This week saw the Setzer Yacht Architects release the first image previews from its eagerly awaited “New American Motoryachts” series. Originating from a set of freehand sketches developed by Principle Ward Setzer while on design sabbatical at the company’s Antigua studio, the 28 to 46 meter series represents part of a broader collection of eighteen new designs the US-based studio will reveal across the remainder of 2013.
New American Motoryachts series by Setzer Yacht Architects - Flyer
The goal for the series, says Setzer, “is to freshly redefine several long-standing yacht categories that have strong American roots, but are clearly looking tired. We want to breathe new life into them.” Setzer points to tri-decks, raised-pilothouses, flush decks, and commuters as examples of yacht genres with timeless appeal but a pressing need for revitalization: “We’ve been incredibly fortunate to have launched over forty designs in these categories in the last twenty years. But we also know that to resonate with the next generation of American owners – many of which are young entrepreneurs – we need to give these yachts a new personality.”
Several characteristics will distinguish Setzer’s New American family of motoryachts from prior projects.
Setzer Classic Clipper 46m Yacht
First, exteriors have been completely streamlined and de-cluttered, utilizing a fraction of the styling lines used in past designs. Deep color tones have been selected in complementary pairings for hull paints and accents, as American owners continue to warm to palettes outside of traditional cloud white. From a performance standpoint, emphasis is placed on maneuverability, hull efficiency, and fuel economy, with azimuth pods and/or diesel-electric propulsion being preferred over conventional systems. Layouts prioritize flow, allowing seamless indoor-outdoor transitions for guests, and efficient servicing routes for crew.
Ward Setzer office in Falmouth Harbor, Antigua
Setzer also notes that a growing owner need for uninterrupted connectivity has drastically increased the interior volume that will be dedicated to workspaces throughout the series: “It used to be that owners and guests went yachting to escape the office, but today they’d prefer to have a state-of-the-art, fully-mobile workplace on-board, so they can do their most inspired thinking at sea.”
While these trends point the Setzer team in many new design directions, Marketing Director Joshua Setzer pointed out that efforts have been made throughout the development of the series to preserve and honor the past: “We want to remain grounded in the history of American yacht-building and craftsmanship,” he explained. “There are stylistic references in every design we’ve developed that speak to this. It’s about striking the right balance between classic and ultra-contemporary.”
Ward Setzer with Superyacht Concept Designs
As the fall boat show season approaches, the Setzer team will be hitting the road with its New American Series, as well as the broader 2014 Concept Collection. Presentations of the full line-up of designs will be available by request to qualified owners, builders, brokers, and media.
Below is a gallery for the superb charter yachts with design by Setzer Yacht Architects.
Setzer Yacht Architects Charter Yacht Images
