Wallypower 118

The Wallypower 118 is an amazing study of design and function.

This is the first of ten yachts that we will feature as examples of good yacht design. The Yacht was built in 2002 to an exceptional standard, and price.

A fast 36 meter motor yacht blending with its environment, floating gently but vigilant, always reflecting the weather and light in it's fiberglass side. It is a beautiful display of cutting edge technology and architecture.

The Wallypower 118 does not come cheap, it will set you back a handsome 33 million US. If that strains the liquidity there is also a more affordable version at 22 million available for those who can sacrifice on performance.

The construction required advanced water tank and wind tunnel testing, the latter at Ferrari's facility in Maranello. Composite fiber glass make up the hull while the superstructure is light weight carbon fiber. A material used extensively on board. Every inch of the yacht has been examined for possible weight saving opportunities. (The toilets are supposedly made out of carbon fiber)

The result is a super yacht capable of cruising at 60 knots with a maximum speed in the seventies. A truly amazing performance for a yacht this size. But it takes some power to reach this spine tickling speed. Three gas turbines at 5,600 HP each are the main motors. Two diesel engines at 370 HP each are extra engines for range extending. Under the waterline two KaMeWa waterjets propels the vessel forward. As a result the boat uses fuel faster than you can pour it, about a liter of fuel per second at top speed.

Under the deck there are two luxurious guest bedrooms and one master bedroom with two en-suites. Three crew cabins accommodates up to six crew members.

The minimalist design on the yacht is taken to the extreme. There is a total absence of visible antennas, winches or anchors. Everything is cleverly hidden away making the deck a flush carpet of teak. The tender garage is situated in the bow and concealed by the teak floor.

The Wallypower 118 is a yacht destined for a place among the classics. It is exceptionally cutting edge, while at the same time transcending current trends.

More pictures to come.

More information and video:
http://www.wally.com
http://www.youtube.com

Photo by Vikars flickr

SKAT Yacht

Photo 1 by Jeff83180 flickr, Photo 2 by pixelcollector flickr 

The construction on SKAT began in in 1999 and it was launched in 2002. It cruises at 15 knots with a max speed of 17 knots. SKAT is 70.70 meter (233 ft) long. The controversial design, sometimes described as militaristic, is by Espen Øino. The style is truly different from most other private yachts but works very well in our opinion. It is anything but traditional, turning heads like few other yachts out there. For the untrained yachtspotter this boat can easily be mistaken for a millitary ship, because of it's angular design and gray color. The straight lines and symmetry suggests a precision fittingly for a man working in the computer business. The owner is Charles Simonyi who made his fortune as a software engineer working on Microsoft's Office programs. He is also a two time space tourist to the international space station.



Features included are a gym, two tenders, and motorcycles. The helicopter accompanying SKAT is fittingly painted in matching gray color. It is A McDonnell Douglas model with a NOTAR system, meaning it does not have a traditional rear rotor but a system of wings. It is described as safer and quieter than a traditional rotor based helicopter. The benefits of a more silent helicopter are increased comfort, but also less noise for your surroundings.

The name SKAT is danish for treasure or tax and can be used as term of affection. The yacht can take 10 guests and 16 crew members.

Yachts and Helicopters

Here is a collection of Yachts carrying helicopters

Pelorus in St. Tropez

Photo by Rockies flickr
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Princess Mariana
Photo by theadrian flickr
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Ice with an EC-135

Photo by garyhymes flickr

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Meduse in Antibes with a McDonnell Douglas NOTAR (no tail rotor) helicopter

Photo by Rock n Soul flickr

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Le Grand Bleu

Photo by Petrafjord flickr

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Lady Christine
Photo by Sebastien.b flickr

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Skat in the Grenadines with a MD 520 NOTAR (no tail rotor)
Photo by jeff83180 flickr

Top Ten Yachts by Length

This is a list of luxury yachts by length. The total for the list is 1,414 kilometers or about 0.878 miles of floating luxury. To put the list in perspective the Eiffel tower is 324 m tall, antenna and all, while a tennis court is 36 m long.

• Eclipse 167.6 (2009)
• Dubai 160 (2006)
• Al Said 156.2 (2007)
• Prince Abdulaziz 147 (1984)
• Al Salamah 139.2 (1999)
• Rising Sun 138 (2004)
• Al Mirqab 133 (2008)
• Octopus 126 (2003)
• Savarona 124 (1931/1992)
• 8th wonder 123 (2009)

Yacht by Philippe Starck

The Design of Philippe Starck's motor yacht A is dividing yacht aficionados worldwide. It seems that either you love this submarine-looking vessel or you love it less, to put it politely. We admit that we are leaning to the second option.

 A in Oslo, Norway, in front of the Akershus Festning.

Photo 1 by stigkk flickr, Photo by Floden flickr

Our skepticism regarding the design is not because of the creative front part or the overall lines. They are great in our opinion. The bow is actually very efficient making the yacht capable of higher speeds in higher waves. It is the little things, like the windows, that seems a bit odd. The theme of the boat is a minimalist one with straight windows along the superstructure, but on the hull there are oval windows. These windows look too traditional because of the dominant straight lines and minimalist design. There is also something about the superstructure. The first row of windows are vertical while the next two rows lean backwards exactly on top of each other. Maybe choosing one style would have worked better visually on this yacht. The effect is that the yacht looks like a mixture of several parts, good by themselves, that in the end do not blend well.

We think that the shape presented in this yacht is very good, and understand that many may disagree about the small things pointed out above. However, the good thing is that this yacht has challenged stereotypes and conventions creating a debate in the design community which brings yacht design forward.

Facts 
Launched 2008 by Blohm + Voss, Germany
Naval Architect: Martin Francis and Design: Philippe Starck
Length: 119 m / 387 ft
14 guests
42 staff
Cruising speed 19,5 knots
Max speed  23 knots
12,070 HP
Range 6500 nm
4 quantum zero speed stabilizers
Helipad on the forward deck
3 tenders 

 Photo by Pedro da Silva flickr

Yacht A in a Norwegian fjord

Photo by margit86 flickr

The Expedition Yacht Le Grand Bleu

Le Grand Bleu is a spectacular expedition yacht. Launched in 2000 by the Bremer Vulkan Yard in Bremen, Germany, this yacht has a very fitting name. The Big Blue is about 114 m long, making it an impressive private yacht. The design is by Kusch Yachts while interior design is by Terence Disdale.


The yacht has two helicopter platforms, so if the guests are in a hurry they will have multiple exits. Guests also have the option of using the on-board tenders which are larger than your average inflatable one. The yacht can store a large 67-foot cabin cruiser as well as a 74-foot sailboat on deck. The versatility of this yacht is truly impressive. Openings in the hull for instance makes for easy access to water sports equipment. 


The style of the yacht is very elegant in our opinion, and will remain modern for many years.

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/silvershade/3060624607/in/photostream/

Top Ten Reasons For Owning a Yacht

 Here is a list of reasons for buying that new sparkling yacht. Remember that in the worst case scenario you at least stimulate the economy...


10. On land you may be a hardworking financier, but on the seas you go by the name of Salty Blackbeard O'Sullivan
9. Others say Recession, you say Recmesshen!
8. You are an avid fisherman, or is that your excuse?
7. Every time you step on land you get land sick
6. Because swimming to St. Tropez is not an option
5. You already own one, why not another?
4. Your New York townhouse is out of wall space for your Edvard Munchs
3. Every time you wake up you get ready to hoist the anchor, and trim the sails
2. You already drive to work in an amphibian car
1. Each September 19th you celebrate International Talk Like A Pirate Day. (Yes, it's a holiday)

The Best Charter Yachts Available

This is a selection of some of the most luxurious yachts currently available for some fun in the sun.

The fun comes at a price though, expect to cough up between 500,000 and 700,000 Euros for a shindig aboard one of these floating beauties.

Indian Empress. This yacht, owned by an Indian business man, is available for charter. It does come at a price however, but if you have the cash this 95 meters of yacht delivers what you expect. The yacht has been used for entertaining at the Monaco Grand Prix the last two years, where guests such as Jay-Z have experienced what this yacht has to offer.

Nero is a classic yacht built for charter. Completed as a new build in 2008, the 90 meters NERO was inspired by the “Corsair” series of yachts owned by the financier J.P.Morgan. Promenade deck and multiple exterior seating and dining areas as well as Oak and Ash interior ensures the authentic old time style. A large Jacuzzi on the sun deck and a 5.7m swimming pool with current machine on the foredeck keeps you comfortable as well as in shape. Three tenders and many water toys are available. Other features include the latest audio video systems, outdoor cinema and gym. The vessel has a crew of 20 lead by a British Captain. See neroyacht

Photo by Tuffy Flickr

Kismet is a Lürssen built yacht (2006) which sleeps 12 in 6 staterooms. A crew of about 22 people attends to its guests aboard this 68 meter vessel. The design is by Espen Øino, an experienced designer who have buildt many yachts for Lürssen. Interior is by Reymond Langton Design of London. Features include Water skis & tows, Jacuzzi, Barbecue, Motorcyle hatch and crane, Sauna, Gym, wave runners and Kayaks. See yachtkismet

Photo by Karma-Police flickr

Alexander, more like a small cruise ship this 122 meters yacht offers comfortable accommodation for up to 60 guests in 27 cabins. It is based in Greece and comes with a crew of 57. The Swimming pool and jacuzzi, a beauty lounge as well as a gymnasium, discotheque and Bar make this a no-brainer. The helicopter pad makes sure you arrive in style.

Photo by Twiga http://www.flickr.com/photos/twiga

Alysia is one of the most expensive yachts available for charter. It was launched in 2005. The rate for this ship is around 700,000 Euros a week. This does not included expenses, and with all the caviar consumed on similar vessels we would imagine those expenses to be substantial. At 85 meters this Neorion Shipyard build by Alpha Marine has 18 staterooms. Key features are a spa with steam room and indoor jacuzzi, hair saloon, massage room and treatment room. A gym is also included for those who like to move about while on vacation. 34 crew members makes for a healthy crew to guest ratio.

If anyone charter one of these and have an extra room available feel free to contact YachtArea. .

The Best Designed Yachts

YACHTAREA is working on a list of the best yachts recently designed. We are looking for the bold and the beautiful, the new, the inspiring yachts. It has to have a strong identity, but not necessarily Star Wars futuristic looks. The list will be built gradually, with additions made as we find worthy candidates. Feel free to let us know, by mail or comments, what you think should get praised.
Sneek peek: First yacht featured will be by Wally


Photo: www.flickr.com/photos/altuwa
Send in your suggestions.

Yachts We Like: Octopus

Octopus, currently the world's eighth largest private yacht, is a fascinating yacht. The design is somewhat expedition oriented with a high superstructure that sits forward. Penned by Norwegian naval architect Espen Øino it makes a splash wherever it goes. Built by the shipbuilders at Lürssen(Rising Sun, Pelorus), it takes up some major harbor space. It takes a crew of about 60 to manage this vessel and tend to its owner's every need. Can you top up that martini please?





Why we like it?
The Jacques-Yves Cousteau factor
Norwegian design at its best

Stats:
126 m delivered in 2003
Two helicopters
Two Submarines
Music studio
Max speed: 20 knots

Photo by 1000zen flickr

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