If diamonds are a girl’s best friend (nod in agreement, gentlemen), then surely VvS1 is as well. The 111-foot trideck expedition yacht, seen here shortly after launch at Alloy Yachts, is named for a term used in the grading of the sparkly rocks.
Fitting for a yacht built in New Zealand, she was commissioned by a prominent Kiwi businessman. But in keeping with the international flavor of the custom-yacht business, she was designed by Canada-based Gregory C. Marshall Naval Architects. And her interior was a group effort by the owner and his wife, Marshall’s office, and Alloy’s own design office.
That interior is quite a departure from the dark woods and gentleman’s-club-like atmosphere that have been dominating custom yachts of late. American white oak panels with a white stain, finished with the grain exposed and slightly raised, cover the walls. Wenge cabinetry highlights guest areas, and wenge inlays dot the bamboo soles.
The placement of the galley is also quite a departure from the norm. It’s located between the dining room and aft deck, where there’s alfresco dining, and it also has serving bars fore and aft, permitting everything from breakfast to supper to be served instantly and directly to the interior or exterior. Should the owners or guests (upwards of six can be accommodated) want something different for dinner, there’s a Teppanyaki bar on the flying bridge (think Benihana-style cooking).
With all of those food options, thank goodness there’s a gym on the bridge deck (though a cinema a few steps away might distract someone’s attention) as well as dive equipment in the lazarette.
VvS1 is currently chartering in the South Pacific for $79,000 per week and will be available in New Zealand during the winter for the same rate. Contact your favorite charter broker to book her.
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