superyacht layout

OVERVIEW   |  DECK PLANS PHOTO GALLERY   |  VIRTUAL TOUR DOWNLOAD E-BROCHURE   |  DOWNLOAD E-FLYER

Click on each deck to view enlarged

• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

Video: See inside 9 of the most amazing modern sailing superyachts

• September 10, 2020

Sailing superyacht technology has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years - we take a closer look at nine of the most stunning examples...

1. Aquarius

The brief for Aquarius included that she should be, ‘an elegant, muscular sailing yacht with a classic profile for family enjoyment.’ But that barely scratches the surface of the main requirements for this giant ketch. The owners also wanted a yacht that would combine good seakeeping characteristics with performance, reliability and quality.

Essential features included relative simplicity, robustness of systems and a contemporary interpretation of elegant, classic lines, with a clean and uncomplicated appearance. Aquarius ’s graceful lines and timeless shape belie a rugged world cruiser configured to be self-sufficient for extended periods when voyaging well beyond the popular Med and Caribbean circuits. In addition, the yacht is welcoming for family and friends, while providing sufficient performance to compete in superyacht regattas.

Specifications

LOA: 56.18m (184ft 4in) LWL: 41.17m (135ft 1in) Beam: 9.51m (31ft 2in) Draught: 4.80m (15ft 9in) Displacement: 264 tonnes (591,360lbs) Mainsail: 520m2 (5,597ft2) Mizzen: 440m2 (4,736ft2) Blade: 430m2 (4,628ft2) Air draught: 58.50m (192ft 11in) Spars: Rondal carbon with Rondal/Carbo-Link continuous standing rigging Builder: Royal Huisman Launched: 2017

Photo: Baltic Yachts

2. Pink Gin VI

The Baltic 175 Pink Gin may have captured most of the headlines for her sheer size and cleverly engineered topside balconies, but below decks a collection of Cuban art and some phenomenal styling demand equal attention.

Mark Tucker’s team at Design Unlimited in the UK worked closely with the yacht’s owner, Professor Hans Georg Näder, with whom they had co-operated on his previous Pink Gin , to produce an unusual exercise in interior styling.

LOA: 53.90m (176ft 10in) LWL: 45.27 m (148ft 6in) Beam: 9.55 m (31ft 4in) Draft: 4.50-7.00 m (14ft 9in – 22ft 12in) Displacement: 250 tons (560,000lbs) Ballast: 79 tons (176,960lbs) Naval architect: Judel/Vrolijk & co Interior: Design Unlimited Builder: Baltic Launched: 2017

Article continues below…

Liara: The Baltic 112 superyacht designed to cruise the world in supreme comfort

Over the past decade we’ve been treated to the rise of the custom built cruiser-racer. Arguably inspired by the success…

Aquarius: Modern classic masterpiece makes for a surprisingly sensible superyacht

A demanding brief for Aquarius from experienced sailors has produced a masterpiece from some of the most experienced and talented…

The Baltic 142 Canova  may not be using the hydrofoils popularised by the America’s Cup , but her 29ft 6in long (9m) horizontal sliding foil employs the same principle of lift to reduce heel and boost speed. The designers of the Dynamic Stability System (DSS) say it could improve the performance of this super-cruiser by 20 per cent, delivering a sustained 25 knots – not bad for a superyacht that displaces 146 tonnes. This is the first time the DSS has been used in superyachting, but its benefits will be used for comfortable, fast long-distance cruising rather than gaining an edge on the racecourse.

With styling and interior design by Lucio Micheletti as well as the in-house team, Canova  sports a sleek, low deck saloon with a hard, fixed bimini extending over the forward cockpit area. Below, her vast deck saloon, providing panoramic views, forms the focal point of her luxury accommodation.

Unusually, the owner’s suite is located almost amidships, where motion is at its least, with further accommodation for six guests in three cabins. Other features include a Rondal rig with electric in-boom furling, a lifting keel and a propeller leg rotating through 180 degrees.

LOA: 43.3m (142ft 1in) LWL: 41.6m (136ft 6in) Beam: 9.m (29ft 6in) Draft: 3.8-6.5m (12ft 6in-21ft 4in) Displacement: 146.5 tons (328,160lbs) Naval architect: Farr Yacht Design Interior design: Baltic Yachts / Lucio Micheletti Exterior design: Lucio Micheletti Builder: Baltic Launched: 2019

Photo: Perini Navi

Part of the world’s largest sailing yacht series by length, Seven is hull number 3 in Perini Navi’s 60m ketch series, after Seahawk and Perseus 3 . Launched in 2017, she was feted for her groundbreaking interior lighting design throughout all five guest cabins. A powerful motor-sailer, her twin MTU engines and 47,000-litre fuel capacity mean a globe-trotting range of 3,600nm when motoring at 12 knots.

LOA: 60m (197ft) LWL: 50.4m (165ft 4in) Beam: 11.4m (37ft 4in) Draft: 4.3m-12.3m (14ft 1in – 40ft 4in) Mast height: 62.2m (204ft) Total sail area: 2,097 m2 (22,572ft2) Displacement: 575 tonnes (1,288,000 lbs) Naval architect: Ron Holland / Perini Navi Builder: Perini Navi Launched: 2017

Photo: Gilles Martin-Raget / Wally

This may be the fourth 100ft yacht designed to the Wallycento box rule, but it’s one that raises the bar with regard to combining form and functionality with outrageously cool aesthetics. Considering that Wally is yachting’s deity of style, that’s saying something.

Tango is at the very forefront of modern fast monohull design and advanced technology. Its stealthy black livery and long, low lines combine with a bold reverse sheerline to create a potent, powerful look. The ruthlessly clean deck is signature Wally. The image of the single helmsman on deck, with all that power and beauty controlled simply by the touch of a network of buttons on the pedestals, has become an icon for the Italian brand.

LOA: 30.48m (100ft) Beam: 7.20m (23ft 7in) Draught: 4.4-6.2m (14ft 5in-20ft 4in) Displacement (light): 47,500kg (104,720lb) Upwind sail area: 640m2 (6,889ft2) Downwind sail area: 1,398m2 (15,048ft2) Naval architecture: Mills Design Exterior design: Wally / Mills Design Interior design: Pininfarina Builder: Persico Marine Launched: 2017

Photo: Breed Media

The owner’s brief for Ngoni would be challenging for any size of yacht: “Build me a beast. Don’t build me a sheep in wolf’s clothing. This has to be an edgy and innovative weapon; fast and furious.” When the boat in question is a giant 58m (190ft) sloop with a displacement of nearly 400 tonnes this project was always going to push hard against existing boundaries of design, deck hardware and materials technology.

“The owner wanted me to take a fresh look at large yacht design,” Dubois recalled before his untimely death four years ago. “He wanted me to go back to my roots in the late 1970s and ’80s when we were designing race boats, but he also knew we had designed a number of high-performance yachts that were nevertheless seaworthy and comfortable cruisers. So I had to reset my internal computer, if you like, and look hard at how we could save weight and add strength.

“That’s how the reverse sheer came about. I was worried he might not like it. The next time we met in London I showed him the design and he loved it – in fact he gave me a big bear hug!”

LOA: 58.15m 190ft 9in LWL: 51.20m 167ft 12in Beam: 9.54m 31ft 4in Draught: 5.3m-81m (17ft 5in-26ft 7in) Displacement: 353 tons (778,224lb) Upwind sail area: 1,950m2 (20,989ft2) Downwind sail area: 3,093m2 (33,293ft2) Air draught: 75m (247ft) Naval architect: Ed Dubois Interior design: Paul Morgan / Rick Baker Builder: Royal Huisman Launched: 2017

Photo: Vitters Shipyard

Ahimsa is a 216ft sloop-rigged aluminum yacht, designed by the late Ed Dubois. Built with a combination of innovation and advanced technical craftsmanship, Ahimsa boasts a low superstructure and deck clean. Key features include the ability to hoist her mainsail in less than two minutes and tack the boat within 30 seconds.

The 83m carbonfibre mast is the largest ever produced by Southern Spars and had to be transported to The Netherlands in two pieces. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, Ahimsa ‘s Code 1 sail is the world’s largest artwork on canvas, designed by the Norwegian artist Magne Furuholmen.

LOA: 66m (216ft 6in) Mast height: 83m (272ft 4in) Naval architect: Ed Dubois Builder: Vitters Launched: 2012

Svea , the newest addition to the now nine-strong J Class fleet, is one of the most outstanding new yachts of modern times – a harmonious meeting of historic and modern design; a blend of J Class lines and maxi grand prix yacht technology.

All Js dazzle on the water, but Svea simply stops you in your tracks. Her lines and deck are kept spectacularly clean, thanks to the compact wheelhouse, sunken wheel and wonderfully low boom.

Her dark metallic grey hull and black and red sail wardrobe lend her timeless lines a slightly menacing appearance – a purposeful racing look that belies the luxurious interior below decks. The aggressive aesthetics are in keeping with her name, a Viking word (it means Swede).

LOA: 43.6m (143ft 1in) Interior design: Pieter Beeldsnijder / deVos deVries design Builder: Vitters/Bloemsma Launched: 2017

Not only is Liara a masterpiece of style, thanks to UK-based super designers Malcolm McKeon and Adam Lay combining to stunning effect, but she clearly represents a formidable amount of experience. And that all stems from the boss.

This is the fourth Liara for British serial yacht owner Tony Todd, who is now in his seventies. His initial brief was for a safe, comfortable family cruising yacht for circumnavigating the globe , hence the deep and well-protected cockpit. However, Todd has been racing yachts all his life, and once his competitive side kicked in and the odd regatta was mentioned, the speed, weight and deck layout to make this possible became critical features. The result is Liara , the definitive multi-role superyacht.

Specification

LOA: 112ft 0in (34.14m) LWL: 105ft 0in (32.00m) Beam: 25ft 11in (7.90m) Draught: 13ft 0in-20ft 2in (3.95m-6.15m) Displacement (light): 88 tonnes (194,000 lbs) Design: Malcolm McKeon / Adam Lay Builder: Baltic Launched: 2019

Plans Image Gallery

• Inspiration

Featured Galleries

FLOR | From EUR€ 51,150/wk Special

Superyacht photographers.

Photos & Video: 104m mega yacht QUANTUM ...

Related yachts.

DRUMBEAT | From US$ 175,000/wk

• Directory >
• Luxury Yacht Gallery Browser >

Quick Enquiry

Reverie decks plans.

Si Datu Bua Luxury Indonesian Phinisi ...

Deck Plans / Map On Yacht LUCKY LADY

Yacht DRUMBEAT - Alloy Yachts - Plans 3

FAREWELL - Layout Plans

Yacht DRUMBEAT - Alloy Yachts - Plans 2

Yacht DRUMBEAT - Alloy Yachts - Plans

General Arrangement Plans

Deck Plans / Map On Board Yacht MAGNA ...

Deck Plans / Map Aboard Yacht ARIETE ...

General Plans

Layout Plans

Deck Plans / Map On Board Yacht BLISS

Deck Plans - GA

Deck Plans / Map On Yacht SEA FALCON II

Sailing Yacht Kokomo III - Plans

Plans / Map On Yacht ATHOS

Deck Plans / Map Aboard Yacht FAM

Deck Plans / Map On Board Yacht ...

ELVI GA Plans

NATORI - Layout Plans

BIBICH - Layout Plans

Deck Plans / Map On Yacht SYCARA IV

Sea Crown Plans

Deck Plans / Map Aboard Yacht SEA CROWN

Deck Plans / Map On Yacht LET IT BE

Berrak Su GA Plans

Upper Deck GA Plans

Lower Deck GA Plans

Main Deck GA Plans

Tiger - Cros Section Plans

More Galleries

Unique Yacht Design

Charles W. Wittholz

Charter Yacht Disclaimer

This document is not contractual. The yacht charters and their particulars displayed in the results above are displayed in good faith and whilst believed to be correct are not guaranteed. CharterWorld Limited does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information and/or images displayed. All information is subject to change without notice and is without warrantee. A professional CharterWorld yacht charter consultant will discuss each charter during your charter selection process. Starting prices are shown in a range of currencies for a one-week charter, unless otherwise marked. Exact pricing and other details will be confirmed on the particular charter contract. Just follow the "reserve this yacht charter" link for your chosen yacht charter or contact us and someone from the CharterWorld team will be in touch shortly.

• Architecture News – World Buildings
• Buildings by Country
• Buildings by City
• Architects by country
• Architects by city
• Architects alphabetical
• Competitions
• Building Events
• Architecture Design

Building a yacht: superyacht construction process

Building Your Own Yacht Process, Superyacht Construction, Marina Architecture, Buildings

Building A Yacht Of Your Own

29 June 2020

Building A Yacht Of Your Own – What Is The Process?

29th June 2020 – Imagine building your very own superyacht, designed to your specific needs, tastes and desires. While building a yacht is more complex and may take years of research and planning than buying new yachts or motor boats for sale , it will also be as exciting and fulfilling as all the future journeys you will enjoy onboard it.  But where to start? How do you go about tackling your very own superyacht construction to realise your own new build yacht ?

A Look Into Building A Yacht – How To Go About It?

Every custom-built superyacht starts with a vision, based on personal preference and taste, and the type of onboard lifestyle desired. What kind of cruising is required, which luxuries would you like onboard, for example a spa or swimming pool, and is a helipad necessary?   With a world of options to consider, the future owner will naturally be the driving force behind their own superyacht construction, but to ensure the smoothest journey possible, they will need a team of experts to work on such a big project.

The Superyacht Construction Team – Key Players

The process of building a yacht will involve a great number of decisions, so having the support of a knowledgeable and experienced team is imperative.

The owner may wish to engage a respected yacht broker to build the team, knowing that they spend a significant amount of time liaising with key players across the yachting industry.  They will also ensure the owner’s interests are protected, while providing access to some of the world’s most exciting and ground-breaking yacht builders.

Key players will include a professional yacht designer and naval architect, who will be chosen depending on the type and style of superyacht construction required.  An engineer will be engaged for detailed design, and an interior designer will need to work in conjunction with both, designing the layout and cabin suites to meet the owner’s requirements.

You will also need to engage an owner’s representative to oversee the superyacht construction on your behalf. In some cases, the vessel’s future captain may take this role, and offer guidance and reassurance throughout the design and construction stages. They will also negotiate the most favourable terms and protect the buyer’s interests.

Dedicated Project Management Team for Building A Yacht

In addition, when building a yacht, a project management team will be engaged to oversee the day-to-day details, from coordinating the production of the technical specs to running a tender process with shipyards, through to price and contract negotiations.

As the superyacht construction progresses, they will act as the go-between for the different parties involved, and ensure that every element of the project is handled efficiently and to the highest standard. Some will work full time, while others with short-term specialisms may be engaged during particular phases of the build.

The Shipyard – The Heart of Superyacht Construction

The shipyard is where the superyacht construction finally gets underway, using its state-of-the-art equipment, experienced representatives and skilled craftsmen. Involved from the design stage, the shipyard will work closely with the project manager and/or owner’s representative, as well as both the interior and exterior designers to ensure that the end result not only fits the owner’s specifications, but also meets marine legislation and technical requirements.

With the complexities of changing international legislation, it is the project manager’s job to liaise with all parties to ensure that everyone is kept up-to-date on any necessary design changes or alterations.

The Legalities

An experienced team of maritime lawyers will be engaged to write contracts that set the guidelines for the build and protect the buyer from technical issues and delays.  Detailed build milestones and payment schedules will also be drawn up. On the vessel’s completion, lawyers will advise on flag registration and handle all other regulatory aspects, as well as the operational setup and ownership structure.

Sea Trial – Exciting & Essential

After successfully building a yacht to the owner’s requirements, surveyors will be needed to establish the vessel’s performance and seaworthiness during a sea trial, an essential part of the construction of any new superyacht. During a sea trial, all parties work together to fine-tune the systems and iron out any issues.

Typically a sea trial takes place on open water and can last several days. The yacht’s crew will usually be engaged six months to a year before completion, and will play an integral part in putting the superyacht through its paces. These will include testing the vessel’s speed, manoeuvrability, equipment and safety features.

Also present onboard will be technical representatives from the shipyard as well as those from any major systems used, the owner’s representative, and governing and certification officials.

The certification officials are employed by a classification society, a third-party service that assures the quality of construction – the nautical equivalent of an MOT. The classification certificate they issue will be required for registering the yacht and obtaining marine insurance.  It may also be required before entering certain ports or waterways, and will be of interest to future charterers and potential buyers.

Owner’s Supply

Most custom yacht contracts do not include what is known as the Owner’s Supply – any additional items the owner desires after building a yacht, such as tenders and water toys, audio-visual and entertainment systems, loose furniture, tableware, and decorative objects.   Each will need to be procured, insured, managed and integrated into the yacht itself before final delivery.

Building A Yacht – The Final Delivery

At last the big day arrives: the superyacht is delivered to her delighted owner, and launched with much fanfare and celebration. The proud new owner is now free to enjoy their very own, truly unique superyacht out on the open water.

The process of building a yacht might be a complex, long-term commitment and a major investment, but a custom-built vessel is limited only by the owner’s imagination. For all the effort and work involved, there can be nothing more thrilling than realising a new build yacht that fulfils all your dreams and requirements, enjoying it with family and friends for many years to come.

Boat Design Articles

Guide to best European shipyards

New Yachts 2018

Yachtsman’s House on the Isle of Wight

Marina Architecture

Building a Superyacht

Boathouse Articles

Comments / photos for the Building A Yacht Of Your Own – What Is The Process? page welcome

• Impressions

Delivered in 2016, Dilbar is the largest motor yacht in the world by gross tonnage. She is one of the most complex and challenging yachts ever built, in terms of both dimensions and technology. At 15,917 tons, the 156-meter superyacht features entertainment and recreation spaces never before seen on a yacht. These include a 25-meter swimming pool that holds an incredible 180 m³ of water, the largest pool ever to have been installed on a yacht. The exterior design, a classic profile with a light ivory hull and bronze accents, was developed by Espen Øino International. Her spectacular interior, created by the Winch Design team, uses rare and exclusive luxury materials.

Do you wish to talk about yacht design?

We would love to hear from you

Robb Report

6 Architects That Are Now Creating Designs for Superyachts

Posted: December 11, 2023 | Last updated: December 11, 2023

1.-real-lead-Symbiosis-by-Kurt-Merki-Jr_05

Exciting yacht design doesn’t require reinventing the wheel. But a fresh view always helps. That’s why more yacht owners are looking for land-based architects and designers for their new build and refit interiors, preferring a cross-pollination of ideas over the tried and true.

The first owner to shy away from the traditional yacht designer set was billionaire Lukas Lundin, who tasked Italian architect Cristina Gherardi Benardeau to design the interior of the 274-foot Savannah. The Feadship, launched in 2015, is largely remembered as the first superyacht with a hybrid propulsion package. But the interior is just as radical.

Benardeau, a designer of retail space for Giorgio Armani and Christian Dior Couture, gave the 262-foot yacht the world’s first “Nemo lounge,” or a bubble in the hull where the owners and guests could see underwater.  It also featured what looked like a floating superstructure, employing long strips of tinted glass inspired by skyscrapers. (The same visual trick was employed later in Oceanco’s 361-foot Jubilee.) Savannah was the first boat to receive full metallic exterior paint job to blend in with the ocean surroundings—an idea later seen on superyacht Kensho, when it delivered in 2022.

Since then, a number of owners and boatbuilders have employed residential architects to do interior designs, as well as offer exterior flourishes (though naval architects complete the structures and running surfaces.) Rome architect Achille Salvagni has done projects for Rossinavi and Azimut, Lord Norman Foster created a series that later became the YachtPlus fleet, Lazzarini & Pickering designed the Benetti Motopanfilo 37M, and next year, Matteo Thun & Antonio Rodriguez will show their talents on Azimut’s SeaDeck Series.

Even residential stalwarts like Zaha Hadid Architects can’t help but experiment with nautical projects. Following the 2016 reveal of the firm’s Unique Circle Yachts series, the studio collaborated with Vitruvius Yachts this year on Britain’s new “royal yacht” project. And more recently, the architects unveiled concept renderings for Oneiric, a proposed catamaran in collaboration with Italian shipyard Rossinavi.

From skyscraper to sea, here are six yachts designed by mainstream architects.

Amer F100, Architect Roberto Palomba

Architect Roberto Palomba has been designing houses for decades. His Milan-based studio, Palomba Serafini Associati, includes the Italian Consulate in Detroit, home décor and even tableware, among its past projects. His first yacht is the Amer F100, which features a unique “Glass Cabin” as the main salon. It was designed in partnership with Ludovica Serafini. “My aim was to change some standard boat elements to create something completely different,” Palomba told Robb Report during the yacht’s world debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival. “Certainly, our perspective offers a fresh look, an architectural vision rooted in the world of architecture and interior design, translated into the realm of yacht design.” The Glass Cabin is an architectural glass box that encases the main salon and formal dining area with windows that are larger than other yachts with similar dimensions. The garden creates openness, light and a continuous connection with the sea. Continuing the theme, reflective surfaces are used on the walls and ceiling across all social areas to bring more light in, while stairs joining the main deck to the bridge are topped by more glass, opening the heart of the yacht to blue skies.

‘Kensho,’ Jouin Manku

Kensho ‘s owner was a first-time yacht buyer who wanted a one-of-a-kind vessel. He looked beyond the pool of yachting talent for a designer who could create a signature statement inside the 246-foot Admiral. The owner eventually decided on Paris design house Jouin Manku, an experienced architecture and industrial design studio, without a single yacht to its name. Co-founder Sanjit Manku took the design brief and ran with it, eschewing traditional yachting layouts for high-volume and big sea views. Variations on the established interiors include lofty 8.9-foot-tall ceilings, open-plan cabin layouts (where the bathrooms are on display) and locating the owner’s salon—more akin to an observation lounge—to the upper deck where the captains’ wheelhouse is traditionally located.  “We drew on our restaurant design experience to create an ambience and furniture that is practical yet opulent,” Manku told Robb Report . “The dining chairs have ski feet that make it easy for guests to slide in and out, and we incorporated flattering lighting rather than ceiling spotlights.” The end result is a stunning, personalized interior that is unique in yachting. 

‘Carinthia VII,’ Bizzozero Cassina Architects

Refits are also getting design overhauls by non-yacht designers. Lürssen’s 318-foot Carinthia VII , first delivered in 2002 and designed by Tim Heywood, was sold in 2022 to a new owner. He called on Italian studio Bizzozero Cassina Architects for what turned out to be a major refit in a nearly record 300 days. The architectural studio is experienced in real estate, including a few of the owner’s private properties. But yacht refits are a recent addition to its portfolio. “The key to any project’s success is to know the person, their lifestyle and the way they think,” architect Paolo Bizzozero said. “Only with these three ingredients can you remedy a truly bespoke environment that works for them and for their life.” Key additions include a 1,334-sq. ft. sundeck, with a large dining table and teppanyaki grill. Equally impressive was the 39-foot-long glass-paneled swimming pool on the main deck (with two large televisions to view live sports), and a 968-sq. ft. air-conditioned gym on the bridge deck that also serves as a winter garden.

Contest G7CS, Bentley Interior

Bentley fans who dream of a book-matched yacht interior might look closely at the 67-foot Contest 67CS.  Commissioned by a private client and launched in November, it is the first collaboration between Bentley and Contest Yachts. with all the design flair Bentley could bring to a yacht. Conceived to match the luxe design of a custom continental GT coupe, the sailboat features the same materials, motifs and craftsmanship on its cars and home designs, including the same hand-stitching found on the Bentley steering wheel and the yacht’s Malvern Chair. Bespoke one-offs include a bar and vanity unit, the captain’s chair and “Egg” table, and a sofa which was hand-built at Bentley’s engineering facility and finished in its signature trim. The brand’s iconic diamond-quilted hides were also included across entire yacht interior. Small details like the tissue box and drink coasters were created from scratch to match the owner’s taste.

‘Entourage,’ Diego Burdi, Burdifilek

Entourage , the second hull in Amels’ 60 Limited Editions range, is the owner’s second yacht. He had clear ideas about the functional layout of the boat, so he appointed commercial design firm Burdifilek to realize that vision. The Toronto-based co-founder, Diego Burdi, adopted a “marine design” approach. “I believe strongly that you should feel like you’re on a boat,” he told Robb Report . That is apparent in areas like the the lower-deck staterooms where the bulkheads hug the curve of the hull. Carved and layered wooden ceilings—a detail introduced from the owner’s experience in real estate—add drama and tactility. Most significantly, Burdi reversed the central stairwell and tucked it into the perimeter of the yacht to create a wider walkthrough and, in so doing, a work of art.

‘Symbiosis,’ Kurt Merki, Jr.

The 279-foot Symbiosis is Studio KMJ’s nature-driven introduction to the world of superyacht design. Unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show, the 3,000 GT concept speaks to a rising trend for biophilic design with 10 nature-driven features. These include a “tree of life” planted on the main deck aft that stretches across two decks, a 1,000-sq. ft. irrigated lawn tended by a gardener and intended for both play and picnics, and a life-sized herbarium called “The Sanctum” where herbs, spices and vegetables can be cultivated. The Swiss designer Kurt Merki Jr collaborated with Axel Massmann, CEO of Yacht-Green, who acted as a strategic advisor on best practices to “green” the superyacht lifestyle. According to the designers, the natural elements are fully buildable. All it needs is an owner willing to take a leap.

More for You

Florida Democrat Roasts GOP Rep. James Comer's Claim About Where Trump Hid Docs

Texas governor explains comments made to artists pulling out of SXSW festival

A small Oklahoma city elected a white nationalist. Now residents face a decision.

Joe Biden's Approval Rating Falls to All-Time Low After SOTU

Squatters would get booted immediately under bill lawmakers in this state unanimously passed

The 11 Rudest Things You Can Do In Someone Else’s House, According To Etiquette Experts

Jeanine Pirro Gets Fact-Checked After Telling Huge Trump Fib To Fox News Viewers

WSJ Opinion: The High Price of Democrats’ Anti-Trump Lawfare

OPINION - The racism Diane Abbott suffers is awful — the gaslighting that follows is worse

Russian Rebels' Plan to Topple Putin: 'Guns, Grenades and Armored Vehicles'

‘It'll be fine’: Katie Britt says Mike Johnson reassured her ahead of SOTU rebuttal

Palantir CEO blasts short sellers

Trump tax cuts misrepresented ahead of US filing deadline

Israeli army video shows shootout in southern Gaza, strikes on Hamas

Here Are 6 Things White People Say That Highlight Their Privilege And OMG I Hear These Allllll The Time

This Social Security Spousal Rule Is Officially Finished in 2024 — But These 3 Strategies Remain

Mike Johnson's GOP Retreat Flops as Republicans Skip Event

Passenger films cabin shock after flight takes nosedive

This type of supplement may increase heart disease risk, new study finds

Oliver Stone: Charges against Trump are 'ridiculous'

Find anything, super fast.

• Destinations
• Documentaries

Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven and The A group developed a 115 metre explorer concept. The extraordinary APEX has a range of 9000 miles, carries two 20 metre tenders and a helicopter in its own hangar.

APEX is a 115-metre long and 18.50-metre wide full custom yacht with a volume of around 8000 gross tons. The robust exterior of the explorer was developed by The A Group from Monaco, the naval architecture comes from Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven, where APEX will also be built. The concept behind this extraordinary yacht is called "without limits". No area is too remote or too rough for APEX not to reach. 

André Stegmann, Senior Project Manager at Lloyd Werft, comments: “APEX meets the demand of today's customers for stable, spacious and at the same time extremely robust yachts par excellence: the bow, which is almost four decks high, can cope with the heaviest weather and is also ice-going.” Up to 22 guests and 48 crew members travel on board and could cruise up to 9000 nautical miles non-stop at 16 knots. 

The exterior of APEX explains Matt Pegrum, Yachting Director at The A group, as follows: “It is characterized by large open spaces, especially at the stern. Standout features are two extra  large  and 20 metre long tenders parked to the side of the superstructure and launched via cranes and the infinity pool that forms the transition from the helipad to the party deck.” Even the side walls of the 12-metre pool are glazed and extend over the height of nearly an entire deck. Contrary to the rather open stern view, APEX gets a massive bow giving the explorer a powerful identity as well as a "ship-like" character and ensuring APEX safely reaches her destination even in very rough conditions on open sea. The yacht's exterior look is also defined by large window areas consisting of the largest panes ever used on a yacht. 

Behind the glazing, APEX's superstructures provide 2400 square metres of luxurious living space for owners and guests. The interior design will  be completely customized to the owner’s requests. 

The A group developed an extremely progressive and unparalleled general arrangement for APEX that already amazes in the aft section. Beneath the fully certified helipad APEX shows a dedicated hangar for the helicopter to safely carry it even in adverse conditions. Also aft and at waterline level you will find the spa area including gym and massage room; a multifunctional room a bit further in front can be used as an infirmary. Guests sleep on the main or upper deck, with two of the four VIP suites each sharing a private saloon. The owner uses his own deck with dressing rooms, bathrooms, an office and a lounge, from which he has direct access to the party area and the infinity pool at the stern. Very remarkable are the two salons of APEX. On the upper deck, it has a spacious dining table for up to 26 guests. On the main deck, there is a cinema/conference room to port and an entertainment area to starboard with various game tables, including one for pool or snooker.

I agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy .

+377.97 97 30 10

Based in the yachting capital of the world in Monaco, The A Group is an established and diversified architectural group with a multidisciplined team providing expertise in the areas of naval architecture, yachting, interior design and architecture.

Office address

7 Rue du Gabian, Gildo Pastor Centre, Monaco, MC 98000

Creative Team

• Yacht Builder Lloyd Werft No profile available
• Naval Architect Lloyd Werft No profile available
• Exterior Designer The A Group View profile

The global authority in superyachting

• NEWSLETTERS
• Yachts Home
• The Superyacht Directory
• Yacht Reports
• Brokerage News
• The largest yachts in the world
• The Register
• Yacht Advice
• Yacht Design
• 12m to 24m yachts
• Monaco Yacht Show
• Builder Directory
• Designer Directory
• Interior Design Directory
• Naval Architect Directory
• Yachts for sale home
• Motor yachts
• Sailing yachts
• Explorer yachts
• Classic yachts
• Sale Broker Directory
• Charter Home
• Yachts for Charter
• Charter Destinations
• Charter Broker Directory
• Destinations Home
• Mediterranean
• South Pacific
• Rest of the World
• Boat Life Home
• Owners' Experiences
• Interiors Suppliers
• Owners' Club
• Captains' Club
• BOAT Showcase
• Boat Presents
• Events Home
• World Superyacht Awards
• Superyacht Design Festival
• Design and Innovation Awards
• Young Designer of the Year Award
• Artistry and Craft Awards
• Explorer Yachts Summit
• Ocean Talks
• The Ocean Awards
• BOAT Connect
• Between the bays
• Golf Invitational
• Boat Pro Home
• Pricing Plan
• Superyacht Insight
• Product Features
• Premium Content
• Testimonials
• Global Order Book
• Tenders & Equipment

Crews' views on the best layout for a yacht

Crew turnover is one of the biggest headaches facing yacht owners. A common misconception is that if an owner pays well, the crew will love their jobs. A high salary will only go so far in retaining good crew if living and working conditions aboard are unsatisfactory – or, more precisely, if the yacht is poorly designed.

In many layouts, crew flow and functions, technical spaces and critical behind-the-scenes necessities, such as storage, are not prioritized and maintenance access points are a last-minute concession. A poorly designed yacht, as any experienced owner will confirm, is hard to maintain and more expensive to run. In the end, owners will have spent more money and time than if they had given the hidden functionality of the yacht the same careful attention as systems, amenities and guest areas.

Sometimes the philosophy of form over function and following residential trends may lead to spaces that are beautifully styled and decorated, but impractical in terms of layout and function. The most experienced yacht designers underscore the importance of consulting with experienced crew in the early stages of design.

The Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC), drafted by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), may make including a crew member on the design team a necessity, as the convention contains criteria for crew accommodations and living and working environment that will pertain to and significantly impact the design of all charter yachts when it comes into force in 2013.

In the meantime, if the priority of space was given over to crew, what would the perfect yacht look like from their perspective?

A Crew Wish List

In terms of size and construction, many captains suggest that the yacht’s size be between 45.7m and 70m to allow access to the popular ports.

‘The ever-increasing size of yachts is a problem for berths,’ says Captain Bob Corcoran of the 76.8m motor yacht Samar , ‘but as long as the owners understand that commercial harbours may be their only alternative, I don’t see a problem.’

A semi-explorer motor yacht design with a large, seaworthy bow would provide the most stable platform for owners who like to travel. At the very least, at-anchor stabilizers are highly recommended, as are bow and stern thrusters capable of counteracting 30-knot winds on the beam.

Wraparound decks should be incorporated, along with owners’ terraces, to eliminate the need for crew to go outboard on a harness to clean the windows daily.

There is, perhaps, no greater request from crew than ample storage. Captain David Clarke of the 73m motor yacht_ Laurel_ acted as her build captain and was able to influence the yacht’s design so as to incorporate the most sensible and efficient layout for crew operations.

‘We followed two philosophies during Laurel’s build,’ he says. ‘The first was that equipment was to be in one of only two places: where it is being used or where it is stored. The second rule was that any space greater than one cubic foot needed to incorporate storage of some type.’

To ensure that these philosophies were adhered to once Laurel was complete, Captain Clarke created a detailed tracking system that monitors every single storage space and its related equipment.

Wasted space is a sign of a poor design. Think creatively and find ways to incorporate hidden storage where it is needed most. Aboard Laurel , alfresco social areas are designed with adjacent units housing all glassware and settings for meals and hors d’oeuvres service.

Equipment should have dedicated storage as well. A shaft alley could handle the line storage; deckhead compartments could house the swim ladder and handrails. Efficiencies like this will to make a crew member’s function easier and improve service.

A Crew Wish List (continued…)

Redundant Circulation

Easy access and the ability for crew to move about quickly and unobtrusively is a very important factor in a yacht’s design.

The yacht should feature a lower deck corridor that runs the entire length of the boat, from the foredeck to the lazarette, allowing crew to travel from bow to stern without having to walk on decks or through guest areas. It would also provide an extra means of exit.

Aboard Laurel , a wide set of stairs originates amidships on the tank deck and climbs to the sun deck to allow the crew quick and easy movement between crew and guest areas without interruption. A second crew stairwell farther forward eases flow between crew areas on the lower three decks.

A dedicated crew elevator from the lower deck to the sun deck would be a welcome feature.

Lower Decks

A yacht’s layout should take its cue from the arrangement of the lower decks, as these will contain the most important components for running the yacht efficiently.

The crew-designed yacht utilizes the lower decks to their fullest potential. Ideally, the yacht would have a tank deck, which could house laundry facilities, waste management/trash refrigeration space, refrigerated/freezer storage and inventory items.

Excellence V has a separate room for the waste treatment system and one for desalination.

The tank deck aboard Laurel houses all of these areas, including an impressive number of storage rooms and cabinets. There is bonded storage for alcohol and separate stores for uniforms, toiletries, cleaning supplies, dry goods and various merchandise, each area meticulously labelled.

Crew luggage and personal sports equipment need a storage space as well. Rasselas had a separate refrigeration unit for fresh flowers – an important consideration for yachts that charter and owners who entertain frequently.

Laundry space should receive priority so that the laundry function does not co-op the crew mess. The laundry should be sized to manage the amount of bed linens daily, enabling multiple loads at once, and include a mangle rotary iron with the ability to quickly press eight to 10 feet of table linen.

‘A commercial laundry centrifuge to spin the water out of large towels and other big items will reduce drying times considerably,’ suggests Craig Tafoya, president of Penumbra Marine Logistics and former captain of the 96m motor yacht Limitless .

In the engine room, diesel-electric propulsion will allow for more flexibility of layout compared to conventional propulsion.

Regardless of the propulsion type incorporated, the engine room should be given as much space as possible, with the emphasis being that each piece of equipment can easily be serviced from all sides.

Tenders and their garage

When it comes to the type of tenders to have, the answer is the bigger, the better.

‘You want very big tenders,’ says Anders Lauridsen, captain of the 41.1m motor yacht D’Angleterre II . ‘That’s important for all our clients. Take St Tropez, for example – you can have 100 yachts anchoring off the village in the summer, with lots of traffic in the water. You want a big tender to make sure guests are comfortable and don’t get sprayed.’

Captain Mark Coxon of the 50m motor yacht_ QM of London_ agrees and advises that when there is no room to store a large tender, it should be towed, the priority here being able to fit all guests comfortably at once.

Forget about hoisting the tender to the sun deck aboard the crew-designed yacht. This is the least preferred place for storage and launching. It is time consuming and dangerous, and most crew prefer the speed and ease with which tenders can be stored in and launched from tender garages.

Designing a garage large enough to comfortably house large tenders is a different matter, however, and, as has been the case in many notable builds, may indeed dictate or substantially affect the overall length and layout of the boat.

The tender garage aboard_ Laurel_ prompted an increase in her length by over six metres. The 85.6m Derecktor-built Cakewalk features a length and layout that was predicated upon a 14.3 by 12.2m ‘boathouse’ to store three tenders over 9.1m LOA.

A 4.7m stern extension to increase exterior deck space allowed for inclusion of a spacious tender garage aboard the 54.9m Harbour Island. This garage houses a 5.8m Novurania Chase tender and two personal watercrafts, all of which are easily manoeuvred, stored and deployed with the help of an air cradle system that was developed by Tafoya and Penumbra Marine Logistics.

The air-cradle system operates much like a hovercraft in that the air pressure allows crew to use their fingertips manoeuvre a tender or toy into position and lower it. The system not only reduces risk of injury, it saves the crew valuable space and time. The air cradles can also be easily stowed away when the tenders and toys are deployed, making the garage a useable space for entertaining.

While most yachts are already being designed to factor in impacts from MLC, such as situating all crew cabins above the waterline and private cabins for officers, the crew-designed yacht would feature single en suite cabins for each crewmember with berths, not Pullmans.

TV, WiFi access and iPod docking stations can easily be incorporated into each room as well.

‘Amenities help keep crew and reduce operational turnover costs,’ says Captain Corcoran.

A crew gym with lockers should be incorporated on board as well. This is a big advantage for crew to have some personal time and space. A number of captains are finding a covered working deck forward can easily be modified to this purpose.

Crew mess and galley

So far, the elements to be incorporated on the crew-designed yacht might seem relatively straightforward, without having much of a negative impact on guest spaces, but here is where we take the turn.

Aboard nearly every yacht, the crew mess is tucked below decks near the crew cabins. The area, often with none or tiny windows, might feature a small galley, a TV and settee with dining table used for multiple purposes; eating, reading, organizing, ironing, etc…

Aboard the crew-designed yacht, however, a crew mess and separate lounge would be situated not below decks, but on the main deck forward, in the area most commonly claimed by the master suite and bosun’s locker. Can this be done successfully? It was aboard_ Laurel_, which features a crew mess to starboard and a TV lounge to port, both of which are light and bright, thanks to large windows.

‘Situating the crew mess forward on the main deck was a calculated decision,’ says Captain Clarke. ‘This part of the boat is the most uncomfortable and most noisy when underway, and we didn’t like waking the owners when bringing up the anchor or using the bow thruster.’

From here the crew also has access to the bow through the large bosun store and A/C room. Placing a crew lounge or even small office on main deck has security benefits as well, possibly cutting valuable lost time in an emergency.

This is where the squeeze begins to take effect. The crew-designed yacht would also call for the guest staterooms – all of equal size or at least two VIPs – to be on main deck.

What does this mean for the galley, the dining room and/or the main salon? The 44.5m Feadship _Harle _has all of its guest rooms, including the master suite, situated on the main deck. The galley is positioned below decks and service is facilitated via a food lift, and multiple pantries and service areas on the upper decks. The dining room has been eliminated altogether.

The below-decks galley is a no-no on many a crew-designed yachts as the chef and stews argue the galley should be located on the same deck as, and as close as possible to, the main dining area, wherever that may be. Other chefs prefer having a larger space lower in the boat where there is less motion and they are closer to their stores. This, of course, requires a food lift. And so begins the conundrum on how it integrates with the rest of the boat.

While opinions differ on whether an open-style, country kitchen is preferred over a private galley, the consensus is that the galley should have plenty of natural light and should feature a very efficient layout.

Dining and main salon

Opinions are divided on whether to do away with the large main salon and dining room and situate more living space outdoors. Captain Coxon favours the idea; he’s worked on yachts with enormous saloons that were never used. But Captain Lauridsen is not so keen. His dining room is used by his guests, especially those with children and on days when the weather turns bad.

Regardless of where the main dining area is situated, most crew would appreciate the ‘service from afar’ implementation that is found aboard_ Laurel_. Strategically positioned cameras monitor the dining areas throughout the boat and have the ability to zoom in on a guest’s drink or plate, alerting the server as to the status of the meal without the need to hover.

Storage comes into play once again in Laurel ’s dining areas. Most efficiently, the china, glassware, coffee cups and cutlery are housed in a dedicated china store just forward of the galley. Plates can be brought from the china store to the galley for plating, returned to the galley to be washed and then easily stowed without entering the guest area.

Bridge Deck

There is no compromise from crew when it comes to the positioning of the bridge and captain’s cabin. The bridge must be on the upper deck and feature 180-degree visibility.

The captain’s cabin should be behind the bridge along with a separate office and day head for crew.

As far as bridge equipment goes, Captain Kay Christensen, formerly of the 43m Canter Navali Nicolini motor yacht CD TWO, suggests keeping modern technology to a necessary minimum and that the bridge be made ergonomic.

Captain Greg Butler-Davis of the 56m Perini Panthalassa cautions against over alarming every action and equipment function.

Owners’ Area

If the crew mess is on the main deck forward and the bridge occupies the upper deck forward, where will the owners’ suite be positioned?

The predominant opinion from crew is to position the owners’ suite aft on the upper deck, away from anchor noise and daily early morning operations. This ensures the best visibility from the bridge and also affords the owners more privacy, as it is not necessary for crew to be in the upper deck aft location as much as forward.

While some crew still maintain that the master should remain low and aft where there is less motion, the upper deck, with its opportunity for a private alfresco area and great views, wins out.

Of course, utilizing this coveted location for the master might work well on a private yacht, but it eliminates one of the best entertaining spots aboard a charter yacht.

Venturing up to the sun deck, this is where we enjoy the outdoor barbecue, the gym, the bar, the spa pool and the lounging. Aboard the crew-designed yacht, this space is very different.

First, there is no gym here. An outdoor gym is one of the most difficult areas to maintain. ‘Unfortunately, most exercise equipment is steel and rusts almost overnight when in the salt air,’ says Tafoya.

Barbecues are not always used and are difficult to clean, and spa pools themselves provide an added headache for crew as they need to be emptied when underway and filled when at anchor or in port.

Captain Christensen suggests an on-board pool holding tank that pumps the water back into the pool on arrival in port. Tafoya agrees, adding, ‘A means of purifying and heating the spa pool water while in the tank would be good so the water could be used for wash-down once the owner departs.’

Crew’s vs owners’ needs

And so we’ve come full circle on this virtual walk-through of a crew-designed yacht. How does it fit with the owner’s needs and the charter guests’ requirement for a wow factor?

A perfectly good yacht needs to perform well with reliable and functional systems, excellent naval architecture and quality materials. The available space must be used in a logical manner with the right proportion allocated to engineering, owner/guest and crew function areas.

‘Functionality impacts the crew,’ says Captain Clarke, ‘and when we can work more efficiently, we can give better service to the guests.’

‘As most yacht designers will acknowledge, the vast majority of yachts represent a compromise between one or more of the contrasting requirements,’ Captain Butler-Davis explains. ‘Add all these elements together and perfection seems implausible.’

‘After 28 years, I can honestly say that there is no such thing as a perfect yacht… or crew,’ says Captain Corcoran. ‘Some are more suited to the use of the particular vessel than others, but nothing is perfect.

‘Many of the issues raised are incorporated in the MLC,’ he continues. ‘It will be interesting to see how yachts change, not only in the space required for the crew, but also in the requirements and rights crew will have.’

Originally published:  MegaYachts Volume 14 (2013) .

More stories

Most popular, from our partners, sponsored listings.

Please use a modern browser to view this website. Some elements might not work as expected when using Internet Explorer.

• Landing Page
• Luxury Yacht Vacation Types
• Corporate Yacht Charter
• Tailor Made Vacations
• Luxury Exploration Vacations
• View All 3559
• Motor Yachts
• Sailing Yachts
• Classic Yachts
• Catamaran Yachts
• Filter By Destination
• More Filters
• Latest Reviews
• Charter Special Offers
• Destination Guides
• Inspiration & Features
• Mediterranean Charter Yachts
• France Charter Yachts
• Italy Charter Yachts
• Croatia Charter Yachts
• Greece Charter Yachts
• Turkey Charter Yachts
• Bahamas Charter Yachts
• Caribbean Charter Yachts
• Australia Charter Yachts
• Thailand Charter Yachts
• Dubai Charter Yachts
• Destination News
• New To Fleet
• Charter Fleet Updates
• Special Offers
• Industry News
• Yacht Shows
• Corporate Charter
• Finding a Yacht Broker
• Charter Preferences
• Questions & Answers
• Add my yacht

COME TOGETHER Yacht Layout & GA Plans

59.99m  /  196'10   amels   2022.

• Previous Yacht
• Amenities & Toys
• Rates & Regions
• + Shortlist

Use two fingers to move the deck plan

Use ctrl + scroll to zoom the deck plan

Use ⌘ + scroll to zoom the deck plan

Zoomable Deck Plans Instructions To view the yacht General Arrangement / Deck Plans in more detail use the Zoom Tools + / - buttons to 'zoom in' or ' zoom out'. To navigate around hold down you mouse and drag to look around or for touch use two fingers to pinch and drag. To zoom with the mousewheel hold CTRL/⌘ and use the mouse wheel or use two fingers to scroll on an Apple touch pad.

SIMILAR YACHTS FOR CHARTER

60m | Brooke Marine

from $314,000 p/week

69m | Svendborg Skibsvaerft

from $131,000 p/week ♦︎

49m | Anastassiades & Tsortanides

from $273,000 p/week ♦︎ *

Bleu De Nimes

72m | Clelands Shipbuilding Co

from $535,000 p/week ♦︎

62m | J.J. Sietas

POA ♦︎

56m | Turquoise Yachts

from $294,000 p/week

67m | Benetti

from $680,000 p/week

52m | C.N. Felszegi

from $87,000 p/week ♦︎

71m | Richards Shipbuilders

from $317,000 p/week ♦︎

Falco Moscata

50m | Perini Navi

from $200,000 p/week

71m | Royal Denship

from $393,000 p/week ♦︎

NOTE to U.S. Customs & Border Protection

Charter Come Together

To charter this luxury yacht contact your charter broker or

SIMILAR LUXURY CHARTER YACHTS

Here are a selection of yachts which are similar to the current charter yacht. To view all similar luxury charter yachts click on the button below.

As Featured In

The YachtCharterFleet Difference

YachtCharterFleet makes it easy to find the yacht charter vacation that is right for you. We combine thousands of yacht listings with local destination information, sample itineraries and experiences to deliver the world's most comprehensive yacht charter website.

San Francisco

• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter
• Follow us on Instagram
• Find us on LinkedIn
• Add My Yacht
• Affiliates & Partners

Popular Destinations & Events

• St Tropez Yacht Charter
• Monaco Yacht Charter
• St Barts Yacht Charter
• Greece Yacht Charter
• Mykonos Yacht Charter
• Caribbean Yacht Charter

Featured Charter Yachts

• Maltese Falcon Yacht Charter
• Wheels Yacht Charter
• Victorious Yacht Charter
• Andrea Yacht Charter
• Titania Yacht Charter
• Ahpo Yacht Charter

Receive our latest offers, trends and stories direct to your inbox.

Please enter a valid e-mail.

Thanks for subscribing.

Search for Yachts, Destinations, Events, News... everything related to Luxury Yachts for Charter.

Yachts in your shortlist