Based in Aix-en-Provence in South of France, British designer Alex McDiarmid is delighted to introduce his latest 130m (426ft) mega yacht Calligraphy concept. Following international acclaim for his 120m superyacht Stradivarius concept, inspired by stringed musical instrument design and construction, inspiration for the luxury motor yacht Calligraphy concept is once again diverse and of a non nautical philosophy, resulting in a concept inspired by fountain pen design and construction.

Latest 130m mega yacht CALLIGRAPHY concept by Alex McDiarmid

“To hold a pen is to be at war.” – Voltaire

Don’t worry McDiarmid Design are not at war with anybody however some might argue otherwise.

The earliest historical record of a reservoir pen dates to the 10th century from The Maghreb / Northwest Africa.

A reference to “three silver fountain pens, worth 15 shillings” in England during the reign of Charles II ca. 1649–1685 and by the early 18th century such pens were already commonly known as “fountain pens” with high production volume from c. 1900 onwards. Today, fountain pens are often treated as luxury goods and sometimes as a status symbol, much like owning a Superyacht. A very personal item which should stay with it’s owner as the nib “wears in” at an angle unique to each individual person. A fountain pen has a timeless elegance, personalisation and sentimentality and some fountain pens are prized as works of art.

Superyacht CALLIGRAPHY concept

Ornate pens may be made of precious metals and jewels, modern space age materials and with cloisonné designs. Some are inlaid with lacquer designs in a process known as maki-e.

The record auction price for the sale of a fountain pen is The Aurora Diamante Fountain Pen at $1.47 million.

Three nautical inspired pens:

–    Monteverde ‘Regatta’ is a celebration of color, attitude and hope. To many, sailing is mankind’s ultimate tribute to nature. The boat works in accord with the water and air to create an experience that propels McDiarmid Design to places beyond imagination. A nautical regatta is a celebration; here yachts are festooned with flags that send messages of hope and family pride.

–    WATERMAN ‘Carène’ (French for boat hull) inspired by the streamlined symmetry of the world’s finest yachts

–    Shanghai Hero Pen Co., Ltd – The Jinhao Porcelain series, The Sailboat depicts, well, a sailing vessel on the barrel. The cap has a very famous Chinese poem about ‘smooth sailing’.

Luxury yacht Calligraphy concept

Modern manufacturers such as Montblanc and Visconti now depict the fountain pen as a collectible item or a status symbol rather than an everyday writing tool. The Calligraphy yacht has evolved in such a way.

McDiarmid Design started by looking at classic and vintage fountain pens for initial inspiration…

Design Thinking – “The Pen is Mightier than the Sword.”

The overall side profile of such writing instruments are very simple, elegant, flowing forms that lend themselves very nicely to the profile of a Superyacht.

Observing the construction of such writing instruments McDiarmid Design noticed the striking similarities to Superyacht construction. Evident from the outset was the pure craftsmanship of the very highest quality and materials often beautifully decorated.

Motor yacht Calligraphy concept

McDiarmid Design saw the following connection in fountain pen design to Superyacht construction:

Nib = Bow
Section & Barrel = Hull
The Outer Cap = Superstructure
Clutch, Friction & Trim O Rings = Bulkheads and possible elevator shaft
The Clip = The Bridge
Internal Ink Reservoir = The Fuel, Water and Waste Tanks
The Blind Cap = The Stern

McDiarmid Design were particularly interested in the technical elements of the fountain pens and in particular some high end barrel designs that allowed for the user to see the inner workings and ink of the pen encased in the often elaborate and decorative materials.

These beautifully hand crafted instruments mixed the highest standards of craftsmanship and machine shop abilities of the times both past and present to give the writer/owner a very personal product, much like owning a Superyacht.

Calligraphy Superyacht Concept

McDiarmid Design looked at the classic round barrel and more modern squared barrel pens, outsized, and retractable fountain pens. The studio also looked at the various types of nibs used to write with and learnt about fine, medium and broad nibs, Flexible Nibs, Hooded Nibs, Inlaid Nibs, Integral Nibs.

Could yacht building learn anything from pen making in terms of evolution or revolution? Time will tell.

Technical/Principal Characteristics of superyacht Calligraphy concept:

Length overall: 130m / 426ft
Beam: 20m / 65ft
Owner state room and private decks
Berth capacity for guests 16 in 8 cabins
Berth capacity for crew 30
– A hybrid power Diesel Electric propulsion system with pod drives, electric Voith Inline Propulsors/thrusters, Volvo Penta D16 MG gensets, Valance batteries
– The hull is made from steel while the superstructure is in aluminium, the more common combination for a yacht of this size. But why not 100% all composite…