Dutch design studio, Vripack, has used the occasion of the Dubai International Boat Show to announce a bold new 101-metre superyacht concept called Lily. A joint project with Dutch superyacht builder Oceanco, Lily has been created to challenge conventional superyacht design, catering to the next generation of prospective owners.
Inspired by a water lily, the yacht features a unique asymmetrical, split-level design, which optimises air flow and owner experience. Beyond her striking appearance the yacht is filled with bold decisions, including a dedicated ‘leisure deck’, a children’s play nest that is accessed via a suspension bridge, and a virtual bridge that will utilise digital displays for navigation. She also boasts a helicopter landing pad and additional storage for four tenders and a helicopter.
“The key requirement from Oceanco was to conceive a yacht for the change makers who want to leave a mark,” explained Vripack’s co-creative director, Marnix Hoekstra. “Just as this demographic demand innovation for land-based projects, the same mindset applies to superyachts. Understanding that this new generation is quite experiential and appreciates multi directional design, resulted in a radical and fresh layout within a unique outer shape. Lily neatly straddles the line between blue-sky thinking and buildability.”
The yacht’s steel hull and aluminium superstructure mimics the shape of a sailing yacht with uninterrupted lines. There are not the side walkways or terraces that are traditionally seen on motor yachts and instead one-way glass windows allow for uninterrupted views of the sea.
“Being protected from the sun and keeping cool in the shade sits high up on the wish list for a lot of younger owners, so we’ve ensured Lily’s design allows for more sun shelter than is typically found aboard a yacht,” explained Hoekstra.
The yacht’s interior features overlapping decks, emulating the look of a lily closing its petals. Guests would board the deck via the main deck – or “leisure deck’ – to be met with a four-metre-high ceiling and large wellness area with an integrated waterside swimming pool, gym and water sports gallery. This space is overlooked by the aft deck lounge and balcony on the deck above and has a generous bar and dining area forward.
As guests are drawn further into the heart of the vessel the half decks come together via a glass mezzanine and stairway, which leads to nine 50msq double guest cabins, an open-plan cinema and a cosy children’s play nest accessed via a thrilling suspension bridge. With a growing trend for multigenerational travel, this area combines communal living with the ability to entertain multiple age demographics.
The top deck is dedicated to the 450 sqm owner’s split-level apartment, which includes a vast 315 sqm. private sundeck terrace and an interior lily pond that is open to the elements. The space for such a spacious and private owners’ area has been afforded by the decision to utilise a virtual bridge amidship with unobstructed views to the sides and a projector screen in the front. Reconfiguring the layout in this manner means that owners can enjoy the most valuable part of the vessel, the full top tier accommodation level in complete privacy.
Forward amidships are geometric crew areas, which are laid out to be super functional to aid highly efficient service. There are also dedicated crew access running below the main deck to allow for discreet service to continue smoothly away from guest areas.
Lily is the latest of Oceanco’s Beyond Custom designs, which are created to anticipate what owners will want from their yachts tomorrow and present them with solutions today. As with all Beyond Custom Yachts by Oceanco, Lily is based upon Lateral Naval Architects Energy Transition Platform (ETP) and is equipped with hybrid Dynafin propulsion and fuel cell technology.
“For Oceanco, Beyond Custom is about conceiving the type of project that doesn’t come out of any other shipyard, and Lily is a concept that steps beyond our industry standards,” added Hoekstra. “It’s a boundaryless onboard experience, like the ocean itself, providing pure freedom within the whole concept. It reflects our belief that it’s in the uniqueness of an idea where the true value for the future owner lies.”
