Emerging majestically from the construction shed at Feadship's facility in Makkum, Project 1011 signifies a leap in luxury yachting that transcends mere size and delves deep into the realms of innovation, design and client collaboration. As this superyacht prepares for its sea trials in the formidable North Sea, a brief overview scarcely does justice to the meticulous craftsmanship and radical design choices that epitomise this project.
The first glimpse of Project 1011 is truly unforgettable. Crafted by the maestros at Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, with naval architecture by Azure Yacht Design, its sleek exterior, underlined by clean-cut lines and a vertical bow, radiates an aura of regality. This distinctive silhouette makes Project 1011 instantly recognisable, underscoring its unique character.
One can hardly overlook the extensive use of exterior glass, spanning 1,100 square metres, which encompasses a staggering twenty exterior sliding doors and twelve windbreaks. This feature not only offers unparalleled panoramic views but also epitomizes luxury and open-space living on the high seas. Adding to its luxe features are the four outdoor hot tubs and a grand swimming pool that spans the full height of the main deck – a veritable oasis to luxuriate in while the world drifts by.
Yet, what truly sets Project 1011 apart from its contemporaries is its owner's vision. As a seasoned yacht owner and Feadship aficionado, this individual embarked on this journey with a precise vision and an insatiable quest for innovation. “The client’s keen involvement is something we generally tend to circumvent. But in this scenario, his fervour for perfection and collaborative approach turned our partnership into an engaging, enjoyable venture,” shares Feadship Director/CEO, Henk de Vries.
The brief was demanding, to say the least. The owner envisioned the grandeur and amenities of a 6,000GT yacht condensed into a vessel with half the volume. The rationale? To facilitate smoother access to coveted anchorages and harbours. This requisite metamorphosed into an exploration of space utilization and rule reconsideration, leading to the creation of a superyacht that is nothing short of a design marvel.
The decision to deviate from the norm of a two-tier engine room on a yacht of this magnitude, and instead opt for a single deck engine room, is truly groundbreaking. By allocating more volume to guest use, Project 1011 raises the bar in luxury yachting. It's little wonder that other upcoming projects at Makkum are already drawing inspiration from this pioneering design approach.
But the innovations don't stop there. The six-metre expanse of glass for the main deck guest suites, the monumental 15-metre-long tender garage shell door (a record for Feadship), retractable glass doors, a next-gen bridge by Kongsberg, and the awe-inspiring glass staircase and elevator in the central atrium, collectively make Project 1011 a beacon of modern yachting.
In conclusion, Project 1011 isn't just a yacht; it's a testament to what's possible when cutting-edge design, client passion, and top-tier craftsmanship converge. As it prepares to conquer the seas, one thing is clear: Project 1011 has already etched its name in the annals of luxury yachting.