When a yacht builder launches its first megayacht, people sit up and take notice. When that same yacht garners a prestigious environmental award, it’s even more noteworthy. Such is the case with Prima, a 176’10” (53.7-meter) megayacht built under the Columbus Yachts brand by Palumbo Shipyard. Prima exemplifies the high aesthetic and technical standards the build team set out to reach by entering this marketplace.
Built to ABS classification standards, Prima also achieved the RINA Green Star Plus notation. Mostly pertaining to carbon emissions, Green Star Plus is purely voluntary, but quite strict, covering 12 different pollution sources. It requires design ideas, onboard equipment, and onboard procedures to exceed the international standards for minimizing environmental impact. Prima received the RINA Green Star Plus notation from Prince Albert II of Monaco during an official ceremony onboard at the Monaco Yacht Show. (On a side note, King Juan Carlos of Spain, an avid yachtsman himself, was also in attendance.)
Decor-wise, Prima indulges the senses with abundant use of Carrara marble, especially on the saloon sole as seen below, as well as Durmast (oak) and walnut woods. The look is elegant without being off-putting. Whether the owner is enjoying the balcony off his main-deck master suite or guests are having drinks at the bar in the skylounge, Prima sets a soothing scene. The owner worked with Design Studio Spadolini to seamlessly blend modern and classic elements.
Of course, a first-ever launch does not mean every subsequent yacht will turn out the same. But Palumbo Shipyard is intent on keeping the technical standard high. The team has signed a contract for a hybrid model, called the Columbus Sport 125 Hybrid, which is already under construction in the Naples shipyard. They’re also completing the hull of the 58m (190-footer), for delivery in 2013.
Here’s more of Prima, featuring six staterooms and a reported 16-knot cruise speed.
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