A DIFFERENT VIEW
The reverse windscreen is becoming a go-to stylistic solution, not only because it’s different, but also because it works better. Northern European pleasure sailors knows it very well
by Giacomo Giulietti
This article would amaze northern European pleasure sailors for two reasons – first, because the reverse windscreen is a common, well-established feature of yachts based in this region, and secondly because it’s obvious to them that this type of windscreen brings many advantages. We’ll see why at the end of the article. In the Mediterranean - apart from pilot boats, not often regarded as style icons - the reverse-slope windscreen has only been evident for few seasons. Recently, though, it has been appearing with unexpected frequency on some of the most interesting projects on the market. It’s hard to say who did it first - Officina Italiana Design recently unveiled this design choice on large yachts that were not intended for work, on behalf of the Sanlorenzo Group in 2017, with the creation of the Sanlorenzo SX 88. This is a crossover design between a flybridge yacht and explorer, based on a concept by Luca Santella. In the words of Mauro Micheli from Officina Italiana Design, “When Luca Santella put the SX88 concept to us everything was instinctual, including the Z for Zorro motif. Those three connected lines yield a new and
Opening, the Sanlorenzo Sx 88, the first recently-launched model to include a reverse windscreen in a yacht over 24 metres. Above, the Pardo Yachts GT 75. The reverse windscreen on the yard’s flagship contributes to the muscularity of its outline. Bottom, the AB Yachts 110, an example of how a reverse windscreen can also feature on a design with the DNA of a fast yacht
Alberto Cocchi
Above, the CLX96, and how designer Jozeph Forakis interpreted the concept of “working chic” CL Yachts. Below, the Ferretti Infynito 90, where the entire superstructure has been reinterpreted to provide greater functionality
very contemporary take on the reverse-angled window, a classic naval and explorer vessel cue: very far from banal”. This model then morphed into a range of four yachts between 76 and 112 feet in length, developed by the Zuccon International Project Yachts by Bluegame, the Sanlorenzo Group’s rebel brand, helmed by the Luca Santella-Bernardo Zuccon design team, also feature the reverse windshield on all its models, much more highly accentuated than on the BGs designed before the brand joined the group led by Massimo Perotti. The Santella explains the choice: “One of Bluegame’s values is to provide safe, comfortable sailing, so together with the high-performance hull one of the features of our yachts is the excellent manoeuvring visibility provided by the centrally-located helm station and reverse windscreen”.
And then suddenly the reverse windscreen started appearing everywhere – on the Vittoria Yacht Veloce 32 and the Explorer line, both designed by Sergio Cutolo’s Hydro Tec studio, and in the medium-dimension segment with the Spanish Astondoa Ax8. It was also adopted by Pardo Yachts’ Endurance GT lines on models from 52 to 75 feet in length. Gigi Servidati, President of Cantiere del Pardo, says that “The reverse windscreen isn’t simply an aesthetic choice with significant visual impact, it helps improve awareness of what’s happening around the boat. On board the Endurance 60 this innovative design heightens the sense of depth, visually expanding the space perceived from inside and providing almost an extra metre in length, a sensation that transforms the sailing experience, making it more open and immersive. From the point of view of practicality, especially in challenging sea conditions, the sloping shape of the windshield greatly assists the run-off of water and spray
Above, the Princess Yachts X95, the largest of the three models in the British shipyard’s X Class range, which features a reverse windscreen. Below, the Tuxedo 44 Reverso by Tuxedo Yachting House, an Italian take on the daycruiser
Above, the bow of Bluegame’s BGX63. The young Sanlorenzo brand has always used the reverse windscreen. Bottom, the Axopar 45 Cross Top, an iconic Nordic-style craft given a more modern, sprightly interpretation.
that inevitably hits the yacht, so that visibility is always optimal. This feature if crucial for safety and comfort as it enables clear visibility of the yacht’s surroundings”. The “upside-down” solution was also chosen for Ferretti Yachts’ revolutionary Infynito 80 and 90, designed by Filippo Salvetti. This model also features an intriguing forward cover on the main deck. There’s also the new AB110 Sportfly, the first in a new range designed entirely for AB Yachts, the sporty brand that is part of the Next Yacht Group. Not forgetting the interpretation inspired by a combination of Italian design and Eastern tradition, in the person of Jozeph Forakis of jozeph forakis … design. Forakis is responsible for the lines and CL Yachts, a Hong-Kong based yard that branched out into yacht building in 2018. The result is the CLX96. The designer of its exteriors explains that “A good design tells the story of the producer. The yard is a leading constructor of commercial craft and luxury yachts, inspiring the concept of “working chic”. Its daring profile
with double reverse angle and wing-like flybridge elements are visually distinctive”. The trend remains healthy and is also influencing the design of smaller yachts. While the Finnish provenance of the X Cabin and X Top versions of the Axopar yachts means we can expect it on these models, it’s much more striking on entirely Italian yachts like the Tuxedo 44 Reverso. The result of a collaboration between Laura and Francesco Ceccarelli and Lorenzo Berselli’s studio Agon, this craft reinterprets the concept on a rare, refined aluminium walkaround that becomes new and original by drawing on tradition. As Francesco Ceccarelli says, “In a world where safety and sustainability are crucial issues, elements that are fundamental aspects of our philosophy, combining a more classic, traditional product with one that reflects concepts from the past and layouts created to handle work or rough seas is a valid alternative for clients who are seeking different solutions for a smaller yacht, too”.
Above, the Astondoa Ax8, a Spanish proposal for an owner who has resized his yacht without compromising on the desired levels of comfort. Below, the new made-tomeasure alloy line flagship Custom Line 50 Asante
