The concept: to offer the sensations of sailing to the engine
As a former sailor, Valerio Rivellini had his heart set on creating a new powerboat concept. In 2019, he designed the Velar 78, and presented the idea to Evo Yachts a few months later. Seduced, the manufacturer adapted the design to create the Evo 8.
This 23.71m yacht is based on a few key concepts, unveiled by the designer at the boat's premiere in Cannes:
- At the intersection between the sail and the engine
- A large flush bathing platform with tilting bulwark for contact with the sea where nothing is visible, not even the 3.6 m tender, cleverly hidden under a storage hatch on the port side.
- A "beach area" to change after swimming without having to go all around the boat.
- Live aboard with plenty of space, especially with an owner's cabin with direct access to the bathing platform, just like a private beach.
- Another invisible living space on the roof
- A space of conviviality with guests.
Design elements reminiscent of sailing
If the objective is to bring the sensations of sailing on a 23 m yacht, let's not forget that we remain on a motor boat. Thus, it is through design elements that the link is made: side steering wheels at the back of the side decks, retractable roof windows to control the wind in the face..
"At 18 knots, it's a perfect speed to sail without vibration, with the wind in your face and no noise at cruising speed. We've also pushed the comfort on board so that owners feel like they're on vacation right away when they come aboard, just like they would on a sailboat." explains the designer. A statement that will have to be verified during a sea trial.
The Evo V8 - with a starting price of 3.7 million euros excluding VAT - is fully customizable and offered in two layout versions: 3 cabins + 1 skipper cabin or 4 cabins + 2 skipper cabins.
Guided tour !
We had the opportunity to discover this new model on the pontoons of Cannes. Just from the outside, the boat is impressive! Evo Yachts had also integrated for the occasion the superyacht extension, that's to say! With this new model, Evo clearly targets the luxury market and offers high-end services and innovative solutions. The finishes and the quality of the construction are very good, and the choice of materials correlates with the target audience.
An owner's area with private beach club
We arrive on board via the huge bathing platform with tilting bulwarks. This system, already present on the R-Line models, is just a little extra here, as the beach club is already incredible. Everything is totally flush, the three lockers perfectly integrated without anything sticking out. This was the designer's objective and one of the great challenges of the construction. There are two side lockers and a central engine hold.
From this space, you can access either the main deck of the boat, or directly to the owner's cabin. Indeed, the beach club is directly connected to the "aera lounge", whose glass doors open completely and make this space a kind of pool room. There is a sofa, a bathroom and a bar, and you can change discreetly after swimming. The windows - once the doors are closed - can be tinted at the touch of a button for more privacy. A hatch in the steps also provides a second access to the engine.
This area is directly linked to the beautiful owner's cabin, carefully furnished and decorated with wood panelling, concealed cupboards, cut-out wood panels, in which a double bed is located in the center of the room, facing the spacious bathroom with shower and double sink. The glass doors can also be tinted here to shower out of sight. Behind the bed, the dressing area is hidden by a wall of glass and wood slats. To mark the link between the owner's cabin and the lounge room, the designer opted for the same floor. Thus, once all the glass doors are open, you can enjoy a view of the sea from your bed. A door hidden in the bulkheads allows direct access to the night space of the boat and to the other cabins.
Front and rear cockpit depending on the desired privacy
Back on the bathing platform, large steps lead to the cockpit where there is a dining table and seating. On each side, the steering wheels and engine controls allow you to steer the boat close to the guests. In our opinion, this installation will be used more for maneuvering than for piloting the boat, especially since the superstructure obstructs the view of the bow.
The gangways allow you to move around the main deck and access the convivial front deck. Several configurations are possible, from an intimate dining area to a bimini-protected sundeck. The main living area is accessed from either the forward or aft side doors. The space is very bright thanks to a glass superstructure. The windows can be lowered and raised electrically and can also be tinted to hide from your neighbors.
A bright and modern living area
The cockpit is central and spacious and has a great view. The rest of the room is furnished with a dining room and a lounge area with sofas and television, but also storage furniture. Two staircases lead to the lower deck. The one at the front goes directly down to the kitchen, which we would have expected to be more generous for a boat of this size.
A night zone with kitchen
A corridor leads to the owner's cabin at the rear of the boat, as well as two other cabins: the VIP cabin with its large bathroom, but which does not benefit from ventilation, and a second double cabin with twin beds and a third folding bed that can be folded out if needed as an extra bed. A well thought-out layout for children, for example. This last cabin also has its own bathroom.
Whether on the main or lower deck, the 2m headroom allows any size to move around easily and freely without having to twist and turn.
A well-concealed rooftop
Last but not least, a rooftop hidden from the outside, accessible from a hydraulic ladder in the cockpit. From below, no one would guess that there is still an outdoor living area on the Evo V8. There are four sunbeds with folding backrests, a shower and a cockpit that will be used mainly for maneuvering, given the seat - a wooden plank - and whose windshield can be raised.
