NAVIS Luxury Yacht Magazine - Issue 35 by NAVIS Magazine

AQuiJo

Domani

Coral Ocean

The Future in the Vendee Globe

Contents

News

Benetti 45m

Domani 13 Vitters Shipyard and Oceanco 85m

AQuiJo 21

Aventador S

Lurssen Yachts 72m

Coral Ocean Vendee Globe

Foiling Toward the Future 69 Lamborghini

Aventador S

Marine Grand Deck Tourbillon

Ulysse Nardin

Marine Grand Deck Turbillon

STAFF

Year 6 - Number 35 April - May 2017 Editor, Director: Pablo Ferrero - pferrero@navisyachts.com Contributors: K. L. Turner , Brian Hancock, Matt Thompson

Design: Gabriel Parra Contributing Editors: Cormac Kelly, Jorge Arcuri

For queries or information requests about the yachts in this issue contact: enquiries@navisyachts.com

Photography: Stuart Pearce, Benetti Media, Jeff Brown, Marine Nationale, Vincent Curuchet, Jean-Marie Liot, Stephane Le Diraison, Olivier Blanchet, Pieter Heerema, Sebastien Josse, Lamborghini Media, Ulysse Nardin Media Advertising: advertising@navisyachts.com Letters/Comments: contact@navisyachts.com General Enquiries: info@navisyachts.com Suscription Enquiries: contact@navisyachts.com http://www.navisyachts.com/store Website: www.navisyachts.com

Navis Yachts is published by Flat World Communication LLC. Copyright Flat World Communication LLC. ISSN 2160-7966, All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Great care has been taken throughout the magazine to be accurate, but the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions which might occur. Although every care is taken with manuscripts and photographs submitted. Navis ISSN 2160-7958 (Print) Navis ISSN 2160-7966 (Online) Navis Yachts is a bimonthly publication: Flat World Communication LLC 201 S. Biscayne Blvd., 28th Fl, Miami, Florida, 33131 t. +1 (305) 913 1337

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NEWS

Royal Huisman Preparing to Launch Ngoni On March 29, Royal Huisman removed one of its latest projects from the company’s Vollenhove facility. Ngoni, a 58-meter sailing yacht, is being sent to Huisman’s yard in Zandaam, where she will receive her mast and prepare for a launch near the end of April. Some readers may not recognize the name Ngoni because Huisman has been referring to its project as The Beast. The project name came from Ngoni’s owner, who told Huisman that he wanted the company to “build [me] a beast. This has to be an edgy and innovative weapon; fast and furious.”

To meet the owner’s challenge, Huisman joined forces with Britain’s legendary Dubois Naval Architects. Rick Baker and Paul Morgan developed the yacht’s interior aesthetic. As one of the world’s largest sailing yachts, Ngoni has enough interior space for two staterooms and a master apartment. The master apartment reportedly has a steam room, gym, and private study.

Continue reading this article at NAVIS.com

Feadship Finishes Letani 35-Meter Motoryacht Ahead of Schedule Feadship announced at the end of March that it has launched its 35-meter Letani motoryacht in record time. The company first met with Letani’s owner just two years ago. Feadship’s employees and partners worked diligently to set a new record. Feadship’s director, Bas Nederpelt, however, says that they couldn’t have reached the goal without the visionary guidance and cooperation from Letani’s owner. Feadship worked closely with the owner to create a superyacht that truly focuses on the family. With slight alterations, the yacht’s interior can transform from a luxurious place to hold special events into a room where mom and dad can snuggle with their children. For example, a TV nook sits between the dining room and lounge.

Continue reading this article at NAVIS.com

Lurssen Launches 74m Motor Yacht Aurora

Tankoa Launches 50m Vertige Motor Yacht

Lurssen announced on the 11th of March that it has launched one of its newest projects, a 74-meter motor yacht named Aurora. Lurssen expects to deliver the yacht to her owners by early summer.

Tankoa announces that it successfully launched its 50-meter motor yacht, Vertige, in February and plans to deliver the yacht to her owner in April. Tankoa takes a boutique approach to building yachts that meet the unique specifications of owners. Vertige is the shipyard’s second yacht.

Moran Yacht & Ship assisted in the yacht’s build and sale.

Even though Tankoa doesn’t have as much experience as many other shipyards, it has created a remarkable vessel with a classic exterior aesthetic and plenty of technological advancements. Some of the yacht’s most impressive features include her floor to ceiling windows and full-displacement, aluminum-build hull.

More news at NAVIS.com

Continue reading this article at NAVIS.com

Lurssen Announces Launch of Project Thunder

Rossinavi Announces Launch of 50-Meter Yacht Endeavour II

Lurssen, one of the most respected German shipbuilding companies, recently announced that it launched its Project Thunder on the 3rd of April. Project Thunder is a 120-meter motor yacht developed in collaboration with Espen Oenino, a designer who has worked on dozens of motor yacht projects across the globe.

Rossinavi recently announced that it launched its latest 50-meter motor yacht, Endeavour II, on a beautiful Saturday in February. The launch took place at Rossinavi’s facility in Pisa.

According to Lurssen, it launched Project Thunder 24 months after laying its keel in 2015. The company needs to install the interior, after which it will conduct extensive sea trials to ensure that Project Thunder meets the highest expectations. Lurssen plans to deliver the yacht to her owner near the end of 2018.

Continue reading this article at NAVIS.com

Endeavour II was built to cover long distances. Traveling at 12 knots, she can cross about 5,000 nautical miles. When traveling at her maximum speed, Endeavour II can reach 16 knots. The yacht has two CGT/Caterpillar propulsion systems and two Rolls Royce US 105 P9 CRP azimuthing pods. Rossinavi received helped designing Endeavour II’s exterior from Enrico Gobbi and its interior design from Achille Salvagni. Arrabito Naval Architects developed the yacht’s naval architecture.

Continue reading this article at NAVIS.com 11

Lurssen worked in coordination with Winch Design to create Aurora’s interior and exterior design. The collaboration has resulted in a beautiful motor yacht with six decks. The owner has plenty of space for hosting parties and other events. Despite its large size, Aurora maintains the kind of classic look expected from Lurssen and Winch Design.

MOTOR YACHT

Benetti 45m

DOMANI

Photos: Benetti Media | Words: Mat Thompson

In September 2016, Benetti delivered its 45-meter motor yacht, Domani, to her owner. Domani remains one of the finest small motor yachts built by the company. To a large part extent, Domani’s beauty, power, and personality come from the influence of the vessel’s owner, who had worked with Benetti to build five previous yachts. Someone with that much experience knows exactly what he wants from his yacht. By bringing a clear vision to Benetti, the shipyard had a compass that pointed them towards excellence. Blending Interior and Exterior Areas The owner ensured that Benetti understood the importance of blending interior and exterior spaces throughout Domani. Azimut Benetti Spa joined forces with Paola Asaro of Studio Galeazzi to meet the client’s demands. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls create the illusion that guests could pass from interior areas directly to exterior decks. The lounge area, for instance, is surrounded by glass on three sides. In other spots, Benetti and its partners decided to mix interior and exterior concepts, making it unclear whether guests stand inside or outside the yacht. The sundeck provides an excellent example of this concept. A portion of the sundeck gets covered by a beautiful ceiling. Although guests can feel the ocean breeze flowing over the yacht’s sides, they feel comforted and protected by the ceiling. A few feet away, the ceiling yields to full sunlight, creating an area where guests can lounge in direct natural light. A Modern Aesthetic That Takes Advantage of the Latest Technology Benetti excels at integrating the latest technology into its boats to create modern aesthetics that offer comfort and entertainment. Recessed lights run along the floors of interior and exterior areas. The lights provide illumination so the owner and his guests can wander through the yacht safely. The recessed lighting also brings out the best features of Domani’s carefully chosen wood floors and walls. The wood seems to glow under the lights’ influence. Domani’s owner wanted to emphasize the importance of Italian craftsmanship. Benetti met this desire by incorporating some of the world’s most famous Italian brands. Throughout Domani, guests will find doors designed by Rimadesio; lamps from Michele De Lucchi Design’s Collezione Privata; furniture made by Flexform; and sofas by Maxalto’s B&B Italia. Every room aboard Domani has been filled with the finest products from popular Italian brands. Anything less than Italian craftsmanship wouldn’t accomplish the goal established by Domani’s owner.

At the owner’s request, Benetti worked with its partners to build a console that encourages the owner and his family to enjoy time spent at the helm. While most helms have bench seats that can become uncomfortable after a few hours at sea, Domani has pilot seats that make piloting a joy. A Team Italia navigation system ensures that Domani always stays on course.

Domani’s Cabins for the Owner, Guests, and Crew Domani has six cabins that can accommodate up to 12 persons. An additional seven crew members can travel with the owner in four cabins designated for their use. The owner enjoys a fullbeam cabin located on the main deck. A private balcony makes it possible for the owner to bask in the sea’s natural beauty at any time. Locating the owner’s cabin on the main deck gives him the opportunity to join guests easily in the lounge. At the same time, he gets the luxury of a private, spacious living space. Guest cabins are located on the lower deck. Guests can choose between cabin layouts with one double bed or two twin beds. Each cabin has access to a private en-suite bathroom. All cabins have custom beds for ultimate comfort. Cabins also have additional storage space that makes it possible for guests to bring everything they may need for a long voyage. Domani’s technical areas, such as the engine room, gets separated from spaces intended for living and socializing. Guests can spend extended periods of time on Domani without encountering the technology and behind-the-scenes effort that make her possible. Benetti’s hard work and attention to detail make it possible for Domani, a 45-meter vessel, to offer the amount of interior space usually found in 60-meter yachts. Benetti pursued every opportunity to use available space in the most economical ways possible. The result is that this relatively small yacht can carry 19 passengers without making anyone feel claustrophobic. Having Fun While Traveling the World Domani has the technology and comfort that the owner and his family need to travel the world. She also has features that make traveling exceedingly fun. Guests will see this no matter which deck they visit. For instance, the Sun Deck has been split into three separate areas designed for different activities. A sunbathing area provides the perfect place for guests to lounge in ocean sun while enjoying breezes that flow off the water. The Sun Deck’s center has been designed as a dining area where people can take their meals under the protection of a veranda door. The bow area has a swimming pool where guests can splash in the water even while Domani moves toward her next destination. Of course, the swimming pool area comes outfitted with several accessories for water games and sunbathing.

Domani’s Beach Club provides an excellent opportunity for socializing and playing. The Beach Club comes with all of the equipment that guests need to enjoy the ocean water safely. This includes personal floatation devices and toys.

Domani’s Specifications Benetti gave Domani CAR C32 ACERT main engines that produce 1081 kW at 2100 rpm. Power comes from two Kohler 125 kW generators. The engine works in coordination with a propulsion system made of nickel, aluminum, and bronze. The 50-Hz bow thruster makes 99kW. The combination of these systems makes it possible for Domani to reach a maximum speed of 15 knots. When traveling at 10.5 knots, she has a range of 4,000 nautical miles. In other words, Domani can cover the distance from Benetti’s location in Viareggio, Italy to New York City without stopping to refuel. This gives the owner enormous opportunities to explore the world in comfort. Domani is such a successful motor yacht that Benetti has decided to make it available to other buyers. After working with Domani’s owner to get every detail perfect, it only makes sense for the company to give other ocean adventurers an opportunity to own this efficient, thrilling yacht..

Specifications »»Length Overall (LOA)

44.9 mt

»»Maximum beam

9.1 m

»»Maximum draft

2.4 m

»»Full load displacement

438 tons

»»Fuel capacity

64000 lt

»»Fresh water capacity »»Engine

8000 lt 2 x CAT C32 ACERT

»»Max Speed

15 knots

»»Generators

2 x Kohler® EFOZD 400Vac1

»»Accommodation for Owner&Guests 12 persons 6 cabins

SAIL YACHT

Vitters Shipyard and Oceanco 85m

AQUIJO

Photos: Stuart Pearce | Words: K.L. Turner

Sailing Yacht AQuiJo: Luxury Aboard the World’s Largest High Performance Racer A sport engaging all five senses, sailing inspires dreams of epic proportion. The happy elephant prancing across the kite of the 85-meter sailing yacht AQuiJo announces her intent to deliver joy, speed, and comfort, on board the largest, highperformance sailing yacht in the world. Built to the owner’s brief discussing global journeys amid luxury and safety for uninitiated guests, alongside high performance racing abilities inspiring an experienced crew, AQuiJo delights every sense of all those privileged to enjoy her gifts. The Owner’s Brief, Conceived from the Inside Out AQuiJo’s owner sought an exquisite hybrid of performance and comfort that also attended to safety. Requiring the heart of a world voyager, the technology of a racer, and the comfort of a posh motor yacht, the first plans were roughed, giving shape and feel to the spaces where family would gather, guests would socialize, and memories would develop, with perhaps even a record or two falling in competition. Once the preliminary plans were roughed in, a suitable case would need to be designed for this jewel, but no ordinary concept would suffice. Interior Plans Wrapped with a Stylish Exterior Many designs begin with a hull form and size in mind. AQuiJo set herself apart from the beginning, first by imagining the staterooms, salons, and living spaces, then considering the exterior. The owner selected Hamburg’s Dölker + Voges design team for their impeccable record and sophisticated style. Previous projects embracing chic line and curve, punctuated by a pleasing selection of textures, materials, and surfaces in natural hues, appealed to the owner and worked well to engage with his wife’s sense of style.

Seeking a suitable exterior to wrap these living space gifts, the owner chose an experienced hand with proven expertise. A tall order in every aspect, AQuiJo’s hull and superstructure design were awarded to Connecticut expert Bill Tripp. Wrapping the posh interiors with the strength, style, and innovation exhibited by the clean thoroughbred designs of Tripp’s work on Wally Yachts’ Esense and Better Place, as well as the luxurious Vitters Mystere, AQuiJo’s profile began to emerge. Employing computational fluid dynamics, composite engineering, finite element analysis, and a selection of software programs, the intricate design spiral of this distinctive yacht proved a challenge, ultimately met with abundant rewards.

The Vitters and Oceanco Collaboration This exceptional expanse of 1,538 gross tons of oceangoing real estate required a high level of expertise from drawing board and model to the construction and finishing. The owner’s choice of craftsmen to complete this high performance, high comfort, high safety build was crucial. Outstanding for their legendary high performance sailing yachts, the team at Vitters earned an approving nod from the owner. With a fistful of firsts and a portfolio of beautiful, high performance designs to their credit, there was no doubt the yacht would be fast. And while most of the Vitters yachts are beautiful inside as well as out, the owner was looking for a luxury factor mirroring motor yachts of the same size. Tasked with significantly elevating the comfort and aesthetic aspects, Oceanco was selected to work hand-in-hand with Vitters, contributing luxurious details heretofore only seen in the most elegant motor yachts. The collective application of knowledge, engineering, and production strategies in their respective fields ensured AQuiJo would be fast, comfortable, and safe, as well as beautiful. Throughout the design and build calendar, the shipyards engaged resources from both firms, working closely to achieve optimum results. Applying sailing yacht expertise, Vitters was responsible for the mast, rigging, winches, sail handling, and steering, coordinating the menu of systems that would perform at a 20° heel. The tasks associated with engineering and building the massive steel hull and aluminum superstructure, dovetailing displacement motor yacht features into the design to create an unparalleled standard of luxury in this massive sailing yacht landed squarely on Oceanco’s desk. Built at the Oceanco yard to accommodate her size, AQuiJo emerged from the shed in 2015, with an early 2016 delivery, proving more than worthy of expectation. The Statistics The largest high performance sailing ketch to date, AQuiJo measures 281.82’/85.90m overall, and 267.26’/81.46m along the waterline, with a 47.51’/14.48m beam and 1,500 GT internal volume. As big as she is, AQuiJo surpassed expected speeds in trials and on her first outings, clocking in at 20.4 knots on a brisk 35-knot day, prompting the owner’s response, “We are all exhilarated and happy,” as those on board toasted the performance of the masterpiece.

High strength steel and aluminum shape AQuiJo’s hull and superstructure, with a crisp plumb bow leading the way. Wearing a stylish navy blue coat accented with a white pinstripe, the upper portion of the hull matches hues with the deepest oceans, while the aquamarine water line stripe echoes the clearest tropical destinations. Tucked inside, seven luxurious cabins welcome 12 guests, with ample accommodation for 16 crew.

Rigging and Sails Up top, AQuiJo’s masts are of equal height reaching to 295’/91m above the water line, the tallest in the world. A true global sojourner, her capabilities will embrace the route rounding Cape Horn, as super-Panamax construction prevents her from canal passage. With her speed, that task should prove thoroughly enjoyable, often surpassing wind speed even in a light breeze. AQuiJo’s North 3Di carbon, aramid, and Dyneema fiber sail wardrobe embraces a total sail area of 43,000 sq. ft./5300 m2 including code and staysail, carrying impressive 1106 m2 main and 1035 m2 jib, deftly managing the load with 40-ton winches designed specifically for the task. As opposed to multiple sails with lots of moving parts, Tripp designed AQuiJo with fewer, bigger sails. Managing across a range of conditions from light to high winds, she responds brilliantly by reefing the mizzen, then the main, then the staysail, keeping the load balanced. The in-beam furling system completes its massive task in just four seconds. Notable Innovations To expand AQuiJo’s capabilities, her lightweight hull and large sail area are balanced with a 220-ton lead keel. Tested extensively to ensure performance under all conditions, considering range loads, mast compression, and even a knockdown situation, the lifting keel excels at its task. Fully extended, the keel measures 11.6 meters with a 6.4-meter reach, enabling exploration of shallower waters.

The steering system, developed by Vitters, replaces cables with hydraulics to reduce effort required in steering the yacht while transmitting the feel to the wheel, giving the helmsmen important feedback without heroic effort. A proprietary black box, said to enclose a very simple technology that is a closely guarded secret, maintains that realistic feedback through hydrodynamic force, ensuring helmsmen are in touch with the yacht for optimal response. The result is easier and safer sailing, with a yacht that steers like a much smaller version of itself. Even the anchor is well thought through, with a submarine design that quietly goes about its work beneath the waterline.

Four Decks Connecting interior and exterior spaces with expanses of glass that move upon command, AQuiJo is bright and fresh throughout the four deck layout. The flybridge welcomes sun lovers with lots of posh seating and a Jacuzzi just aft of the dual helm stations fully forward. Seating areas to both port and starboard beckon with upholstered sofas, gimballed tables, and a glossy curved bar in between. The bar overlooks a circular Jacuzzi rimmed with sun pads. The owner’s apartment on the upper deck is brightly lit to port and starboard by oversized windows and a set of sliding glass doors, opening to an al fresco aft deck with bar and chic seating. Private and spacious, the aft location provides a gorgeous, 270° view of the horizon. The main deck is the social hub of the yacht featuring an interior dining table for 12, and an alfresco table for 24 guests on the aft deck under a retractable roof. Emphasizing the sociability of the yacht, the U-shaped bar is fitted with beer taps fed from the beer cellar. The lower deck presents a large beach club, heading forward through glass doors to an ocean view Jacuzzi lit through a skylight in the main deck floor above. A steam bath, sauna, and lounge in the spa area are accessible while underway, facilitated by closure of a watertight door. Equipped with three 8-meter tenders plus a good supply of watersports equipment ranging from kayaks, sailing dinghies, and scuba gear, AQuiJo is equipped for fun. Safety railings in all the right places, and continuous running systems happily performing under a 20° heel, including the elevator used to access all decks, reassure guests under all conditions. At the End of the Day The exuberant elephant skipping across AQuiJo’s hull and sails suggest a nod to her size and speed, which is remarkable on both counts. The happy pachyderm could also, however, represent mental and physical strength as in Hindu legend, held in high regard by yachtsmen. Interpretation aside, a great day on the water softens the division between man and yacht, making them at one with the sea, calming the soul like no other pursuit. That is why men sail, and that is why the owner of the splendid sailing yacht AQuiJo could not be more pleased.

Specifications »»Length 86m »»Beam 14.48m »»Gross Tonnage

1538 Ton.

»»Draft 15.23m »»Cruising Speed »»Top Speed

15 Knots 17.5 Knots

»»Guests 12 »»Cabins 7

»»Crew

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MOTOR YACHT

Lurssen Yachts 72m

CORAL OCEAN 43

Photos: Jeff Brown | Words: K.L. Turner

Motor Yacht Coral Ocean: Enduring Lürssen + Bannenberg Yacht Design Milestones In the year 1886, Friedrich Lürssen had been in business for a decade, carefully earning the reputation as a builder of high quality sport rowing boats. That same year, Gottlieb Daimler, patent holder of the first successful internal combustion engine, approached Lürssen with an idea, resulting in a commission to build the first outboard motorized boat. Powered by a 1.5 hp@700 rpm engine, the historic concept “Rems” was born. At that moment, the two men established a milepost for marine travel that would forever change the landscape of boat design. Fast forward to the 20th century to the establishment of another milestone in the marine industry. Jon Bannenberg, an Australian pianist, emigrated to England in the 1950s, turning his artistic talent to interior design with great success. Asked by a client about his thoughts on the plans for a new yacht, Bannenberg found the layout and design unimaginative. Challenged to present an improved yacht design, Bannenberg did exactly that, making headlines at the London Boat Show in 1963. With his stylish imprint and streamlined exterior, he moved the yacht design process from the shipyards into the design studio, opening up the industry to an entirely new way of thinking about form, function, luxury, and beauty on the water. Coral Island to Coral Ocean In 1994, Bannenberg and Lürssen collaborated on the groundbreaking yacht Coral Island. The first of its kind to embrace amenities like a gym, a spa with a steam room, large shell doors opening the salon to the sea, and a window into the mosaic tiled pool, the yacht raised the bar on tasteful luxury minus the glare of garish opulence. Rich with tribal inspired ethnic decor, from masks and textiles to trunks and sculpture, Bannenberg’s design called upon exotic woods, stone, shells, and natural materials, with organic textures with Polynesian and African influence to set the mood. Beautifully executed in remarkable detail with ingenious application through Lürssen’s fine craftsmanship, Coral Island represents, then as now, a most antithetical opulence solidly rooted in authentic style that welcomes guests to the tribe. Living a privileged, private life at sea for 22 years, Coral Island was meticulously maintained by her owner, visiting the Lürssen yard regularly for scheduled maintenance. Seeking a career change, Coral Island returned to Lürssen for a 2016 refit to accommodate necessary features required to serve the charter market.

In exceptional shape through meticulous attention over the years, little was required other than updates to electrical and technical systems with a few additional details for comfort. Along with a name change from Coral Island to Coral Ocean, and every detail polished to perfection, the yacht continues to earn praise for her casual, understated elegance and timeless style.

The Statistics Constructed in steel and aluminum, Coral Ocean illustrates Bannenberg’s forward-thinking unification of naval architecture, exterior design/superstructure, and interior design that welcomes guests to a comfortable, casual, beach home at sea. The 72.55m/238’ hull, one of the largest launches of 1994, is driven by two CAT 2,864kW/3,894 hp engines assisted by Kamewa CPP RR rudder machine propulsion. Able to cruise comfortably with a 6,000 nm range at 12 knots, her top speed of 17 knots remains impressive. Outfitted with Quantum QC220 zero speed stabilizers and a JASTRAM 165 kW bow thruster, she maneuvers brilliantly in harbor, at sea, or in and out of mooring points along her journey. Accommodating 12 guests in 6 cabins, Coral Ocean’s top deck owner’s suite, impressive upper deck VIP suite, and four additional lower deck guest cabins all exhibit stunning materials, artwork, and coherent style embracing tribal influences and unique pieces. Accommodations for 27 crew permit an impressive level of service. The creamy hull topped with a brilliant white superstructure lends a distinctive look to the exterior. Equally unique, the aft centerline staircase descends from the sun deck to the upper and main decks, splitting into port and starboard stairs to access the beach club. Designed for convenience and intelligent use of space, Coral Ocean departs from mainstream layouts, displaying many worthy innovations that guests and crew alike appreciate. The Main Deck The unconventional aft area on the main deck houses two beautifully tailored tenders echoing the style of the mother ship. The two 8.6m Yanmar tenders with 315 hp motors offer a choice of either limo or open style travel. When called upon for service to transport guests, the cleared space welcomes parties of up to 80 guests, a feat which few contemporary yachts can match. Forward of the tender deck, the entrance hall introduces the interior style with a collection of exotic woods, rough marble, beautiful pearlescent shells, and a collection of African and Polynesian art, immediately immersing guests into the tribal atmosphere. The neutral palette is complemented by organic textures native to a beach house environment. Entering the main salon, forward of the hall, walls adorned with silver leaf, birch burl, and tree bark establish authentic coastal chic. Sumptuous virgin New Zealand wool carpeting, hand tufted to simulate breaking waves, cushions footsteps in strategic areas.

Posh white sofas surround beautifully crafted, handmade tables topped with fractured and polished glass. The rich, ethnic simplicity in fine art pieces and collectibles complements and balances the clean interior structure and burr-oak furniture. Highlighting Bannenberg’s bold, innovative stroke of genius for the time, a large shell door lifts to starboard, breathing the life of the ocean directly into the salon. Turning the attention to indoor entertainment, a retractable screen allows viewing from a video projector, assisted by blackout screens.

Forward of the salon, the formal dining area seats 14 guests at two round tables surrounded by a wealth of unique art pieces. An ingenious decorative wall panel, upon insertion, transforms the two tables into one large table for larger parties. A convenient and logical layout, the galley sits just forward of the dining space, followed by crew mess, pantry, and some of the crew quarters. Additional crew quarters are located on the lower deck. In a space normally reserved for the ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suite, Coral Ocean found this area better suited to service, making it both faster and easier, with the top deck providing a more appealing ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suite location offering private penthouse views. The Lower Deck Accessed via a circular central hall, naturally brightened by a skylight, four guest suites gracefully offer unique color palettes, artwork, and en suite baths. The hall is a focal point, featuring a cascading waterfall embellished by precious stones, seashells, the wave-inspired carpet, and dramatic wall sconce lighting. Two double cabins are situated forward, with two twin cabins aft, all boasting a tasteful selection of artwork and burr birch furniture. Forward of the lobby, a staircase to the main deck hall is handsomely designed with strong ethnic influences and simple lines, rich with texture and materials. Aft of the hall, guests may directly access the gym, spa, steam room, and swim platform, again unique for the era of her build, but today considered de rigueur. Tiled areas in the steam and spa area are embellished with beautiful mosaics embracing the coral image the yacht is named for. Floors are teak laid, and the gym is top to bottom mirrors ensuring perfect form for workouts. The Upper Deck Accessed through the distinctive centerline staircase, the upper deck is home to a glorious VIP suite forward. Floor to ceiling windows along the starboard side sleeping area provide glorious views and ample natural light. The en suite bath and dressing room sit to port. A private study overlooks the sea, with TV and salon area and sumptuous sofa inviting a good read or pleasant conversation. The furniture housing the audiovisual equipment is hand made by English artisan Andrew Holmes from authentic driftwood, as are most of the unique pieces aboard the yacht. Wall panels of burr birch, flooring of oak parquet, and furniture of burr oak with parchment add warmth and depth to the space. A glass desk and pair of handmade mahogany chairs complete the suite.

Forward of the suite, two additional tenders, a Zodiac RIBO 450 rescue boat and a BSC RIB, along with two SeaDoo GTX personal watercraft, await command on the deck. Aft of the suite, the upper deck salon features granite, concrete, and driftwood tables in two sumptuous seating areas. The aft deck boasts a similar dining arrangement to the main deck dining room, but with an al fresco view. Three separate tables can be connected to form one large table. Open to the air, the space offers the protection of sliding glass window panels should pleasant weather take a turn.

The Top Deck An exquisite way to enjoy the views and the privacy on board Coral Ocean, the owner’s suite on the top deck features wraparound glazing for incomparable views of the horizon. A large circular skylight strategically placed directly above the bed, fitted with controls to adjust the height, invites fabulous views of night skies and sunrises. Dual baths with ample walk in dressing room complete the space. Gracefully falling from the top deck to the main, a sculpted bronze waterfall enchants guests along the staircase. Remarkable for her art and furnishings, one of Coral Ocean’s most historic pieces sits in the top deck lobby surrounded by eucalyptus wall paneling. The vintage slot machine, operational with its custom coins, offers pleasant diversion for lobby guests. The aft portion of the deck is outfitted with a large social space, complete with large central bar and barbecue. Lounge areas to port and starboard encourage conversation, while sun pads fully aft invite full repose. The Sun Deck Catching a glimpse of the beautiful sun deck pool from the viewing window in the top deck pool lobby, the coral motif echoed throughout the yacht is visible in vibrant blue and orange mosaic. The pool itself, positioned fully forward on the sun deck and a few steps down, is equipped with a counter current flow for more energetic workouts. Aft of the pool area, a long expanse of teak deck invites guests to enjoy beautiful views from a lattice-work shaded lounging area or the sun pads, to port, starboard, and stern fully aft. Crew and Service Spaces In addition to the crew mess, pantry, and crew quarters adjoining the main deck galley, the lower deck embraces large service areas for laundry and storage in addition to more crew cabins numbering 15 total. Walk-in refrigerators and freezers keep large feasts ready for preparation. The wheelhouse is fashioned with leather and oak, featuring a top of industry bridge deck and captain’s quarters. The Post Script This pristine yacht, refit to reflect every modern system, remains a stylish, inviting beach house ready to sail to far horizons in luxurious comfort. Owing to Jon Bannenberg’s insight and Lürssen’s fastidious attention to detail, Coral Ocean is an iconic yacht from the hand of the master that set the yachting world on a new trajectory. From the coral motif etched glass bulkheads to the shell drawer pulls and dramatic works of art, the privilege of time spent on board Coral Ocean is well invested in enduring images and pleasant memories.

Specifications »»Length:

72,55 m

»»Length in waterline:

61,25 m

»»Beam:

13,04 m

»»Draught: »»Gross Tonnage: 60

»»Speed:

3,70 m / 12’1’’ 1.379 t 17 knots

LIFESTYLE

Vendee Globe

FOILING TOWARD THE FUTURE 69

Photos: Marine Nationale, Vincent Curuchet, Jean-Marie Liot, Stephane Le Diraison, Olivier Blanchet, Pieter Heerema, Sebastien Josse | Words: Brian Hancock

The Vendée Globe is without question the most challenging offshore ocean race that any sailor can undertake; 24,000 nautical miles, alone, non-stop, and without assistance. The race starts from France just as the winter gales are sweeping across the Bay of Biscay, it leaves the five big capes to port, and returns to France long before the first daisy’s push up through the snow. Adding to this enormous challenge is the fact that the modern IMOCA 60 sailboats are some of the most high-tech and highly strung racing yachts ever designed and built. The boats are a handful for a full crew. In the hands of a single person they are monsters that have to be tamed and judging by some of the incredible performances from the most recent Vendée Globe some of the sailors have indeed learned how to tame their boats. Much of the credit has to go to the designers who have come up with innovative ways for a single person to manage so much power, and to engineers who have taken modern fibers and used them to build incredibly light and strong boats. Yacht designer Rob Doyle is no stranger to the world of high-tech sailboats and he said it very succinctly when he proclaimed, “modern materials have made people look smarter.” I would add to that by noting that powerful computing has enabled engineers to take a fiber like carbon and place each fiber precisely where it can do the most good not only in the hulls, but the mast and sails as well. Doyle continued. “Going forward it’s going to be a competition between yacht designers to see who can engineer and build the lightest boats. Light boats are fast boats and fast boats are easier to manage.”

Light and fast was definitely on display in this most recent Vendée Globe as we watched the two leaders, Armel Le Cléac’h aboard Banque Populaire, and Alex Thomson on Hugo Boss match race around the course sailing at impressive speeds. As Thomson neared the finish, after pushing incredibly hard for ten straight weeks, he managed to set a new record for the most distance covered by a monohull up to 60 feet when he covered 536.81 nautical miles at an average speed of 22.36 knots. By Thomson setting this record and with the overall winner Le Cléac’h smashing almost four full days off the race time, it’s clear that huge advances were made in building very light boats that got all the way around the world relatively unscathed.

Some of the increase in overall boat speed can be attributed to the new ‘Dali Foils’ so named because they look like the distinctive mustache sported by the famous surrealist painter. The first four boats to finish the Vendée Globe had Dali Foils bringing to rest any doubt that opting to go with foils was the right decision. Prior to the start of the Vendée there was much talk about the trade-off between adding foils for what was then considered only a marginal increase in speed, and risking the chance that they could get broken off. At the end of the race Alex Thompson was asked about the risk of a foil breaking and he dismissed the idea. “Any appendage is at risk of being broken off. It does’t matter is the foil is coming out of the side of the boat or sticking out from under it. It’s a matter of luck and I got unlucky.” The unlucky reference is to an accident that happened just as Hugo Boss entered the Southern Ocean when his boat collided with something that ripped the starboard foil off. For the rest of the race Thomson was markedly slower on port tack because of the missing foil. The Dali Foils are a new innovation and were introduced as a way to get around one of the restrictive rules that govern appendages. The IMOCA rule limits boats to five movable appendages; the keel, twin rudders and twin daggerboards. With the success of foils in the America’s Cup and other areas it was only natural that Vendée Globe skippers would want to experiment with them on their boats, but after a meeting in Nantes, France at the end of the summer in 2014 the IMOCA rules committee made it clear that the rules around appendages would not be changed at all. If designers wanted to incorporate foils on their new designs they would have to do so within the existing parameters which meant trading the foil for a daggerboard. One of the areas in yacht design that has been getting a lot of attention in recent years is the addition of a DSS (Dynamic Stability System) to a boat. The main idea behind DSS is simple; it’s a leeward lifting foil that projects out from the side of the boat parallel to the water. The foil provides lift which in turn reduces drag and displacement allowing the boat to go faster. It was clear to most that the addition of a DSS or similar foil would increase performance but the five appendage rule was in place and if you wanted to add DSS or some other kind of foil you were going to have to make a trade.

This was when someone hit on the bright idea of combining DSS with a daggerboard to get the benefits of both within the same appendage. What they came up with was a shaft that projected laterally out the side of the boat, an elbow where the foil makes a sharp turn upward leading to a somewhat triangular tip. The shaft that projects out the side of the boat acts like a DSS and the turned up part serves as a daggerboard. Even though it looked unconventional it’s now very clear that after some refinement the Dali Foils were a huge success.

“I think that the designers looking at the next generation of IMOCA yachts are looking to lift the boats clear out of the water,” Rob Doyle notes. “That’s what the sailors want and there is some good reasoning behind this. The sailors feel that they can manage the boats once they are up on foils especially if the conditions are right. Overall the ride will be smoother and the boats will suffer less of the destructive crashing and banging that they are now subjected to.” It’s clearly a learning curve for all involved in creating the next generation of IMOCA boats. Just a few years ago the idea of adding any kind of lifting foil to a boat being sailed solo around the world would have been met with skepticism, but watching videos shot of these modern boats ripping it at high speed with most of the boat out of the water has made foils on IMOCA boats now feel quite common place. Yacht designer Merf Owen agreed that this generation of yachts were the lightest and strongest in the race history, but worries that because of the way the IMOCA rule is written, too much attention is being paid to making boats lighter. “The rule makers have really limited where designers can go to get a competitive edge,” Owen said. “They have standardized masts and limited innovation in keel design. Designers now have to go elsewhere to get an edge and what happened is that the designers have started to chip away at the hull structure in order to make the boats lighter. In the past we would never have touched that area but now, because other avenues have been closed, we are forced to go there and it’s not good.” Owen pointed to a number of hull failures that occurred in the Transat Jacques Vabre, an event for IMOCA 60’s prior to the Vendée Globe where a number of boats, Hugo Boss among them, suffered serious structural damage. Lessons were learned from the Transat Jacques Vabre and there was relatively little hull structure failure in the Vendée Globe itself. There was, however, a lot of damage done to boats that collided with objects. Two of the pre-race favorites were forced to retire after colliding with submerged objects. Vincent Riou, who won the race in 2004/05, sustained keel damage to his boat PRB after hitting something, and after consulting with his shore crew and design team he retired and diverted to Cape Town in South Africa. He was followed shortly thereafter by Morgan Lagravière aboard Safran. Lagravière reported that his autopilot was not working after he had suffered rudder damage after a collision with some kind of submerged object.

These were not design or engineering failures. They were as a result of an accidental collision which had designer Rob Doyle musing about the idea of designing expendable foils for the next race. “Designers should start to think about carrying a spare foil that could replace a lost foil,” he said. “You want the foil to break off cleanly if the boat hits something and not do any damage to the integrity of the hull. It’s one thing to lose a foil but something altogether to damage the boat.”

Doyle and Owen both agree that the boats will get faster for successive Vendée Globe’s and they will accomplish this by more precise engineering in all areas of the boat, the mast and the sails. One area of specific concern will be to reduce weight aloft which will in turn reduce the heeling and pitching motion of the boat. The heeling and pitching is not only bad for boat speed, it’s fatiguing on the crew. Overall, faster is better on the boat. With the wind from astern the apparent wind is greatly reduced when the boat speed is increased. Skippers reported that they would plan their gybes when when the boat was going as fast as possible to reduce the amount of wear on the mast, boom and sails. While this current crop of IMOCA 60’s look to be about as futuristic and as space age they are going to get, one thing is for sure that when the Vendée Globe fleet lines up for the start of the 2020 race they are going to be even more advanced. It has been that way for each race. How much more advanced is anyone’s guess but here is what designer Rob Doyle speculates might happen. “I think the next area of experimentation is going to be adding foils to the outriggers. It has been done before on a boat called Blue Arrow and it worked quite well - Google it.” The outriggers that Doyle is referring to are the deck spreaders that project out from the boat at 90 degrees and are there to support the mast. Right now they are angled up to keep them from dragging in the water and slowing the boat down. How about designers angle them down and put a foil on the end? Instead of drag you get lift and a huge increase in righting moment. Only time will tell but the fascinating thing about the Vendée Globe is how the skippers and designer always manage to push into new territory.

We would like to thank Rob Doyle, from Rob Doyle Design http://robdoyledesign.com and Merf Owen of Owen Clarke Design http://www.owenclarkedesign.com for their valuable input into this article. Brian Hancock is a working sailmaker at Great Circle Sails - www.greatcirclesails.com

LIFESTYLE

Lamborghini

AVENTADOR S 83

Photos: Lamborghini media | Words: Matt Thompson

Lamborghini Exceeds Expectations With the 2017 Aventador S Lamborghini has spent more than 50 years defying expectations in pursuit of a higher calling. The company doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to make basic cars that consumers crave. It wants to build highperformance machines that make the most sophisticated automobile collectors envious. The 2017 Aventador S shows how far Lamborghini has come since it released its first vehicle in the mid-1960s. In fact, it shows that the company has come a long way within just the last few years. Engineers at Lamborghini developed a spectacular engine for the 2017 Aventador S. The sleek, high-performance car comes with a 6.5-liter V12 engine that churns out a mighty 730 horsepower and 509 pound-feet of torque. The engine looks similar to the one included in last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s model, but changes to the valve timing and intake tuning add 39 horsepower. A Lamborghini That Handles Unlike Any Other Vehicle Many companies design high-performance vehicles to reach excessive speeds on straight roads. The Aventador S can certainly reach that goal. Lamborghini, however, has also installed other features that make it a great high-speed vehicle even on twisty country roads. A four-wheel steering system gives drivers greater control no matter where their adventures take them. The ingenious steering system turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction of the front wheels while traveling at speeds under 75 mph. By doing this, the car gains a nimbleness that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t typically find in vehicles with such long wheelbases. Once the Aventador S exceeds 75 mph, the rear wheels change direction to match the front wheels. This stabilizes the car while traveling at high speeds.

The designer who developed this concept deserves accolades for making use of such a simple, effective idea. It could only come from the experts working at Lamborghini.

An Exterior That Means Business (But Helps Drivers Have Fun) Lamborghini has spent decades honing a unique exterior aesthetic. When you see a Lamborghini, you can’t mistake it for any other type of car. The low profile and aggressive lines reflect the company’s commitment to building high-performance machines. The 2017 Aventador S takes this concept even further to boost performance. The changes from last year’s model almost make the Aventador S take on a menacing appearance. The front of the 2017 Aventador S has two air ducts that didn’t appear in early incarnations. It also has a larger front splitter that makes it even more aerodynamic than the 2016 model. The Aventador S’s rear now has a black diffuser that adds to the vehicle’s aerodynamic nature. Updated taillights don’t have an effect on performance, but they do make the Aventador S look even cooler than its older sisters. More Interior Comfort Than You Would Expect From a Performance Car High-performance cars don’t usually come with many interior features. Niceties are seen as irrelevant features that add weight to the vehicle and don’t do anything positive for the driving experience. Lamborghini decided to take a different approach when crafting the 2017 Aventador S’s interior. It comes with more comfort and entertainment that you would expect from a performance vehicle. The Aventador S now comes with a central touchscreen that uses Apple CarPlay to connect the stereo system to the driver’s smartphone. Apple CarPlay gives drivers access to navigation maps, hands-free calling, and streaming media like music, podcasts, and audiobooks. The feature can even read text messages to the driver so know one gets distracted while piloting this energetic vehicle.

The 2017 Aventador S stands out as one of Lamborghini’s greatest achievements. As the company evolves, it continues to push the limits of automotive technology. With a car like this on the road, the future of driving looks rather bright.

LIFESTYLE

Ulysse Nardin

MARINE GRAND DECK TOURBILLON Photos: Ulysse Nardin Media | Words: Matt Thompson

Ulysse Nardin has been creating luxury watches and marine chronometers since its founding in 1846. The company always produces highly accurate timepieces that rely on carefully tested technology. The amount of engineering that goes into each watch is only matched by Ulysse Nardin’s commitment to advancing the aesthetic of its wristwatches. In 2016, Ulysse Nardin released its first Marine Grand Deck Tourbillon timepiece. The original design and masterful construction grabbed the attention of watch aficionados all over the world. A year later, Ulysse Nardin follows its accomplishment with an updated version of the Marine Grand Deck Tourbillon. The new timepiece shows a continuation of Ulysse Nardin’s evolution as one of the planet’s top manufacture d’horlogerie. A Design That Honor’s Nautical Traditions The designers at Ulysse Nardin drew inspiration from nautical traditions when developing an aesthetic for the 2017 Marine Grand Deck Tourbillon. Anyone familiar with a ship’s deck will spot the themes immediately. Instead of a typical minute hand, the Marine Grand Deck Tourbillon has a boom. The design is unmistakable for the boom of a classic sailing yacht. Taking the concept even further, the designers connected the boom to wires that pull it across a graduated arc. The mechanism operates in a way that’s surprisingly similar to the way a halyard cord hoists a ship’s sails. Instead of moving in a circle, the minute hand sweeps left to right from zero to 60. When it reaches the end of an hour, the nanowires pull it back to zero, where it begins its journey anew.

The Marine Grand Deck Tourbillon’s design includes other features that voyagers will recognize. Anchors decorate the watch face and the nanowires attach to the watch’s interior via winches. The watch has a spirit that connects intimately with the yachting tradition.

Original Timekeeping Technology That Surpasses the Competition Ulysse Nardin took a fresh approach to designing timepieces when it made the Marine Grand Deck Tourbillon. The watch contains 469 individual components that fit together impeccably. The smallest flaw would have rendered the wristwatch useless. Only a few companies have the in-depth understanding required to design such a sophisticated piece of machinery. Compared to most watches, the minute hand of the Marine Grand Deck Tourbillon weighs quite a bit. Despite the boom’s heft, owners only need to wind the watch once every 48 hours. With such an exquisite design, the timepiece doesn’t waste any energy, making it possible for wearers to concentrate on their adventurers rather than winding their watches. As the watch winds down, owners can look through skeletonized barrels to see the balance spring unload. This savvy design makes it possible for owners to determine whether they need to wind their watches. It also lends a beautiful component to the watch’s aesthetic. Having the ability to see the mechanism at work reminds one that Ulysse Nardin only produces the finest timepieces. A Watch Built for the Sea The Marine Grand Deck Tourbillon has a beautiful design, but Ulysse Nardin didn’t build it strictly for appearances. The timepiece also serves as a functional timepiece for explorers who demand precision. The watch has an anti-reflective sapphire crystal that makes it possible for wearers to see the time even when the sun casts harsh rays across its face. It’s water-resistant to 100 meters, so wearers don’t have to worry about whether they get wet. A forward and backward hour correcter help owners keep the time exact even when activity jars the watch’s hands slightly. With Ulysse Nardin’s history of developing intricate precision pieces, it’s no surprise that the company’s designers built the latest Marine Grand Deck Tourbillon to serve active yachtsmen.

Ulysse Nardin only produced 18 of this year’s Marine Grand Deck Tourbillon. When it comes to developing precise technology and manufacturing unique parts, companies can only make a limited number of timepieces. The watch’s rarity only makes it a more outstanding achievement. Like a true work of art, people appreciate the Marine Grand Deck Tourbillon all the more when they have rare chances to glimpse it.