Motor Yachts over 500GT
Sibelle
Exterior styling: AB Studio - Omega Architects
Builder : Heesen Yachts
9 finalist yachts from 32 to 50 m (under 500 GT) were selected in the category of design and exterior style. The winner âeuros Sibelle âeuros was the second largest yacht in the selection. Its radical styling combines a slightly inverted (or destroyer) bow with a sharp chine and a hull that widens above the waterline.
The bow rail has been considered as part of a deliberately strong, horizontal design, which includes dark, well-spaced glass strips that give the impression of being continuous and give the yacht an extra sense of length, than its 49.9m size.
The rounded shape of the sides and aft deck reinforce the powerful look of the exterior while reflecting the curves of the recessed relaxation area in the aft deck.
Symmetry is a strong secondary theme in the design, particularly visible on the upper deck and sundeck. The surprise of skylights in the sundeck hardtop and the panoramic window that opens to the rear of the swim platform provide a touch of light that reminds us that Sibelle is a yacht of contrasts.
Motor Yachts under 500 GT
Savannah
Exterior styling: CG Design
Manufacturer: Feadship, De Vries
The 9 finalists in the style and exterior design category for yachts larger than 500 GT ranged from 55 m in length to about double the size.
Savannah is the first exterior design by Paris-based CG Design, although architect Christina Gherardi had already designed the interior of the owner's previous semi-custom yacht. The yacht has deviated a bit from the initial sketches given to Feadship and De Voogt Naval Architects.
The key to the design exercise is to allow guests to maintain a functional relationship with the sea. Here, there is an uninterrupted cascade of living areas on the main deck: from the dining room, through the open lounge, across the pool deck and down to the sea. In the other spaces, vast expanses of glass connect the yacht's interior with the outside world, from the partially submerged "Nemo" room aft to the observation room forward.
The slim, harmonious silhouette and vertical bow bring a sense of speed while the silver-green metallic exterior finish reflects the color of the sky and water.
Sailing boats
Nikata
Exterior styling : Nauta Design
Builder : Baltic Yachts
Of the six finalist yachts chosen for their exterior look in the Exterior Design and Style category, two were very traditional. The judges appreciated their resemblance to the iconic style, but it was the designers' efforts to balance tradition and modernity that set their designs apart from the fleet of modern boats.
Nikita was selected by the judges thanks to the work of Nauta Design to meet the owner's specifications: not to compromise the yacht's racing style and performance while offering an attractive design with a high level of comfort at sea.
The very low roof is a masterpiece of joined geometric shapes that create a simple line and a subtle contrast between the harmonious gray metal hull and the bright gray roof. The fact that the pale teak deck is embellished with gray caulking shows an overall approach where style has taken over. From the guest area to the crew area, everything is functional and well designed.
