Some builders believe there’s still a demand for super-size superyachts, Oceanco being one of them. When you consider that one of the yard’s “smallest” projects is a 60-meter (197-footer), it makes sense.
Of course, there’s a whole new set of challenges presented by the biggest of the big, in that SOLAS rules come into play. Oceanco and others that are familiar with the regulations can attest to how their design and build teams feel they have to compromise aesthetics and comfort more. Lifeboats (not just rafts) and extra fire zones are among the reasons. So, Oceanco’s in-house engineers began working on hull shapes and systems setups that would meet the safety regulations yet allow designers a bit more freedom of expression. While they’re still testing and fine-tuning the elements, the builder felt confident enough in the eventual results to approach three designers to develop proposals; Sam Sorgiovanni, Nuvolari-Lenard, and Patrick Casanova, the latter a member of its own staff.
Casanova’s design (above) is already under contract. Referred to as project PA090, she has a sleeker, even fast appearance – unexpected of a 110-meter (361-foot) megayacht. That was the goal: to break with traditional rules, yet not so much that the yacht will look dated before too long. There are several other unexpected touches. Note the expanse of glass aft on the main deck that flows forward and up to the bridge deck; pretty unusual. So, too, is the fact that the aft portion of the main deck is the owner’s suite. There’s also a glass atrium to starboard, rising from the lower deck to the sun deck, and skylights in the master and the gym, located on the sun deck.
Sorgiovanni and Nuvolari-Lenard each created 110-meter designs as well, to accommodate four owners (two couples) apiece. Both designs also feature telescoping hangars to house the helicopter when it’s not in use, but that’s where most of the similarities end. Sorgiovanni’s (above) features a nearly plumb bow, while Nuvolari-Lenard’s (below) has a dramatically raked bow. Sorgiovanni additionally uses abundant green-tinted glass to accent the decks, which are softly rounded aft and more linear forward. If you look closely at the main deck, you’ll also see a sweeping wood caprail. Nuvolari-Lenard’s design is far more angular, though take note of the tubular-like glass structure toward the stern. That’s a glass-enclosed elevator that takes the owner and guests from the boat deck up to the helicopter landing area.
There are plenty of other novel twists offered by the three designers. More details to follow once Oceanco is satisfied with the tank-test results on the hull designs.
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