Among some motoryachts, there’s a strange dichotomy between the exterior styling and interior design. It’s particularly jarring with explorer-style yachts. Their rough-and-rugged outsides just don’t harmonize with ornate or elaborate insides. Not that globetrotters should have a gladiator-esque decor, mind you, but balance is often hard to find. An excellent exception is Grace E, the third Vitruvius motoryacht built by Perini Navi Group’s Picchiotti shipyard. The megayacht blends strong and soft lines outside, well suited for far-flung voyages along serene shores. Similarly, the generous-size relaxation areas have a beautiful tranquility, catering to her owner’s family and charter guests alike.
Grace E began as a trideck 174-footer (53-meter), evolving into the five-deck 239-footer (73-meter) you see here. What didn’t change is the basic principle of the Vitruvius series: low fuel consumption. Eight gensets provide power for the hotel load and propulsion. According to Philippe Briand, the naval architect behind the Vitruvius yachts, Grace E consumes 15 percent less fuel than same-size traditionally powered megayachts. He adds that she consumes just 6 gallons per nautical mile (23 liters per nautical mile) at 12 knots. Put another way, that’s just shy of 75 gph (283 lph). Grace E’s best range is 7,500 nautical miles.
Like Exuma and Galileo G, the two previous Vitruvius motoryachts, Grace E intends for her owner and guests to indulge in voluminous comfort. Once you step inside, you really sense how the 43-foot (13.2-meter) beam and gross tonnage of 1,835 come into play. Overall, Grace E has an astonishing 12,917 square feet (1,200 square meters) of recreation space. The beach-house-casual decor by Remi Tessier Design complements it, skillfully avoiding making it feel cavernous. More than one journalist and charter broker who’s stepped aboard in recent months has been heard to utter “Wow” upon entry.
Sensory experiences are a big part of life aboard Grace E. Witness the wellness deck, complete with hot and cold pools as seen here. Further features: a dry sauna, a hammam, a massage room. The hot pool combines hydrotherapy, chromatherapy (lights that soothe mind and body), and aromatherapy as well.
Also on the wellness deck is this gym with a view. (Actually two views: Note the upper tier of windows.) Guests may find it hard to concentrate on pedaling, given the hot tub that beckons out on deck. Elsewhere on the same level, guests can enjoy sun lounges and an indoor observation lounge.
The aft games/cocktail tables in the upper-deck lounge can also be used as observation areas, since the sliding doors to the outdoors can stay open. The dining table outside can cater to typical meals, but it’s also ideally situated steps away from a sushi bar.
After a long day of exploring the shoreline in her own Avon RIB, the owner of Grace E has a full-beam, main-deck suite ideal for drifting off to dreamland. Size: 990 square feet (92 square meters). The suite includes an art niche with hand-chiseled glass painted to mimic a waterfall. Sycamore with glossy ebony accents, parchment, and leather are the other predominant decor details. Deep ports bring in plenty of natural light and yield views of other shores to explore.
Up to 16 guests can be accommodated aboard Grace E thanks to pullmans in some staterooms. Padded leather stairs lead to the circular guest foyer below decks. All have similar decors, distinguished by subtly-colored artwork and linens. One stateroom, this VIP, is on the main deck versus below, just to port of the owner’s suite entry. Regardless of location, each has a clever feature to preserve floor space and keep them aesthetically pleasing: a leather-clad wardrobe door that rises at the press of a button, much like a garage door.
Whether heading above to the wellness deck or down below to sleep, guests can use the elevator in the central atrium. Gold fabric lines the interior of the glass-enclosed elevator shaft. Design details like this garnered Grace E the Baccarat Trophy for Best Interior Design Award at the Monaco Yacht Show last September.
Comfortable, graceful, and welcoming, Grace E is enjoying her first winter charter season in the Caribbean. Whether guests are relaxing on deck or inside, they’ll appreciate the unity and consistency of design.
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