Sun Shines on Superyachts at Monaco Boat Show
The Monaco Yacht Show was in fine fettle this year; those working with the largest yachts possessed the biggest smiles. The aristocrats of the seas were all there with some extraordinarily fine yachts: Royal Huisman, Feadship and Lurssen included. Joining in that league this year was Oceanco with the largest yacht in the show: the motor yacht ‘Equanimity’ at 91.5 m. Her technical specification is taken to new heights from Ice Class 1E to the very demanding Passenger Yacht Code – the first superyacht to do so. The interior was designed by Andrew Winch whose Chinese client wanted to reflect his oriental culture using a full palate of exotic materials with gold leaf, wenge wood, bamboo and a variety of marbles. It is good to see both that collaboration and someone who knows exactly the style he wants.
I have long admired Jim “Mr. Netscape” Clark’s Royal Huisman yachts and two of his three build commissions were in the show this year; ‘Athena’, his mother ship for his racing yacht; ‘Hanuman’ which is a replica of the “J” Class ‘Endeavour ll’. Both were simply works of art. Athena is a voluminous 90m. palace but a fleet palace as they have achieved 20 knots under sail. She is a new entrant on to the charter market at 345,000 Euros per week and is for sale at US$75m. The detailing in the crafting of the woodwork wherever I looked was exceptional, for example, each finial (frequently with inlays to make emphases) was designed for that particular location as the flows of the lines were continuous. Nobody could tell me how many drawings were needed to complete the task, a sure contender if ever Guinness World Records were to make such an entry for yachts. To test your head for heights, there are twin electrically hoisted crows’ nests reaching 59m. above the sea, nothing is ordinary on board.
Hanuman’s 42.1m.s lines are very sleek and elegant. The lines are enhanced by keeping a low profile of the ‘dog-house’ superstructure, this is achieved by using a carbon fibre carcass which is then laminated with veneer. Everything is discreetly Hi-Tech, the decks are clear of clutter and electric winches feature despite needing a crew of 31 when racing. The classic look throughout is cleverly maintained despite the demands of racing. She has a permanent seven crew.
The interior of Hanuman has everything you could wish for in a space that is fairly small, but without having any feeling of claustrophobia. It is reputed to be one of the most expensive interiors to build per square metre however that can be justified by the achievement. Hanuman is for sale at US£11m. and the price includes two 12m. containers of racing kit comprising a workshop and 26 sails. Yes; the racing is very serious and at that price, she is seriously for sale as the new ultra-modern race boat is in build.
I now accept that however hard you look you cannot flaw the quality of the motor yacht builds from either Lurssen or Feadship. There were as usual several Feadships with brokers whilst the yard exhibited the new 46.22m. ‘Como’. Time precluded viewing her but from previous experience; they have the benefit of the same obsession with detail as a watchmaker. Lurssen’s ‘Solandge’ at 85m. was exquisite, the exterior lines were elegant and aboard her she exuded such a comfortable aura that frequently is missing from other vast yachts.
I looked forward to seeing the design of the interior of the 73m. motor yacht ‘Grace E’ by Picciotti/ Perini Navi. I had visited the yard when she was being fitted out some time ago when it was evident that there was obviously something special emerging from under the wraps and dust sheets. The result is a real contender for “yacht interior of the show”, no wonder they wanted to take their time in obtaining exactly what they aimed for. The only disappointment is the photographs I have seen so far do not do justice to the interior.
The overall colour scheme is a healthy but subtle shade of cream, sounds boring however when you have thin strap lines of stainless steel around some features, together with contrasting hardwood for handrails, etc. it comes together brilliantly. Add in clever use of lighting; they say there are no more than the average number of lights but the effect is an interior bathed in light wherever you go.
The quality manifests itself in closing the doors, Rolls-Royce would be proud to produce the same satisfying, reassuring ‘clunk’ as if a padded safe door was closing. The move towards quieter and smoother running is gaining ground; Grace E is diesel/Electric powered, the engine room loses a bit of its appeal without those massively impressive engines but that is progress.
Another interior that appealed was that of the Rossi Navi 48.3m. ‘Polaris’ motor yacht, she was well considered and the quality was certainly up to the mark. The Russian owner was more imaginative than most owners and had a good eye for design. It is about time other owners upped their game in more aspects than just money and recognise that 5* or so-called 6*, 7* hotels are not the epitome of luxury. Likewise, some designers hog the whole design process and indulge themselves in everything being perfectly coordinated. It is unusual if it works well; the owner should have his favourite pieces displayed despite others’ criticism. Back to Hanuman, Jim Clark has some of his own under-water photographs prominently displayed, they do not fit but … I must mention a question I raised on his yacht Athena, on walking through the lower cabin deck, there appeared to be two Monets, “are they the real ….?” Before I finished the response was simply “at home”.
Speed is appealing and AB Yachts, part of the Fipa Group is to the fore in that arena. I checked out their 116 which will have wide appeal as not only can they dial up a specification to fit any speed, they can do so without all the bells and whistles of stepped hulls and trim tabs. However, the yachts are built entirely of carbon fibre and Kevlar complemented by waterjet propulsion. Recently they delivered an example built in six months and as a thank you, they rewarded the 25 craftsmen by taking them on a sea trial; they achieved 52.8 knots. ‘Musa’ at the show was to a lower speed specification; 49 knots but still enough to leave their competitors in their wake.
The ‘beach clubs’ is a term used to describe the expansive swimming areas that open up when great flaps fold out from motor yacht hulls. These are probably the most significant developments for enjoyment on yachts in recent years. Previously, security was compromised by swimming platforms and theatrical stairs leading up through the decks from the sea level. Those aboard were rather remote from the sea but now the hulls can be secure when everything is folded away. Appropriate for her generous size is the beach club on CRN’s 80m. Choppi Choppi, it is simply vast and presents a great party/entertaining area.
Saving the best till last? Certainly very high up the rankings on many aspects is ‘Twizzle’ Royal Huisman’s 57.5m. globe-trotting ketch. She is for sale at €48,750,000 and offered charter through the brokers Burgess. The spaces on board below are full of light with plenty of naturally coloured, light woods complementing the discreet décor. Adding to the spacious feeling, you can see from stem to stern as the flow of spaces open up. Importantly, there is always somewhere private to go even when the full complement of eleven in the owner’s party is aboard so the essential privacy element on extended cruises is enhanced. Al fresco living is normal and there is a generous covered area aft which keeps the heat of the sun off people whilst they can still enjoy the outdoors.
Her advanced rig gives her a maximum of 17 knots that has held her in good stead when racing, but a cruising speed of 11 knots is still impressive.
Ashore at the show is a full range of services and supplies for the world of yachting extending to private aeroplanes and the banks which fund them. All the names seem to be represented but one that many may not have come across is Kevin Glancy from Manchester. The yacht names they have supplied with tableware is the equivalent of the aristocrats in Debretts Peerage. To gauge the standards they achieve, a dinner plate can cost up to £1,200 each. They obviously know their trade intimately and given the guest capacity and the partying habits of an owner, they can quickly provide all the data on requirements with recommendations on makers, etc. Their stand may be small but it is worth exploring and I always learn something; from about 45 m./500 tons, motor yachts have room for two sets of tableware so owners may choose not to offer their best to charterers. Perhaps when enquiring about your charter, you should insist on the best tableware being included.
