With more than 4,000 yachts measuring 80 feet and larger out on the water, there are plenty of superb saloons and staterooms to see. That makes narrowing down candidates for a “best of” list pretty difficult, to say the least. This edition of The Superyacht 6 highlights just handful of magnificently designed megayachts, presented in alphabetical order, so as not to imply one is better or worse than another. We decided to offer a real mix of looks, too, to reflect the variety of tastes of owners and observers alike.
Big Fish. Sure, plenty of yachts, especially charter yachts, play back photos and videos of the day’s activities on the TV screens, but how many yachts have an entire video wall? Big Fish does. It rises 22 feet high, from the main deck to the upper deck. Of course, the screens can show your favorite sports team instead, or even information on the itinerary you’re enjoying, courtesy of the controls the captain has in the pilothouse.
Indian Empress. If you like the lush life, Indian Empress will suit you. Lavishly appointed, with rich reds and golds, the decor reflects the heritage of the India-born owner, liquor baron and Formula 1 team owner Vijay Mallya. Walk throughout the decks, and you get the sense you’re aboard a floating palace. Even the overhead in the master suite is adorned with red fabric, matching the headboard.
Lady Christine. “Lavish” doesn’t even begin to describe this Feadship, delivered last year. Even if the formal, Art Deco atmosphere isn’t to your taste, you can’t help but admire the mural in the stairway foyer (above). Three floor-to-ceiling panels showcase famous architectural landmarks around the world: the Taj Mahal, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Eiffel Tower, even the Empire State Building. There’s also Lady Christine herself on the mural, cruising beneath the Taj Mahal.
Mondango. The owners of this sailing yacht directed Reymond Langton Design to create a contemporary atmosphere that would be suitable for long-term cruising and living. As a result, Mondango has a soothing atmosphere, thanks to generous use of light oak and chocolate-brown leather trim, but mostly through the colorful and creative Asian elements. Arguably the best incorporation of theme is in the saloon (left). Here, custom-made artwork framed in metal was inspired by a vintage kimono. (It also cleverly conceals the 65-inch plasma television.)
Panthalassa. The judges of Condé Nast Traveller magazine’s Innovation and Design Awards got it right in nominating Panthalassa. The judges found her to be “the ultimate in sleek and super modern.” Her Foster + Partners interior design incorporates skylights that let natural light spill down through her three decks. Better yet, daylight practically radiates off of the light-reflecting acrylic rods surrounding her oval staircase. Even on a cloudy day, Panthalassa is light and bright.
SnowbirD. Delivered just a few weeks ago by Hakvoort, SnowbirD has a delightfully colorful collection of modern art onboard. The work that interior designer Michela Reverberri did was the talk of the dock at the industry-only Genoa charter show this month, according to CharterWave. And no wonder: Pieces from Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Willem de Kooning, and more adorn the walls, as does stingray skin.
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