By Tony Harris
Yachting is continually changing. Design, engineering and technological advancements are consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible in order to meet owners’ demands.
Owners may want to use their yacht to get as close as possible to wildlife in Desolation Sound or swim with whale sharks in the Sea of Cortez; equally they may want to use it as a base for private partying in Ibiza or Mykonos, or perhaps celebrate the Fourth of July in Newport, Rhode Island, with their children and grandchildren.
The Superyacht Life, which is a source of inspiration on the superyacht lifestyle, initiated with the vision of a perfectly crafted book, showcasing some of the latest superyachts built. I hope it provides a unique and alluring glimpse into the unrivaled lifestyle that superyacht owners enjoy.
GLOBALLY INSPIRED: Australian designer Sam Sorgiovanni drew upon Balinese and Indonesian themes to create a tropical ambience with a contemporary twist for Nirvana.
This book showcases superyachts from around the world as well as four essays on the latest developments in yacht design and construction. These vessels portray a vast array of differences in design, layout, technical specifications, entertainment options and more. You will find a complete range from large volume motor yachts to sailing yachts that have won regattas, as well as interior styles ranging from traditional nautical through Art Deco to contemporary minimalist. Each superyacht is unique, one individual’s vision and dream made reality.
OUTDOOR SPLENDORS: The Talisman C was designed with abundant deck space so the owners could entertain guests on the sun deck, which includes al fresco dining and a glass hot tub.
The essays you find throughout the book explore how the latest design trends can transform the owner’s and guests’ experience on a yacht. Since owners’ tastes vary, vessel designers and builders are constantly being pushed to challenge the written and unwritten rules of yacht design and naval architecture.
We start with how the increased use of glass as part of the yacht’s construction is transforming the on-board experience. Continuing with the theme of bringing owners and guests closer to the water, we look at the increasingly popular feature of beach clubs on yachts. No longer do guests have to gaze down at the sea: The new yachting vibe is more relaxed and casual, embracing proximity to the water as part of the experience.
VIEW FROM THE TOP: The Kismet’s exterior space has a private observation platform with an outdoor bed on the topmost deck, which overlooks a pool, integrated hot tub and waterfall feature.
For those in search of silence, we cover developments in the latest diesel electric hybrid propulsion systems, which also offer environmental and efficiency benefits. Never has the sound of silence been so good. Losing contact with the rest of the world while on a yacht is a benefit to some but a real hindrance to those wanting to keep in touch with their business interests or family. Global satellite communications have transformed the connectivity aboard yachts, elevating entertainment systems on-board to a whole other level.
NEED FOR SPEED: The Seahawk was designed with speed in mind. Its aluminium masts resulted from advanced research to make them each light yet strong. Moreover, the exterior design and layout were completely built with a streamlined structure.
The yachts featured in this book demonstrate that it really is possible to turn your dreams into reality. So while you marvel at this collection of the world’s most beautiful yachts, maybe one day you will have the chance to enjoy the unique experience of building your own and discover the extraordinary lifestyle that a superyacht enables. — Tony Harris, excerpted from The Superyacht Life (teNeues).
Originally appeared in the Winter 2016 Issue.
