee and Yacht Island Design

Project Utopia superyacht presented by BMT Nigel Gee and Yacht Island Design

James Roy concludes: “Whilst Utopia yacht has been conceptualised within a yacht context that in itself is not a particularly defining label to give such a design.  We see greater application in floating resorts, casinos, or adapting the label of a ‘yacht’ to a ‘personal island’, coming back to the brief that inspired the project – a piece of floating real estate”.

Project Utopia by BMT Nigel Gee and Yacht Island Design

September 21, 2011

UKs’s leading independent design consultancy BMT Nigel Gee, a subsidiary of the BMT Group, has announced its latest design Project Utopia, developed in partnership with Yacht Island Design.  Project Utopia, an avant‐garde vision of a future concept breaks the traditional naval architectural mould which the market has come to expect and offers a truly unique outlook free from any conventional design constraints.

Project Utopia presented by BMT Nigel Gee and Yacht Island Design

Project Utopia presented by BMT Nigel Gee and Yacht Island Design

Project Utopia by BMT Nigel Gee and Yacht Island Design

Project Utopia by BMT Nigel Gee and Yacht Island Design

James Roy, Yacht Design Director at BMT Nigel Gee explains: “Visions of the future are often constrained by familiarity with the present or reflection on the past.  Much is made in today’s design community of starting with a blank sheet of paper yet many, if not all yacht concepts revert back to the traditional form – the perception that a yacht should be a form of transport becomes an immediate constraint. Utopia is not an object to travel in, it is a place to be, an island established for anyone who has the vision to create such a place.”

Project Utopia by BMT Nigel Gee and Yacht Island Design

Project Utopia by BMT Nigel Gee and Yacht Island Design

Superyacht Project Utopia by BMT Nigel Gee and Yacht Island Design

Superyacht Project Utopia by BMT Nigel Gee and Yacht Island Design

Measuring 100m in length and breadth, and spanning over 11 decks with the equivalent volume of a present‐day cruise liner, there is enough space to create an entire micronation on Project Utopia. The design is based on a four legged platform employing the same principals of any small waterplane area design for minimum motions in even the most extreme sea conditions. Each leg supports a fully azimuthing thruster and with four such units, the design can redeploy between desired locations at slow speeds. A large central structure bisects the water surface acting as the conduit for the mooring system which is a critical element of the design, as well as housing a wet dock for access by tenders. In addition to tender access the design features multiple helicopter pads.

The main accommodation and service spaces span some 11 decks with the uppermost deck covered by a retractable canopy. On the “13th Floor” there is an observatory with 360 degree views, at which point the occupants would be 65m above the water surface.

Project Utopia presented by BMT Nigel Gee and Yacht Island Design

Project Utopia presented by BMT Nigel Gee and Yacht Island Design

James Roy concludes: “Pioneering design ideas such as Utopia are exactly the types of projects that our team excel in.  Our forward thinking approach and unrivalled state of the art engineering experience allows us to work closely with designers, stylists and shipyards, to bring these ideas to life and lead the market into the next generation of naval architecture.”

General Arrangement of the Project Utopia by BMT Nigel Gee and Yacht Island Design

General Arrangement of the Project Utopia by BMT Nigel Gee and Yacht Island Design

BMT Nigel Gee

BMT Nigel Gee, based in Southampton, UK, is one of the world’s leading independent design consultancy offering a vast portfolio of services for advanced and specialised ships and boats, from initial concept to detailed design. With an established background in yachts, commercial and naval craft, and an unrivalled scope of technical capability, the company utilises state of the art technology to provide innovative design and consultancy for an international client base.

BMT Group

BMT is an international design, engineering and risk management consultancy, working principally in the defence, energy and environment, marine risk and insurance, maritime transport and ports and logistics sectors.

BMT invests significantly in research. Its customers are served through a network of international subsidiary companies. The group’s assets are held in beneficial ownership for its staff.

Yacht Island Design

Yacht Island Design, based in the Welbeck Estate in Nottinghamshire UK, is a highly creative design studio with a focus on unique floating platforms, providing bespoke exterior and interior design services to international clients who feel the need for something out of the ordinary.

90m ‘Tropical Island Paradise’ superyacht by Yacht Island Design

July 24, 2011

The ‘Tropical Island Paradise’ superyacht is a 90m motor yacht design which is the second proposal by Yacht Island Design, following on from their 115m SWATH Streets of Monaco superyacht design. The 90m Tropical Island Paradise design has a theme that is centred around a secluded island paradise, with elements inspired by the islands of the Caribbean, Indian Ocean and Polynesia.

90m ‘Tropical Island Paradise’ superyacht by Yacht Island Design

90m ‘Tropical Island Paradise’ superyacht by Yacht Island Design

The Tropical Island Paradise motor yacht design has an overall length of 90m (295ft), with a beam of 33m (108ft), a draft of 8m (26ft. The super yacht is designed to accommodate 10 charter guests. The hull will be constructed of steel with the super structure a mixture of aluminium and FRP. The Tropical Island Paradise vessel will be able to attain a maximum speed of 15 knots propelled by a diesel electrical power plant.

The exterior of the Tropical Island Paradise yacht was designed to give the impression of waves breaking around a volcanic island, whilst maintaining the look of a contemporary yacht design.

90m ‘Tropical Island Paradise’ themed superyacht by Yacht Island Design

90m ‘Tropical Island Paradise’ themed superyacht by Yacht Island Design

The main exterior deck is a private beach “cove” with a voluminous ocean view swimming pool located forward that is fed by a stream emanating from a cascading waterfall on the volcano further aft. A number of private cabanas nestled between palm trees line the edge of the large pool providing a relaxing outlook over the pool and ocean beyond. Behind these cabanas there is a bar area, communal seating area and an area for al fresco dining. The aft deck of the superyacht is a dedicated helicopter landing platform.

‘Tropical Island Paradise’ motor yacht by Yacht Island Design

‘Tropical Island Paradise’ motor yacht by Yacht Island Design

A distinctive feature of this Tropical Island Paradise megayacht is the deployable floating beach islands, giving a sea level platform from which to enjoy water activities, sunbathing or relaxing in one of the floating cabanas.

The super yacht will be able to accommodate up to 10 charter guests.  The themed yacht Tropical Island Paradise features an owner’s suite located inside the volcano and spread over two decks. Its living room balcony affords views out over the front of the yacht from behind the waterfall. Located behind the owners bedroom is the owner’s private spa and balcony.

The remaining cabins include four VIP suites featuring private balconies and direct access up into the main deck cabanas.

90m Tropical Island Paradise superyacht design by Yacht Island Design

90m Tropical Island Paradise superyacht design by Yacht Island Design

A full range of entertainment options is also catered for onboard with a cinema, library, games room and gym. A fully equipped spa and a multitude of lounges each offering their own unique ambiance provides the ideal escape you would expect from a ‘Tropical Island Paradise’.

90m Tropical Island Paradise themed motor yacht design by Yacht Island Design

90m Tropical Island Paradise themed motor yacht design by Yacht Island Design

The superyacht design Tropical Island Paradise would make an excellent charter yacht as you would not have to travel long distances to reach Tropical Island Paradises as you would already be on one.

155m SWATH ‘The Streets of Monaco’ superyacht by Yacht Island Design

January 06, 2011

Introducing a new era in luxury yachting, the themed yacht.

Yacht Island Design has been formed by a creative team who are driven by a passion to deliver something different. That difference is themed yachts, the first of which is called The Streets of Monaco superyacht design. The art of producing a themed yacht is to seamlessly weave a story into every element of the design and is achieved via extensive consultation with the client during the initial phases of the design process. This focus allows the creation of a truly unique environment from the overall exterior shape down to the smallest interior detail. Yacht Island Design’s attention to detail is shown in the first proposal, a 155m SWATH vessel that takes the principality of Monaco to the ocean.

155m SWATH ‘The Streets of Monaco’ superyacht by Yacht Island Design Exterior render and zoning diagram

155m SWATH ‘The Streets of Monaco’ superyacht by Yacht Island Design Exterior render and zoning diagram

Yacht Island Design has selected the SWATH platform as its prime focus. Not only does this platform offer the best seakeeping ability but the exceptionally wide beam for its length gives the maximum flexibility to achieve best utilisation of space. It also allows for the exploration of bold and daring design ideas without the restrictions of a conventional hull shape. Yacht Island Design are in collaboration with BMT Nigel Gee on several SWATH proposals. As the world’s leading independent provider of naval architecture and engineering to the large yacht industry they bring significant experience in the naval architecture of SWATH vessels.

In order to showcase its capabilities, Yacht Island Design has set about developing several concept proposals. The first of these is ‘The Streets of Monaco’. This is a 155m SWATH yacht built predominantly in steel with the use of aluminium in the upper superstructure. With a maximum speed of 15 knots she transports her 70 crew and 16 guests using diesel electric propulsion. The design theme called for a unique yacht that reflected the style and sophistication of the principality and centres around three main communal areas, ‘The Streets of Monaco’, ‘The Oasis’ and ‘The Grand Atrium’.

‘The Streets of Monaco’ is the focal point of our story and the anchor for the themes that run throughout the yacht, revolving around a recreation of the famous Monao Grand Prix race circuit. This fully functional kart circuit sets the stage for other famous locations seen on a lap of the principality. The Casino, Hotel de Paris, Cafe de Paris, La Rascasse, and of course the famous Loews hotel and tunnel complex are all featured and house many of the major interior communal spaces. There are four major areas to the external deck space. On the upper deck is ‘Casino Square’ featuring a large glass bottomed fountain situated in a tranquil garden setting. Heading past the Casino you arrive on the roof of the ‘Loews hotel’ which extends to the bow. This area features a small swimming pool, large Jacuzzi and expansive sun decks with BBQ facilities. Moving aft we arrive at the main swimming pool which represents the Port Hercule harbour with a maximum depth of 3m incorporating a swim-in Jacuzzi/bar. Continuing to the stern we pass into an area focussed on sports. The multi-use court can be configured to a variety of activities including tennis and basketball. Completing this floating city is the Prince’s Palace which as you would expect, houses the owners private apartment in a prime location on the port bow.

155m SWATH ‘The Streets of Monaco’ superyacht by Yacht Island Design The Oasis render

155m SWATH ‘The Streets of Monaco’ superyacht by Yacht Island Design The Oasis render

`The Oasis’, on the The Streets of Monaco superyacht design located aft, acts as the main boarding point for the yacht, an expansive area modelled on the gardens just outside the Monaco Casino. On entering the Oasis, attention is immediately drawn to the central waterfall feature consisting of upper level pools cascading down into the lower pool and Jacuzzi. Radiating from the pool are numerous shrub lined pathways and secluded seating areas. Large exterior windows surround the entire aft section of the oasis, extending to the full double deck height ceiling allowing natural light to flood the space. Located forward on the lower level is the Spa, with manicure and hair salon, private massage suites, sauna/steam rooms and a large relaxation lounge featuring a spa pool with bar. To either side of the spa entrance are located grand marble staircases and elevator access to the mezzanine, with a cafe bar and magnificent views of the gardens below. Forward of the Cafe Bar are large porthole windows offering unique under water views into the main external swimming pool. Opposite this feature lies access to the fully equipped Gym which boasts uninterrupted views over the ocean. Nestled between the feature portholes and the Gym is an art lined hallway which acts as the entranceway to `The Grand Atrium’.

155m SWATH ‘The Streets of Monaco’ superyacht by Yacht Island Design Owners Apartment - Living Room

155m SWATH ‘The Streets of Monaco’ superyacht by Yacht Island Design Owners Apartment - Living Room

`The Grand Atrium’ is the central hub of the yacht, linking the upper and lower living areas. At its centre is a large, ornate spiral staircase which surrounds a waterfall feature that is supplied by the glass bottomed fountain from the garden area above. A small cafe/bar area ensures this feature can be enjoyed while relaxing in comfort. The seven guest suites are located off of the lower atrium level and vary in size, from the more modest 135 m2 suite to the grand 356 m2 VIP suites. All include their own reception room, bathroom, dressing room, bedroom and balcony. The VIP suites have the added luxury of a private office. On the same level and located centrally to the guest suites are the Library, Communal Office, Communal Balcony and Cinema. The upper level of the Atrium leads to the main entertainment areas and the Owners suite. The entertainment areas comprise the Main Saloon with separate Havana room and adjoining wine cellar, the Dining Room, Casino and Dance Hall. At the farthest end of the Atrium lies the Owners Apartment. Connected to all decks via a private lift and spread over 3 floors, it covers a total 1460m2 of floor space. As well as the usual lounge with a feature fire place and double height ceiling, office, bedroom, bathroom, his/hers dressing rooms, the apartment also benefits from a listening room, private courtyard, sunroom, numerous balconies and private sundeck with a Jacuzzi/swimming pool.

‘The Streets of Monaco’ superyacht by Yacht Island Design VIP Suite

‘The Streets of Monaco’ superyacht by Yacht Island Design VIP Suite

Other Key features

Two large tender garages to store all manner of launches, offshore power boats, jet skis etc. Dive dock and Submarine, deployed from one of the submerged hulls. Multi configurable sports court sized to championship tennis regulations also doubles as a Heli-Pad. Ample crew quarters including a gym and private sun terrace. Crew can access all areas of the yacht via a network of corridors allowing for maximum guest privacy. Sea level ‘Beach’ decks situated aft in both struts.

What’s next for Yacht Island Design?

Yacht Island Design’s second proposal is an 85m yacht based around a ‘Pacific Island’ theme, a notable departure from the architectural feel of the ‘Monaco’ design with a flowing organic shape and natural themed features. This concept illustration is a small teaser of what is to follow.

85m yacht with a ‘Pacific Island’ theme, by Yacht Island Design

85m yacht with a ‘Pacific Island’ theme, by Yacht Island Design