When it comes to design designers themselves are very hard critics. There are however, certain exceptions which always break the rules and these usually are the cases for the well known ‘soft spots’. These vary from one person to the other but mainly they deal with factors such as cars, motorcycles, high end hi-fi systems, art works and collector item objects. At this point I would like to state that the description ‘I’ is not one that I like and have ever used in these articles. However in this factor it has to be used as what I am writing about has hit my personal design factor inspiration ‘soft spot.’ It is none other then the sexy, sharp, smooth and dynamic edginess of a sailing yacht.  I find that the highest form of exclusive high end design is derived from yachts and is my prime inspiration source. When Anoushka Hempel designed the Beluga in the 90’s we were all looking with great amazement. A perfect match of a detailed designed sailing yacht in combination with a high end design interior. When I was shown the images of this sailing boat which you are about to see l I was more then inspired I was excited and aroused designly speaking.

This 100ft sailing beauty was created by Stockholm based Claesson Koivisto Rune architects. Its design is kept to a clean cut exclusive minimised use of materials and fixtures. It sails with a dominant factor but its actual design is subtle and prestigious.  The overall dynamic linear simplicity of the bow and stern demand’s attention to be paid. 

Sailing around the sea’s catwalk with pride, as a guest the amazement is carried on in the interior. The most important factor that makes the interior so essential is the  inspiration for it. On all sailing ships, yachts and whatever floats there is the water line that surrounds the exterior. The idea of the waterline became the concept to unite the outside with the inside. Throughout the interior everything below this”waterline” is slightly bleached walnut, everything above is white. This continuation brings all the rooms and spaces together, uniting and making the concept stronger and more functional. The lights, switches and ironmongery are clean-cut sharp and do not overshadow the importance of the design.

There are no accessories and gadgets around, after all, when raw design is good all you want to do is stare and not cover it with fixtures and frills. This example and the prime meaning of the word sexy in design is the detail on the stairs. I have not seen anything sexier in any type of yacht then this detailing. The harmony and smoothness of the side elevated staircase trade is an artwork for itself.

The kitchen kept above the waterline at all times is designed purely in white. It is reminiscent of the 70’s with a higher class of detailing. The size is quite rare as it contains a complete fit out and this usually never applies in a sailing yacht. In this case however we are not talking about any sailing yacht.

In conclusion just one phrase ‘Congratulations you inspired us truly’.

Project description, Sailing Yacht
Architect: Claesson Koivisto Rune Arkitektkontor AB
Team: Mårten Claesson, Eero Koivisto, Ola Rune,Palle Nilstein
Year: 2009
Client: Private
Location: Mediterranean/Caribbean
Specs: 100 ft / 30,5 m, single mast
photography: Rasmus Norlander