Admiral GECO

Admiral GECO

The new 55-metre from Admiral, flagship brand of The Italian Sea Group, is a celebration of Italian yacht-building expertise and design flair, a masterpiece of lines and daring solutions like the huge stern transformed into a beach club and the bow heliport. A yacht designed and developed with architect Gian Marco Campanino

by Marta Gasparini- ph. courtesy of The Italian Sea Group

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hen a yacht designer’s work becomes that of a

a long, backlit mocha-coloured oak and onyx countertop. The sundeck

couturier, a number of additional factors come

features a custom hydromassage pool and an extremely well-equipped

into play, namely the reaction of the owner and

outdoor gym”. Another key element in the design project is the helipad.

of the people whose task it is to interpret the ow-

“To reflect legal requirements on dimensions, it extends on both sides,

ner’s requirements and create a location where those on board will feel at

delicately “drawing” the yacht’s shape. It can also be converted into a

ease. Giving shape to these emotional demands is the challenge architect

Moroccan-style lounge for pleasant evenings spent in the open air”.

Gian Marco Campanino, art director of The Italian Sea Group, had to

Inside the yacht passengers are enfolded in a captivating setting that

take on in order to create an attractive, elegant and functional sea-borne

balances classic French charm with cutting-edge Italian design. This has

residence. The result of his work is the 55-metre Geco, a sculpture in alu-

led Campanino to revolutionise the yacht interior concept with French ca-

minium. “The brief was to create a “super cool” yacht”, says Campanino,

binetry and select Italian marbles that create sophisticated interiors. “The

“Not at all conventional, reflecting a luxurious minimalism and measured

space is filled by an attractive mix of materials like wengè, natural light

maximalism, somewhere that makes it possible to spend long periods at

oak and gilded Calacatta marble, creating elegant interiors throughout the

sea”. The starting point was a series of sketches with deep perspectives

yacht with a discreet luxury enhanced by artisanal pieces and leather-clad

and large openings with flowing lines to express the space from bow to

wall panels. We used famous Italian brands like Poltrona Frau, Ceccotti

stern and between the decks, highlighting the entirely handmade details.

and Baxter”. The architect chose a distinctive colour scheme and elegantly

“Everything is new, from the high bow to the revolutionary design of the

contrasting materials, combining a palette of warm, neutral tones with

stern section hosting an incredible beach club, which is the heart of the

accents in colours including navy blue and cognac orange, as well as

project. This space is inspired by the need for an area that can be used at

bronzed metal details for the taps and fittings, bathroom accessories,

all times for relaxation. High glass screens shelter guests from the wind

handles, lights and hinges. “Everything is controlled and balanced, except

and encourage a constant visual interaction with the sea. A huge sunpad

in the circular dining room where the huge chandelier by Preciosa, a

platform features a high-tech swim ladder to provide access to the water”.

unique piece designed for this space, creates a magical undulating effect

Open-air life continues on the upper deck, with a special layout – the

with a seemingly endless staggered succession of amber-colour crystals”.

exterior/interior areas are linked by a sliding glass door that eliminates

Geco (also available for charter) can accommodate up to 12 people in six

the separation between the upper and outdoor lounges and the dining

cabins, including a master suite, VIP cabin and four double cabins, all

area. “The bar also becomes a bridge between exterior and interior, with

with en-suite bathroom.

admiral-yachts.com

Geco is 55.2 metres long and has a 8.60 metre beam. An all-aluminium build, it is powered by two Caterpillar engines providing a maximum speed of 18 knots and a cruising speed of 16.5 knots. Sold in October 2018, it was handed over to the owner last summer

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Minimalism and maximalism combine in all the spaces.

Opposite, a detail of the owner’s bathroom with Calacatta marble and polished ebony. Fixtures and fittings are by Gessi. To side, the owner’s suite. Below, the living area with the large chandelier and bar counter in the background create a spectacular effect

5 questions to

Giovanni Costantino

CEO & Founder of The Italian Sea Group

Is this the owner’s first yacht or was he already an experienced sailor? How long did his decision to buy it take?

The owner has a deal of experience in sailing, which he gained on his previous yachts. The M/Y Geco is the largest of his fleet. He decided to buy it when he came to our yard for the first time and had the chance to meet me. I told him all about the idea I had in mind for the construction of this extraordinary project. My vision of the build and my total commitment to the commission won him over, marking the start of a collaboration based on trust and mutual respect”.

How long after the signing of the contract was the yacht delivered? How often did the owner visit the yard to follow the work? “Geco came to life with a handshake between the owner and me, a gesture that I think is worth far more than any paperwork. Geco was delivered 24 months later despite the unexpected difficulties caused by the Covid-19 epidemic. I was responsible for the entire development process and I oversaw every detail of the work, operating across the project with my technical and operational team. I also focused on implementing design elements, resulting in a wonderful, unique creation”.

What brief did the owner give you, and what elements stood out? “The only creative input I wanted to listen to was the owner’s words when we shook hands: “I trust you, Giovanni, I’m excited about this yacht. I’ll see you when it’s delivered”.

The design is by Gian Marco Campanino. What was the relationship between the owners and the architect team?

“We worked in close contact with Gian Marco to give shape to my personal vision of the yacht and our Centro Stile did a brilliant job helping me transform my original creative idea into reality. The understanding between our work group and the owner’s team regarding the design of the exteriors and interiors and the refinement of the details, colours and materials was very strong and harmonious right from the start”.

After Geco, is Admiral working on any new yachts? “In production terms the yard is always in operation. At the moment we’ve eight commissions active with Admiral and we’re working on four large projects with Tecnomar. We’ve just begun production of our Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 yacht and the NCA Refit Business Unit for motor and sail yacht repairs is working on fifteen craft. My constant all-round involvement in all the yard’s activities is a crucial corporate asset”.

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