Photo by Andrea Ferrari, © Porfiristudio srl.

Guilty: The Floating Canvas of Dakis Joannou

Words by Costas Voyatzis

Greek Cypriot industrialist Dakis Joannou, one of Europe’s foremost collectors of contemporary art, has expanded his collection with a unique addition: a 35-meter yacht named Guilty. This exceptional vessel, crafted in collaboration with Italian designer Ivana Porfiri and featuring a striking camouflage exterior by iconic artist Jeff Koons, blurs the lines between functional design and avant-garde art.

Constructed in Italy by Cantieri Navali Rizzardi, Guilty represents the fusion of engineering precision and artistic innovation. The yacht reflects Joannou’s philosophy of living with art rather than merely exhibiting it, transforming his passion for contemporary works into a seafaring masterpiece.

Photo by Andrea Ferrari, © Porfiristudio srl.

Photo by Andrea Ferrari, © Porfiristudio srl.

Photo by Andrea Ferrari, © Porfiristudio srl.

Photo by Andrea Ferrari, © Porfiristudio srl.

Photo by Andrea Ferrari, © Porfiristudio srl.

Photo by Andrea Ferrari, © Porfiristudio srl.

At 35.3 meters in length and with a beam of 7.4 meters, Guilty boasts impressive technical specifications. Powered by two MTU 16V 4000 M90 engines, the yacht reaches a maximum speed of 27.9 knots, combining performance with luxury. Its GRP hull and superstructure ensure durability and efficiency.

The yacht’s three decks are meticulously designed to balance aesthetics and functionality:

Lower Deck: Accommodates two twin cabins, a VIP cabin, and an additional guest cabin near the staircase.

Main Deck: Features a spacious lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows that create the sensation of being on the water, alongside a service area that includes a galley, pantry, and day toilet.

Upper Deck: Exclusively dedicated to the owner, with a 180° view from the master cabin and an office seamlessly connected to the flybridge.

Inside, Guilty resembles an art gallery. White Corian flooring and pristine white walls and ceilings serve as a neutral backdrop for vibrant, high-design furniture and carefully curated contemporary artworks.

Jeff Koons’ camouflage design transforms Guilty into a floating sculpture. The bold, geometric patterns juxtapose bright colors and sharp angles, creating a striking contrast with traditional yacht aesthetics. The exterior is more than a design; it’s an artistic commentary on visibility and disguise, making Guilty a true “travelling artwork.”

Photo by Andrea Ferrari, © Porfiristudio srl.

Photo by Andrea Ferrari, © Porfiristudio srl.

Photo by Andrea Ferrari, © Porfiristudio srl.

Photo by Andrea Ferrari, © Porfiristudio srl.

Photo by Andrea Ferrari, © Porfiristudio srl.

Photo by Andrea Ferrari, © Porfiristudio srl.

Photo by Andrea Ferrari, © Porfiristudio srl.

Photo by Andrea Ferrari, © Porfiristudio srl.

Photo by Andrea Ferrari, © Porfiristudio srl.

About Ivana Porfiri
Ivana Porfiri, the yacht’s designer, is renowned for her multidisciplinary approach. With projects spanning private residences, offices, and yachts, Porfiri emphasizes the sensory and perceptual experience of spaces. Her belief in cross-disciplinary creativity—ranging from the geometry of vineyards to the intricacies of carpet patterns—shines through in Guilty. Her design philosophy prioritizes emotional resonance over mere visual impact, making her the ideal collaborator for a project of this magnitude.

Dakis Joannou: Art Collector and Visionary
Dakis Joannou began collecting contemporary art in 1985, inspired by Jeff Koons’ Equilibrium. His collection, housed in Athens’ DESTE Foundation for Contemporary Art, includes works by luminaries like Vanessa Beecroft, Maurizio Cattelan, and Takashi Murakami. Joannou’s approach to collecting emphasizes living with art, integrating it into his daily life—a principle embodied in Guilty.

Through DESTE, Joannou champions emerging and established artists, bridging contemporary art and culture. Exhibitions at institutions like the Palais de Tokyo and Christie’s underline his influence in the art world.

Photo by Andrea Ferrari, © Porfiristudio srl.

Photo by Andrea Ferrari, © Porfiristudio srl.

Technical Excellence Meets Artistic Mastery
Specifications
Length Overall: 35.3 m
Beam: 7.4 m
Engines: 2 × MTU 16V 4000 M90
Max Speed: 27.9 knots
Fuel Capacity: 26,500 L
Guest Accommodation: 7 guests + 2 owners
Crew Accommodation: 6 members
Interior Design: Ivana Porfiri (Porfiristudio)
Exterior Design: Ivana Porfiri & Jeff Koons

Guilty is more than a yacht; it’s a collaborative celebration of design, engineering, and artistic vision. By enlisting talents like Porfiri and Koons, Joannou has created a vessel that redefines the boundaries of luxury and art. With its bold exterior and gallery-like interiors, Guilty serves as a testament to Joannou’s commitment to living with art, transforming the seas into an exhibition space for his creative passion.

For those fortunate enough to glimpse Guilty, it’s not just a yacht—it’s a floating masterpiece.

Photo by Andrea Ferrari, © Porfiristudio srl.

Photo by Andrea Ferrari, © Porfiristudio srl.

Photo by Andrea Ferrari, © Porfiristudio srl.

Photo by Andrea Ferrari, © Porfiristudio srl.

Photo by Andrea Ferrari, © Porfiristudio srl.

Photo by Andrea Ferrari, © Porfiristudio srl.