So-named for her glass-enclosed observation areas, Project Crystal is the latest proposal from Mulder Design. The 229-footer (69.8-meter) looks different because she is different. With engineering and performance already calculated by the naval-architecture team, she can crisscross the globe, an expected 10,000 nautical miles without refueling. Equally noteworthy for adventurous souls, she’ll be capable of doing so in some icy conditions. Whether there or in typical tropical waters, Project Crystal enriches the feeling of being part of the great outdoors due to the extraordinary use of glass.
A stairway with landings rises through the glass structure aft, inviting you to pause on any of the levels to admire the view (below). Considering Project Crystal has four decks encased in the expansive glass, the views should be inspiring. They’ll remind you of why you commissioned the 43-foot-beam (13.2-meter-beam) yacht in the first place.
While the interior arrangement is for you to decide, Mulder Design suggests a secluded owners’ deck. For charter, the megayacht can take an additional 10 guests, for a 12-person total. For private use, 12 guests are possible, bringing the total to 14. Either way, 15 to 18 crewmembers will make for a welcome crew-to-guest ratio, as well as full-time manning needs.
The latter is of importance to Mulder Design. Project Crystal isn’t a yacht meant for loading onto a transport ship. Neither is she meant for crew to deliver from one port to the next, while you and your family fly in and out. The design team conceived the megayacht for regular long-range cruising, where the crew and owners’ party experience the passages together.
Of course, experiencing the destinations is important, too. Therefore, Project Crystal can tote a host of toys. The covered main aft deck holds tenders to 34 feet (10.4 meters), for instance. A handful of PWCs, a submarine, and other watertoys can go onboard, too. The certified helipad will make scouting inland locations, or hidden coves, easier as well. The former might be particularly fun when Project Crystal heads to polar climates. Mulder Design has specified compliance with ice class 1C regulations, meaning she can navigate in some icy conditions.
As for that navigation, a variety of propulsion options exist. Go with traditional diesels, or opt for hybrid power where you can rely on electric to cruise up to 12 knots. That speed will provide the above-referenced 10,000-nautical-mile range. (Customary diesel power should permit a 17½-knot cruise.) Alternately, request diesel-electric propulsion with pod drives.
Mulder Design has details about Project Crystal at its stand at the Monaco Yacht Show this week.
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