Tommaso Spadolini has published the first details of a new design for a 90-meter (295-foot) yacht with very distinctive lines. More than a concept, this is a project that has demanded close cooperation with the client to develop the internal configuration, as well as the external styling, getting them to an advanced state of readiness.
Fast lines were a key part of the brief, and from the first hand-drawn sketches, Spadolini conceived a powerful sheer for the main deck, emphasised by two strong convex lines for the owner’s and upper decks. The necessary straight lines for bulwarks and decks are cleverly concealed by powerful, flowing curves that peak amidships before sweeping down towards the generous beach club.
Beyond this, the brief required two further key features. The design of the yacht should give guests the sense that they are in close contact with the sea, despite its 90-meter length. And it should enable the owner to maintain a high degree of privacy from other guests and crew.
“We have worked closely with the owner and his representatives to create a really head-turning design that responds to his three key requirements without sacrificing one iota of practicality,” said Tommaso Spadolini. “Capable of speeds around 20 knots, the yacht had to have the external form of a fast boat—something we have achieved with the strongly curved lines that dip towards the stern. Then we have emphasised proximity to the water by creating a lot of focus around the two-deck beach club and using lots of glass. The internal configuration of the boat has been carefully studied to create the maximum privacy for the owner.”
Even within the realms of 90-meter yachts, Spadolini’s design stands out for the huge area that is devoted to the beach club aft. Arranged over the lower and main decks, it includes a 150-square-meter (1,615-square-foot) lounge area with twin fold-down balconies. Besides a gym and bar, there is also a sauna, massage and relaxation area. The bathing platform itself amounts to 65 square meters (700-square-feet) and the main aft cockpit above fills another 150 square metres, flooded with natural light thanks to the shorter overhangs of the deck above.
Included within this unprecedented 365-square-meter (3,929-square-foot) beach club is a glass-backed infinity pool measuring 7 meters by 3 meters (23 feet by 10 feet). Hanging over the bathing platform, it offers swimmers unlimited views of the horizon aft. The connection to the water is further emphasised by the balconies outside the sliding doors in the upper lounge. Floor-to-ceiling glass features throughout the main and upper decks.
Privacy is often cited as a requirement by clients, but Spadolini has pushed the concept forward by creating a dedicated owner’s deck and closely controlling access via stairs and lift. The deck gives the owner a gigantic bed with 270-degree views ahead. There are dedicated his and hers bathrooms (each with its own bath), walk-in wardrobes, a wine cellar, smoking room with humidor and an intimate lounge area. An exterior seating area and forward lounge with pool complete the accommodation.
Access is controlled via two staircases and a lift. The lobby can be sectioned off with specially insulated doors, so that there is no access to the owner’s apartments and no chance of conversations being overheard. A staircase running from the main deck to the sun deck is accessible from outside, so that anyone invited to the owner’s deck can arrive discreetly without parading through the public areas first. Even the owner’s pantry can be sealed off with two doors.
“Discretion and privacy were a big part of the brief,” says Spadolini. “We have developed enclosed structures for the stairs and separate crew access so that the owner can be completely cocooned on demand. Sound absorbing materials would be used in doors and bulkheads to ensure total confidentiality, without compromising on the really lavish series of private spaces.”
Accommodations are generous, but the design team has also employed some sleight of hand. By flaring the bow and introducing a side deck forward on the upper deck, extra volume has been created on the main deck below. Here, there are six large guest cabins including two particularly well-appointed VIPs. And forward again, there is room for a huge toy garage, which runs to a jet tender and multiple jet skis. The main tender garage can accommodate a 9m boat.
Together with the touch-and-go helicopter pad on the foredeck and features like a nine-seat cinema and 200-square-meter (2,153-square-foot) sundeck with pool, this is a yacht with appeal for the whole family, and strong charter potential.
“We have spent many hundreds of hours refining the design of this yacht,” said Spadolini. “It is now ready to move to the next engineering stage. Though we are currently studying some larger designs for potential clients, this is the biggest yacht we have brought to such a stage of detail. It is very dear to me, like a member of the family.”
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