Article written by
Boat International
Published on September 4, 2024
Image © Breed Media
Since superyachts gained popularity in the post-war era of the mid-20th century, design and lifestyle trends have rapidly evolved. However, much like other industries, an appreciation for tradition remains with enthusiasts of retro cars and the resurgence of vinyl records exemplifying this trend.
Today, advanced technologies like hybrid propulsion and artificial intelligence play crucial roles in yacht construction.
Yet, the following examples demonstrate how traditional elements can blend into contemporary yacht design.
Retro styling
Benetti’s recently launched, 1960s-inspired Motopanfilo 37M was created “in response to the growing demand for boats that combine classic elegance with modern performance and high-level comfort”, according to Sebastiano Vida, head of product at Benetti.
Built in GRP, one of the 37-metre displacement yachts from the series named Legend features a striking exterior design from a collaboration between Francesco Struglia and Benetti. Her bronze-painted superstructure pays homage to traditional wooden features, while her stern’s curved features are a nod to the Italian Navettas of the 1960s.
Italian studio Lazzarini Pickering Architetti designed Legend’s interiors, using wood to evoke a vintage aesthetic. Traditional gloss-varnished, warm-toned woods like mahogany have been replaced with lighter, matte finishes with finer grains such as oak.
Alongside Loro Piana Interiors, they also crafted the onboard upholstery, featuring a summer palette of warm whites, blues and malachite accents - a chromatic combination reminiscent of a 1960s Italian summer.
Recreating classics
At first glance, 90-metre Nero appears as if she has been sailing the seas for centuries, with her clipper bow, black hull and yellow funnel reminiscent of early 20th-century ocean liners. However, she was actually built in 2009 by Asia-based yard Corsair Yachts.
After undergoing several substantial refits, Nero has been transformed into a modern, charter-ready superyacht while maintaining her classic design. Her four decks are rich with history, from her retro interiors by Laura Pomponi and the busts of maritime icons Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson and Lord Byron nestled in her depths.
But what truly sets Nero apart is her fusion of tradition and modernity. She boasts a spacious sundeck, a spa and beauty salon, and a fully equipped gym, catering to the needs of the 21st-century yacht owner. Not to mention her fully upgraded technical equipment, including an upgraded AV system that enables an immersive experience in the observation lounge cinema.
Historic construction materials
The yachting industry is one where risks are often embraced, and 50-metre Afra exemplifies this spirit as the world's largest wooden yacht. Made by soaking sheets of teak in boiling water and cladding them around a GRP superstructure, Afra harks back to a bygone era when wooden yachts were the norm.
Though wooden construction was largely abandoned in the late 20th century in favour of materials like fibreglass, steel and aluminium, Afra showcases a modern yacht owner's affection for tradition, inspired by their Middle Eastern heritage and the traditional art of building dhows (traditional wooden Arab sailboat).
The warm amber wood finish replaces the usual white paint, creating a distinctive aesthetic for this contemporary motor yacht.
Classic veneer-style teak and holly interiors are mixed with modern Italian furniture and white-stained marble. Despite her traditional construction, Afra offers all the modern amenities expected of a 50-metre yacht, including accommodations for 12 guests in six staterooms and three additional crew cabins.
Traditional craftsmanship
While we frequently admire the modern designs of today's superyachts penned by renowned studios, the artisans behind the unique furniture on board are often overlooked. These talented craftspeople use ancient techniques to create bespoke pieces by hand.
A prime example is the cabinetry on the newly rebuilt 105-metre H3. A finalist in the BOAT Artistry & Craft Awards, Joshua Williams collaborated with the British design studio Silverlining, employing traditional craftsmanship to create a display cabinet, dining table and TV cabinet.
These pieces feature unique details like the rippled sycamore veneer in the table, the precision drawer fitting in the display cabinet and intricate metal components in the TV cabinet. H3 exemplifies how an ultra-modern yacht can combine contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship.
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