Custom with Nautical Rigour

Custom with Nautical Rigour The owner has a dream and, without losing sight of the yacht’s essence and its inviolable technical specifications, Andrea Pezzini is transforming it into reality. The most recent launch is the first 38-model in the new FL series

by Paola Bertelli ph. courtesy of FL/scoobyart 54

A CFD simulation of the hull of the new 38-metre yacht, created to optimise hydrodynamic drag performance. Above, the imposing bow has two enormous windows that bring the sea into the owner’s cabin located forward

L

iving and working with the sea in all its aspects, Andrea

are all essentially tough, stable, well-built yachts that can handle anything

Pezzini is one of those rare professionals who has sso many

the weather throws at them. The hull design, the only aspect where no

worthwhile things to say on a whole range of maritime

compromises are accepted, is optimised on the basis of its shape and

subjects. He has worked in the sector for 40 years, first as a

centre of gravity which is clearly defined in the overall design.

designer, then production manager and now project manager for some

Now in the pipeline is a 38-metre model, the first of the new FL series.

of the most important yards. Salt water runs in his veins. “At home I have

The project was brought into being in collaboration a fresh pair of hands,

an octant that belonged to one of my forebears in the early 1800s and my

as Pezzini believes in and seeks out young partners and their sparkling

childhood memories are of being aboard a sailing yacht with my grandfa-

ideas. This has led to the involvement of Satura Studio for general design

ther”. Alongside Barbara Tambani, he founded Floating Life in 2002, a

and Zero13 for hull analysis. Large shapes and volumes create a balan-

company based in Switzerland specialising in superyacht management,

ced layout over five decks, including an under lower deck, an unusual

charter, sales and design. His approach to design is very clear. “Some

feature for a 38 metre. “The under lower deck with engine room and all

years ago I made the decision to interpret the mental image owners have

the technical equipment is my signature design, a concept I believe in

of their yacht, that’s why ours are so special and have a non-standard

deeply. It makes it possible to manage maintenance and repair while at

design. I’m not a designer in order to sell my lines, I prefer to customise

sea, without disturbing the owner”, Pezzinin explains. The two owner’s

each project and turn my clients’ dreams into reality”.

cabins are designed to enjoy a close relationship with the sea – one will

How do the Floating life projects come into being? It all starts with a

have direct access to the beach area and the other – a full-beam cabin

meeting with the owner and presenting a series of hand-drawn sketches.

– will be located in the bows, providing a clear lateral view of the sea.

“We have a long and detailed discussion and eventually I present some

The high bow recalling explorer yacht design prevents the creation of a

sketches where I attempt to translate the owner’s words into the kind of

forward view of the exterior. The interior decor has yet to be developed.

yacht he or she wants”. Andrea Pezzini took these requirements and drew

“The first sketches that I present will reflect my style. I love colour - I

the hull superstructure lines and shapes. His yachts always reflect the fact

often use shades to harmonise with at least one well-defined base colour

that he’s a mariner – they are designed for safe sailing and to provide an

and I choose soft interiors with a nautical feel. Then there’s light, a key

exciting experience of the sea, remaining only rarely in port. We can label

element that must be handled carefully. The yacht should never feel

them explorers, long range cruising yachts or something similar, but they

dark, but neither should we go over the top”.

floatinglife.com

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