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[ ON-BOARD OFFICES ]
REMOTE BUT CONNECTED We’re living in connected times. We can explore the world while staying in touch with our work, and dealing with our professional responsibilities while enhancing our lifestyle is now a real possibility. And yacht design has adapted to this, creating intimate spaces that are increasingly well thought out by Désirée Sormani
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ot so long ago, the opportunity to work without actually being present at our place of business was an ambition reserved for a privileged few. Some yachts are used as a business venue,
a platform for meetings and establishing work contacts or finalising contracts and hosting prestigious clients and business partners, a practice that is typical of Asian owners, especially Chinese. Of course, it goes without saying that the yacht must be accessible by helicopter, so a helipad is a vital feature on board yachts used for these purposes. Now, though, this practice has spread. While the pandemic has shown
Centre, the 80-metre Columbus Classic M/Y Dragon: the owner requested a deck almost entirely dedicated to business, complete with large desk, video-conferencing screens in the ceiling, bar, round table and lounge. Above, the office on the 58-metre Royal Huisman sail yacht Ngoni with fitness area, interior design by Rick Baker
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how important it was to remain isolated it also highlighted the need to keep on working remotely, away from the normal location. The
Above, right, the office on the 50-metre Riva Race by Officina Italiana
period of social distancing showed that it’s possible to work even when
Design is a multi-functional space with connected relaxation area
at sea – and it also provides the wonderful benefit of breath-taking
featuring TV and lounge, part of the owner’s suite. Above left, the
views. All this is made possible by technical breakthroughs - satellite
office corner in the master cabin of the 55-metre Al Waab by Alia
antennae and GPS systems provide high-speed internet connections
Yacht, designed by Vripack. Below, the multi-functional space on the
and technological advances like touchscreens and video-conferencing
37-metre Benetti B.Yond Goga with interior design by Benetti architect
systems enable professionals and businesspeople to remain active and
Mauro Izzo and furniture by Italian brand Giorgetti
productive always and even in remote corners of the world, allowing
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©Guillaume Plisson
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Above, the Codecasa 43 MY. Boji’s office is included in the main stateroom with a stunning view over the sea, designed by Codecasa’s in-house technical staff. Right, the VIP cabin with work station on the 62-metre CRN Rio. Interiors by Pulina Exclusive Interior. Below, the 56-metre Turquoise explorer M/Y Blue II. The design of the interiors was a collaboration between Hoek Design, London-based Vickers Studio and Amsterdam-based Dols and Company Interiors
them to tap into services that would not be out of place in an office in the heart of New York or Hong Kong. “The demand for on-board offices that enable owners to reconcile their work commitments with leisure activities during cruises has grown with the development of communications networks, which now make connection possible even at sea”, says Virginia De Carlo, marketing & communication manager at Palumbo Superyacht. “This increasing demand has led to a number of design solutions. In some cases it involves dedicated workstations in the owner’s cabin. In other situations owners prefer a proper space for business meetings – on the Columbus 80 metre Classic M/Y Dragon, for example, the owner specified a deck almost entirely dedicated to business, complete with large desk, video-conferencing screens in the ceiling, a bar, round table and lounge area. The owner of the ISA Classic 65 metre also wanted a bathroom and fixed balcony”. This concept of professional spaces on a yacht highlights the importance owners give to the ability to manage their work activities while at sea, emphasising the way superyacht design must reflect contemporary requirements of work and pleasure. No self-respecting floating villa is without a perfectly-organised, dedicated space where owners can isolate themselves from family and friends an establish a virtual presence in professional activities across the world. Designers and yards have recognised this demand and now create flexible, multi-functional spaces designed to be elegant and functional, providing a comfortable, stimulating workspace made using luxurious materials. “The functionality of a well-organised office and dedicated, welcoming interiors that maintain the on-board atmosphere – that’s our work creating on-board offices is aiming for. We want owners to be able to continue looking after their business even when they’re on holiday”, says architect Francesco Paszkowski. “In 136
©Guillaume Plisson
Left, the owner’s suite on the Sanlorenzo SL90A, the first yacht designed entirely by Bernardo Zuccon; it boasts an area that can be used as a vanity unit or office. Above, flexible spaces are the focus of attention on the main deck of the Lürssen Ahpo. It is also a functional working environment where business and pleasure can co-exist without interference. Top, the evocative owner’s private living area aboard the 75m The Italian Sea Group Kenshō, designed entirely by architect Jouin Manku
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[ ON-BOARD OFFICES ] Left, the office on board the SWS 105 Tanhiwa, an intimate corner dedicated to relaxation and work. Below, a design desk stands out in the owner’s cabin of the ISA Classic 65 metre, which has also a fixed balcony. Opposite, the office on board Severin’s, a 55-metre yacht by Baglietto. This comfortable, separate, dedicated space features shapes and colours that fit in with the yacht’s overall style
©Rob Kamhoot
practice this means a space against a bulkhead, small, perhaps, but peaceful, with a sea view and equipped with drawers and spaces where mobile phones, computers, tablets and documents can be stored out of sight once work is over, creating a relaxed atmosphere while remaining within easy reach. One successful example is the office on board Severin’s, a 55-metre yacht by Baglietto. It has a dual access, one from the lobby that leads into owner’s apartment and the other from the sleeping area through a curved sliding door. It’s a comfortable, separate, dedicated space with shapes and colours that fit in with the yacht’s overall style”. Another feature of an inspiring, stimulating work space is large, panoramic windows that provide a breath-taking view of the sea. “Many owners ask for a private space they can retreat to when necessary. A view of the sea is a must”, says Mauro Micheli, Chief Designer and co-founder with Sergio Beretta of Officina Italiana Design, “On yachts up to 30 metres in length these zones form part of the owner’s cabin, which always includes an office or beauty corner. On larger yachts, 50 metres long, say, it’s easier to ask for a fully-fledged office inside the cabin entrance, like on the Riva 50 Metri Race. They are often multifunctional areas where everyone can create his or her own private space. They can also be transformed into an extra cabin”. These areas may include relaxation zones, meeting rooms, gyms, spa and even a swimming pool, features that enable owners to relax and recharge their batteries during work breaks, creating a balance between work and pleasure. Everyone’s dream!
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