Choosing the most memorable yachts of 2021, we tried to cover almost the entire size range and purpose. Each gave reasons to talk about themselves – along with a bold exterior design, unusual interior layout and a variety of technical innovations, even the successful filling of an empty charter niche played a significant role. So, here they are – the five trendsetters of luxury yachting according to City World.
The best explorer
La Datcha |Damen Yachting
Expedition-type yachts are now in great demand, as they make it possible to make voyages to the most inaccessible water areas of the planet. Barely leaving the stocks of Damen Yachting in the Netherlands, the six-deck La Datcha set off for the Far East and cruised between Chukotka and the Kuril Islands for the entire 2021 season. Previously, the luxury charter niche in this region was not filled, however, for an ice-class yacht, difficult conditions are not a problem (La Datcha is able to sail in ice up to 40 cm thick), and its dimensions – 77 m long and 14 wide – made it possible to place on board all the usual five-star amenities (six spacious suites, spa with massage and sauna, jacuzzi, gym). You can admire wild landscapes through the transparent walls of the observation room or from the observation deck on the upper deck, but there is also equipment for outdoor activities: two helipads, snowmobiles, a bathyscaphe, and water toys. The cruising range at a cruising speed of 14.5 knots is 6,000 nautical miles, while it is important that in autonomous voyages lasting up to 40 days, La Datcha uses a garbage collection system and does not harm nature.
The “greenest” sailboat
Path | Baltic Yachts
In the sailing sector, the most notable premiere of the year was the 44.6m sloop Path, which is equipped with the largest solar array system ever installed on a sailing yacht, occupying a total of 60 sqm. m roof superstructure. The Finnish shipyard Baltic Yachts engaged the design studio Judel & Vrolijk, which has gained fame for its racing projects, to develop the architecture, general style and interior. On sea trials, the superyacht accelerated to 20 knots, but its main advantage, of course, is not speed, but high autonomy and environmental friendliness – certification according to the IMO Tier III international emission standard speaks for itself. This ship was built with the expectation of round-the-world voyages. In addition to four guest suites and four crew cabins, there is plenty of storage space on board. The lifting keel allows you to change the draft from 5.9 to 3.4 m, that is, to enter even in shallow water, and to explore new areas of water from the aft garage, you can launch a pair of environmentally friendly tenders with electric motors.
The most trendy exterior
Geco | Admiral
Spectacular, deliberately masculine and very modern, the Geco exterior is not just a tribute to fashion. The design of the Italian Sea Group (which includes the shipyard Admiral) and the naval architecture of Vripack Yachting are thought out to the centimeter functionality and excellent driving performance. Thus, the helipad that goes beyond the contours of the hull can serve as both a solarium and a dance floor, and elongated bulwarks with tinted glazing in the aft provide maximum privacy on the bathing platform. At 55m in length, Geco’s layout provides a range of pleasures typically found on much larger yachts, from a luxurious saloon and dining room with candelabra (six guest cabins) to numerous outdoor lounges, an open air cinema and a separate wellness area. sun deck with a gym and a large swimming pool. Rare woods, leather and marble finishes complete the contemporary art collection. The yacht develops up to 18 knots, in an economical 10-knot mode, the cruising range is 3,500 nautical miles.
Best boat: design and technical innovation
43wallytender | Wally – Ferretti Group
Luca Bassani has always been a trendsetter in yacht design, and his latest 43wallytender is no exception – technology now allows the most daring ideas to be realized. First of all, the 13-meter boat is aggressively beautiful: chopped forms, Gator Green signature color (carbon composite hull) with glossy Ice White gelcoat, carbon T-top, tinted windshield and teak deck look futuristic and respectable. In addition to the characteristic aesthetics, it also boasts technical innovations, such as drop-down sides at the stern, which, when deployed, increase the beach area and access to the water. Inside there is a small cabin, but you can ride up to 12 people. The standard 43wallytender is equipped with a pair of 380-horsepower Volvo Penta diesels, giving 36 knots at maximum, and if they are upgraded to 440 hp. with., the speed will increase to 40 knots. In a word, it turned out to be a stylish and practical runabout that can be used as a tender for a superyacht, a shuttle for resorts and just as a luxury boat for day trips.
The most unusual interior layout
SL120 Asymmetric | Sanlorenzo
The SL120 Asymmetric, which made its official debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival in autumn 2021, is now the flagship of the Italian shipyard Sanlorenzo. It was created with the participation of the design studio Zuccon International Project. In appearance, you can’t say that this yacht is a bold design find. As the name implies, the ship is not symmetrical: on the main deck, instead of two usual passages along the superstructure, only one was left, on the starboard side, and on the left this space was attached to the internal volume. Thanks to continuous dark glazing from the outside, the difference is imperceptible, and the gain is significant: the living quarters received an additional 8 sq. m. m, which is a lot for a 37-meter yacht. In the salon, the space for the dining room has increased, panoramic windows on one side and a folding balcony on the other add light and space. The master cabin in the bow has also noticeably expanded. Below deck are four guest suites, with a large flybridge and bathing platform for relaxation. In addition to the unusual layout, the SL120 Asymmetric impresses with speed characteristics – at the maximum it is capable of squeezing 27 knots.
PHOTO: DAMEN YACHTING, BALTICYACHTS.FI, ADMIRAL-YACHTS.COM, WALLY.COM, SANLORENZOYACHT.COM
