No doubt Batman would approve of the code name, and profile, of this megayacht. The Gotham Project is a 151-footer (46-meter) whose keel laying takes place come October. The all-aluminum yacht is the first of a new series, in fact, promising performance and fuel efficiency as different as her styling and creature comforts.
The Gotham Project stems from the creativity of the owner as well as a multi-national team in design, construction, and project management. Naval architecture comes from Van Oossanen Naval Architects, while styling and interior design is by Erdevicki. Twenty-two months after the first conversations with the owner at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2015, Icon Yachts signed the contract last week.
Van Oossanen Naval Architects credits the owner with wanting “a wolf in wolf’s clothing.” If the profile doesn’t clue you in to him wanting something distinctive, the engineering should. The Gotham Project incorporates both the design studio’s Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) and Hull Vane, each patented. The FDHF is already proven, with better fuel economy throughout the full speed range than traditional semi-displacement designs. The Hull Vane is proven, too. In brief, it’s a fixed hydrofoil aft that lowers fuel burn and boosts seakeeping. Van Oossanen says the Gotham Project should see 15 to 20 percent better fuel efficiency and 1½ knots more top speed, 24½ to be exact.
That anticipated speed will result from an engine package that may surprise you. The Gotham Project will feature twin MTU 16V2000 diesels. Much smaller megayachts tend to use that engine package. The Hull Vane’s ability to reduce drag is a primary reason the package is possible. Further noteworthy, Van Oossanen expects a range of 2,950 nautical miles.
Besides the engineering aspects, the Gotham Project has impressive fun features. Two sundeck dining tables boast glass tops that double as skylights for the sky lounge. Speaking of glass, the master suite gets a glass ceiling, too. The owner’s party of 10 can indulge in a foredeck plunge pool, complete with sunpads. Alternately, they can catch rays on the flying bridge. There, hi-lo coffee tables convert to form a significant-size sunpad. In addition, guests returning from a day of play on the watertoys, or arriving via tender, get to enjoy a drink on the swim platform. It’s due to a recessed bar.
If big parties are on order, the Gotham Project can handle them as well. The sundeck accommodates a DJ, for example. Pop-up speakers sit outside on a few decks. Surely the Gotham Project won’t run out of beverages, either. It’s thanks to a glass wine cellar on the lower deck.
Look for the Gotham Project to hit the water in 2019.
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