Above and Beyond

Words: Bill Springer

Denison Superyachts partners with Bannenberg & Rowell and Turquoise Yachts on an innovative new-build project

PICTURED: Dickie Bannenberg and Simon Rowell at their London studio

There are many reasons why I said YES when Denison superyacht expert Alex G. Clarke asked if I’d like to join him on a video shoot with Dickie Bannenberg and Simon Rowell at their London design firm.

First off I love Alex Clarke! Turns out, our lives have followed similar paths, we share the same wonder and gratitude at having jobs that allow us to play with boats, his cousin has been a close friend of my wife's since the third grade, and he’s just a righteous dude.

But, in addition to that, I kind of feel the same way about Bannenberg & Rowell the British design duo he’s working with on some very exciting projects. I’m not sure if I’m allowed to call British subjects “righteous dudes.” But they are quite righteous, as well as being supremely talented yacht designers.

Spending a day with Dickie, Simon, Alex, and the rest of the B&R design team, as well as Alex’s inspired video team, was both fun and informative because we talked about more than just boats. Dickie shed some light on what it was like growing up and working with his famous father, Jon Bannenberg, the pioneering designer who's credited with inventing the entire field of superyacht-specific design. Simon talked about his influences and inspirations. Of course, Dickie and company talked about boats, too.

"Partnerships and collaborations can be ten a penny," he says with a smile. "But we’re genuinely excited about the dynamism of the Denison B&R hook-up on this project. There’s a lot of energy and different thinking buzzing backwards and forwards across the Atlantic and it is being channeled by Alex Clarke into this new build project were working on with Turquoise Yachts."

PICTURED: Dickie Bannenberg and Simon Rowell at their London studio

PICTURED: Preliminary drawings for Above and Beyond.

As you can see in these preliminary drawings, their new designs the Above 60-meter and the Beyond 80-meter are striking. And their innovative partnership with Turquoise Yachts will allow a pioneering owner an expedited delivery schedule.

Stay tuned for more.