Concept Yacht Atlas Adds What’s Missing From Explorer Yachts

“We have always believed that each project should bring with it some small inventions,” explains Antonio Romano, business director and co-founder of Hot Lab. “What is missing in an explorer yacht of around 50 meters? That was the principle behind Atlas.” In fact, the concept yacht Atlas, a collaboration with Ares Yachts, has a private owners’ bow mezzanine and a reinvented lounge replacing both the beach club and main saloon.

Ares Yachts turned to the Italian studio to introduce something different both for its customers and the marketplace. “We wanted to develop an expedition-yacht range, and Hot Lab provided us with a stunning explorer superyacht that comes in under 500GT while also encapsulating the Ares Shipyard’s commercial and naval heritage in her lines,” notes Şahinkaya Orhun, Ares Yachts’ managing director. The sharp, angular profile conveys the exploration idea, especially with the high bow. Further to make her a globetrotter, Ares Yachts tapped Van Oosanen Naval Architects. Its Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) should allow a range of nearly 5,000 nautical miles at 11 knots and a top end of 17 knots. Since the propulsion system is for owners to choose, the build and design teams can equip her with hybrid power. Further emissions-saving systems like solar panels are possible, too.

the concept yacht Atlas from Ares Yachts

Of course, the megayacht can also have a touch-and-go helipad for scouting anchorages, plus abundant tender and toy stowage. However, Hot Lab’s reconsideration of relaxation spaces is what makes the concept yacht Atlas stand out. Enrico Lumini, Hot Lab’s design director and co-founder, says the team wanted something truly special. “We thought of creating a mezzanine structure at the bow, allowing the owner to have a cabin completely open to the horizon,” he explains. The full-beam sleeping area therefore leads to a private foredeck space with a hot tub. Farther forward, a raised bow area is perfect for taking in an anchorage and gazing at the stars at night.

Simultaneously, he continues, Hot Lab designed “what we call the ‘welcome lounge’ aft—a space that is usually relegated to the secondary role of a beach club.” It sits elevated, above the waterline, and interestingly is also metaphorically elevated. “It becomes a true main saloon and an entrance,” Lumini adds, usable day or night.

The Ares concept yacht Atlas, with a crew of nine, takes care of guests in further ways, of course. Four staterooms below decks lead directly to the just-mentioned welcome area. It’s possible because Van Oossanen has rethought engine-room placement. “Placing the engine room forward realizes a grand entrance for guests aft while also allowing for a reduced volume in the aft ship and transom area,” notes Perry van Oossanen, the studio’s CEO. This therefore reduces hydrodynamic resistance while cruising. That, in turn, “further increases the yacht’s range, making it even better-suited for long-distance exploration,” he adds.

With a suggested contemporary interior design focused on pale woods and neutral tones, Atlas should take about two years to build upon contract.