Work in Progress

WHAT’S NEW

A selection of new projects and concepts from the leading international shipyards and design studios that will grace the waves in the near future

by Mary Hegarty and Désirée Sormani

UP40 _

ANTONINI NAVI

Antonini Navi’s UP40 – Crossover is the first of three models based

on its innovative UP40 modular steel platform which allows both the yacht’s concept and type to selected while construction is underway. Like its upcoming siblings, the Motoryacht and Sport Explorer, the Crossover is Antonini’s first joint project with the legendary Fulvio De Simoni who describes the model as “a modern reinterpretation of classic boats designed for a precise function”. Boasting pared-back forms clothed in clean, balanced yet innovative lines, this characterful yacht offers a very easy, direct experience of the sea. Unusually, the wheelhouse and foredeck are set midway between the main and upper decks. This creates a sense of continuity throughout the entire upper section of the boat which is essentially a vast 200 sqm-plus seafront terrace, 90 sqm of which is shaded by the hard top. Two versions are available: the very Mediterranean-specific Open Deck and the Enclosed Bridge version with a superstructure with allround views covering part of the upper deck. The master suite is, in this instance, 60 sqm in size with a private terrace. Up to four double guest cabins lie on the lower deck in addition to five for the crew. www.antonininavi.com

[ WIP ] _Project Telex BANNENBERG & ROWELL

Adventure, Active Lifestyle, Power and Proportion are the themes underpinning Bannenberg and Rowell’s Project Telex. But drawing them together is the notion of freedom which Simon Rowell describes as “the ultimate luxury”. Inspired by military forms yet well-proportioned, Telex is as suited to family life as adventuring. A gym, dive shop, wellness space and even an optional submarine are all aft on the lower deck. Vertical service ducts run through main deck, forming a natural ‘snug’ in the foremost area of the main living room.

There a fireplace provides warmth and a focal point with full-height glazing hugging the remainder of the living room, creating an all-season space linking deck and interior. The permutations for the open plan look are many and all-weather cruising is taken into account. The main living room melds with the pool area when opened up, offering a mix of shade and sun. Four double cabins lie on the lower deck with the double-balconied duplex master suite and two family or guest cabins on the main. www.bannenbergandrowell.com

[ WIP ] X80 _ PRINCESS

Princess ushered in the new Superfly X Class with the ground-breaking X95 which is now undergoing very successful sea trials. Hence the brand’s decision to follow it up with a new but slightly more compact sibling, the X80. Due to splash in 2021, the X80 has the same ‘super flybridge’ as the innovative X95 design concept with extensive outdoor space, offering the owner and guests an authentic al fresco living experience and an innovative approach to separating interior and exterior. The upper deck is home to an enclosed bridge and sky lounge which

are accessible via an internal stairs leading up from the main deck. The X80 was designed as an ‘open-concept’ yacht but that said, it still hangs on to plenty of distinct spaces, including a generous main deck that is one large living area. However, owners have the option of putting the master suite and its own private sundeck on the main deck. The yacht’s sculpted surfaces and long flowing lines are by Princess’s long-standing collaborator Olesinski in partnership with car styling legend Pininfarina. www.princessyachts.com

[ WIP ] FUTURA _ VRIPACK

Futura is the new 66m fossil-free yacht concept from Dutch design studio Vripack. Co-creative director Marnix Hoekstra believes the ability of wildlife to move through air and water efficiently should be mimicked to use as little energy as possible to cleave the waves. As a result, Futura is slender, efficient and a third of the height of a comparable vessel. Her curving, flowing lines exude an elegant femininity derived from natural shapes. The superstructure is egg-shaped, the bow end streamlined and the mid-section rounded, creating a whale-like silhouette. Designed as a ‘split and merge’ concept, Futura takes human interaction as its source of inspiration. The result is a loft style, split mezzanine configuration that intertwines and interconnects - outside as well as in, upstairs as well as down. A large crystal dome ensures everyone stays in visual contact. Futura is an electric/diesel hybrid with a difference too. The radical onboard biodegradale, bio-based batteries are made from salt, sand, water and plants, and are charged by a huge kite on an electric winch that can be released at the touch of a button (an in-house Vripack design). https://vripack.com

[ WIP ] 80 ECO _ SUNREEF

Sunreef describes the new Sunreef 80 Eco as an “ecoresponsible” luxury craft as it combines superyacht-style living spaces and reliable performance under sail with electric propulsion and the very latest green technologies. Sunreef Yachts’ proprietary solar power system also ensures that the Sunreef 80 Eco can generate up to 32 kWp – impressive indeed. Solar panels covering a total surface area of 164 sqm can be integrated with various composite structures aboard the yacht – and that includes the mast, boom, superstructure and hull sides. This highly luxurious catamaran is 23.87m long and stretches 11.53m in the beam. It is fitted with a state-of-the-art battery bank that is a massive 30% lighter than the average batteries used in the nautical industry and with a density of less than 6kg / kWh, resulting in superior weight-efficiency and performance. The Sunreef 80 Eco is also fully customisable with a genuinely endless selection of décor choices as well as access to a wide choice of ethically-sourced and eco-friendly finishes and trims. www.sunreef-yachts.com

[ WIP ] M/Y STARLIGHT _ DARNET DESIGN

The 86m M/Y Starlight is the largest custom project from French studio Darnet Design. Designed for all sea conditions, this six-decker has one of the biggest beach clubs on the market at over 100 sqm, two underwater observatories and a 17 sqm pool. Thanks to Starlight’s broad beam, her vast outdoor living spaces offer a mix of sun and shade. The owner’s foredeck has a secluded terrace as well as direct access to a unique love nest integrated in the bow with a panoramic window forward. Fourteen guests enjoy

six guest cabins on the main deck and the owner’s stateroom on the dedicated deck above. The main saloon includes a bright breath-taking social area with plenty of open spaces. Two-storey LCD wall screens decorate the large atrium. The so-called moving Darnet Platform turns the upper saloon into a versatile multipurpose area. With the atrium open, it is a lounge, with the atrium closed between the floors and the platform moved into the place, it becomes an entertainment or cinema area. www.darnet-design.com

[ WIP ] ALTEA _PROJECT HEESEN

Project Altea from Heesen is just the second vessel to be built on the Nova Plus design and engineering platform. Frank Laupman of Omega Architects gave her a long waterline and full-height windows matched by a slightly reverse bow and spray rails for a distinctive contemporary look. Just shy of 350 sqm of interiors include six chic twoberth guest staterooms plus five cabins for nine crew. Italian Cristiano Gatto is responsible for the warm, inviting, peaceful interior design – just what guests need after a fun day at sea. Stained Canaletto and American walnut veneer adorn both walls and floors, while textured leathers and custom carpets by Luxury Pride add a wonderfully tactile extra dimension. Luxe silk and velvet contrast to sophisticated, unconventional effect with fine detailing and leather trim. The result is opulent and comfortable at once. Altea is one of the fastest, most economical craft in her class with a top speed of 19.5 knots and a 3,750 nm range at 12, thanks to her engine set-up, FDHF aluminium hull and 2.15m shallow draft. She is on schedule for delivery in spring 2021. www.heesenyachts.com