Aurora leaves no doubt upon first impression that her owner wanted something different. The very nature of custom-yacht construction means owners are not content with what is widely and readily available for delivery. However, when owners opt for classic, traditional styling, they risk having something that blends in. The owner of Aurora definitely did not want that. It’s among the reasons why he selected Rossinavi to build her. None of its deliveries looks the same. In addition, in combination with stylist Fulvio di Simoni, his 161-footer (40-meter) is at once immediately recognizable and, equally vital, functional.
The forward-most sections give Aurora that immediately recognizable profile. Dramatic cutouts lend a look in to an alfresco lounging area. Aft, note the arcs that flow up from the main deck to the sundeck overhang. The design inspiration comes from the automotive world, specifically race-car air vents. Interestingly, according to di Simoni, what you see is exactly what he first penned for the owner. Indeed, except for the hot tub on the terrace-like aft deck, the owner approved every original element of di Simoni’s design, a rarity. Consider, though, that the terrace effect affords the owner and guests multiple alfresco areas to enjoy. In fact, the way the transom is styled, they can do so out of sight of prying eyes when Aurora is stern-to. Two sets of steps separate a shaded dining level (just off the saloon) from the hot tub level.
Youthful in attitude as well as age (still in his 20s), the owner was intent on Aurora being a sociable setting. Furthermore, according to Federico Rossi, COO of Rossinavi, he actively sought the shipyard’s input into whom to select for interior design. Without hesitation, Rossi says, the build team recommended Achille Salvagni. Together, Salvagni and the owner created an open-concept arrangement for Aurora, with a beam of 29’2” (8.9 meters), In combination with curves galore, from custom furnishings to limed oak walls, the megayacht has a fresh, relaxed, yet still sophisticated atmosphere. For example, a commodious, curving settee faces aft in the saloon, to both a television and the great outdoors.
Saloons are a significant theme aboard this yacht. Indeed, Aurora has three. Besides the main saloon (open to the dining area, above) and upper-deck zones, she has what Achille Salvagni considers a “beach saloon.” It’s a blend of a beach club and a true saloon, for watching movies (or live video footage fed from a forward camera) and spending time with friends. It also blends in a dining area, the latter tucked a bit farther inside to benefit from full shade.
With sinuous foyers leading past a wine-cellar wall to one of the two master suites (the other up a deck and aft), Aurora keeps the visual interest high. Glossy and satin-finished woods, metals, marbles, and other materials catch your eye. They all combine in the master suite, in fact. Here’s where essentially the only straight lines come into play as well, in the three huge ports facing forward. They let the owner look out onto the sunning area on the foredeck. The owner also has a balcony, naturally, at his disposal.
With another main-deck stateroom and three more below, Aurora caters to a customary crowd. The reported 3,800-nautical-mile range at 12 knots is plenty to take them around the Med and more. Engineered as a fast-displacement megayacht, by Arrabito Naval Architects, she sees a reported 21-knot top end, too, with her twin 3,460-hp MTUs. It all comes down to why the owner commissioned her in the first place: functional, yet fun.
Here is more of Aurora, including some yet-unpublished photos of her artistically inclined interior.
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