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What the Press Say

NEW SUPERYACHT CONCEPT "POCKET-LINER"

NOUVELLE VAGUE and Nigel Gee have joined forces in response to

an extremely challenging brief from a French business consortium for

a new type of yacht, combining original styling with the ultimate

in layouts to satisfy both business and entertaining, whilst accommodating

12 guests and 16 crew. These demands, coupled to a transatlantic range,

and 20 knot speed capability in a hull of around 55 metres, have led

to the creation of the project "KINGFISHER".

This joint design project, with hullform and engineering from naval

architects Nigel Gee & Associates and NOUVELLE VAGUE DESIGN PARTNERSHIP

providing the exterior lines and interior design, has resulted in

the creation of a new genre of 'pocket-liner', which combines great

elegance with a pragmatic approach to styling and layout.

The central feature is a spectacular atrium, 20 feet in diameter

and extending the full height of the yacht. The atrium is traversed

by circular balconies, which are arranged as libraries with comfortable

seating areas and natural light provided by windows set into the hull

on the upper levels, allowing both safe passage in a seaway and the

opportunity to experience the sensation of the dramatic architecture;

this is definitely the Superyacht feature to impress and delight guests

and business colleagues.

For business, meetings and conference areas abound, and the lower

level of the atrium, with its 360 degree trompe l'oeuil mural, provides

a substantial boardroom; whilst the casino, night-club, gymnasium,

running track with laptimer and ample sundecks, ensure that the important

aspects of leisure and luxury are most certainly not neglected either.

A major feature of the yacht is that all the guest cabins are sited

on the main deck with private deck access, thus making these cabins

true staterooms, with proper windows and a unique liner ambience.

The pragmatism of the new approach is reflected in the high bowline

and bulwarks, gently decreasing as one moves aft, to allow the best

possible sea views through the full-height salon windows. Covered

walkways, and a dramatic 'archway' of over 20 metres give protection

and high style to the afterdeck areas, with their extensive facilities

for bathing and launching the full array of watersport toys. These

areas also provide unparalleled space for parties, and receiving business

guests or even visiting dignitaries.

The layout of this outstanding 'pocket-liner' has naturally also

been optimised throughout for charter and corporate use, the design

team recognising the importance of these aspects for many owners.

THE WORLD OF POWER

This forward thinking design team has produced what, on paper,

looks like one of the most advanced projects to emerge on the powerboat

market. Combining a top speed of 81 knots with the most eye-catching

styling sound like a recipe for extreme thinking but there is sound

reasoning and design theory behind this project. The engineering and

hydrodynamics have been developed by Nigel Gee & Associates, one of

the most respected names in high performance. The top-of-the-range

power units are twin Allied Signal Lycoming TF 80 units, each of which

comprises two 4,500 hp turbines coupled to a combining gearbox. These

in turn couple to twin water jets. It is a powerful package which

is calculated to power this 30 m (98 ft) hull to the 81 knot speed.

The superstructure flows in a compound curve from bow to stern

with the specially moulded steering capsule creating a bubble view

for the cockpit and associated lounges. Aft, the access steps start

at the full width of the transom and narrow to deck level like a stage

set, leading to a deck area which can be for relaxing by day and socialising

by night. All the facilities necessary to pamper the selected guests

are incorporated and there are three doubles including the spectacular

master suite.

The concept is advanced, taking powerboat design into new areas,

on a flight of fancy to reality.

NOUVELLE VAGUE...

...Or New Wave to those who failed French 'O' level is a new design

company with grand ideas. Peter Ranking and John Stephens formed the

partnership to provide styling, interior design and project management.

One project currently on the computer screen is a 55 m (180 ft) pocket

liner accommodating 12 guests in six cabins, with transatlantic range

and a speed of 20 knots. Nigel Gee & Associates are collaborating

on the Kingfisher project which features a 6 m (20 ft) diameter central

atrium extending the full height of the vessel. Traversed by caged,

high-level bridges allowing safe passage in a seaway, and a 360-degree

trompe l'oeuil of the Colisseum this promises to be one spectacular

superyacht. All guest cabins are on the main deck with private access.

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