Yacht Emilia Transformed Into Mid-Century Modern Marvel

Japanese and Italian culture meet mid-century modern design aboard the yacht Emilia. It’s a reflection of the owners’ individual heritages and their shared appreciation for the period aesthetic. It’s also the result of an extensive rebuild of a 20-year-old megayacht.

the yacht Emilia is a Westport 112 from 2002

The owners knew they were committing to a major refit when they acquired the yacht. A Westport 112 from 2002, she featured a dated interior design that didn’t suit their tastes. While thankfully the yacht as a whole was sound and her engines had recently undergone significant service, the owners did want to mitigate sound and vibration significantly. Some systems also needed upgrading, and the air conditioning system needed replacing. They further wanted to improve air flow to eliminate allergens and/or dust buildup, among other things. Equally important, they planned to completely change the décor in every room and improve the crew areas, plus redesign alfresco spaces. The refit became a multi-million-dollar rebuild, with Destry Darr Designs overseeing the work at Safe Harbor Lauderdale Marine Center.

the yacht Emilia has a mid century modern decor

Strictly for the owners’ private use, the yacht Emilia underwent stripping back and gutting in multiple areas. The saloon, for example, now has a six-inch higher ceiling and totally redesigned window frames and mullions. Both emphasize the sense of volume and bring more brightness overall into the room. Cabinetry and soffits are redesigned as well, to reflect the mid-century modern theme but also to accommodate the new air-conditioning system and sound and vibration insulation. Notably, craftspeople designed and created a custom baffling system especially to damp air-system sound.

From the saloon to the staterooms, the yacht Emilia has either original or replica period furnishings from notable names like Charles Eames, Isamu Noguchi, and Frank Lloyd Wright. Headboards in the staterooms re-create period designs, while multiple accessories honor the Japanese owner’s heritage. The latter is especially prominent in the foyer outside the staterooms (top), where a kimono hangs opposite Japanese woodblock prints from the Edo period. The master suite, meanwhile, pays homage as well via en suite bath wall tiles, depicting cherry blossoms. LEDs draw attention to the redesigned ceiling soffit in the master. Equally important to the owners, the dark wood stain throughout the staterooms and the rest of the interior is more environmentally friendly by being water-based rather than oil-based.

Because their crew are quite important to them, the owners additionally paid a lot of attention to their spaces. For example, the galley has an island for prepping and staging, along with the proper tools of the trade. It also has a raised dinette for the crew, for a more sociable atmosphere. An electrically opening, soundproofed glass door closes off the foyer from the saloon when wanted. Just steps down and forward off the galley, the VIP stateroom can house the chef and a stew in outboard twins, or guests when the twins push together as a queen berth.

All crew cabins underwent redesign as well, as did the wheelhouse. The helm ergonomics are improved, and just one set of stairs, to starboard, now yields access. Interestingly, one of the owners is a navy veteran and wanted the area to reflect a military look. Black, matte grey, and carbon fiber do the trick.

With an enclosed flying bridge for all-climate use and a boat deck strictly for toy stowage beneath a sunpad, the yacht Emilia has highly personal touches at every turn. Amid all the touches, though, one holds an extra-special place in the owners’ hearts. It’s a vintage Thorens turntable, which they restored and which has a custom vibration-damping stabilizing installation. It’s a highlight of the saloon experience. Paired with speakers from the same era, it plays selections from Miles Davis and more, particularly for when they’re sitting in the two Eames chairs facing it.

Destry Darr Designs destrydarrdesigns.com

Safe Harbor Lauderdale Marine Center shmarinas.com/locations/safe-harbor-lauderdale-marine-center