Monaco Yacht Show is as important to yachting as Masterpiece is to the art and design community. The annual event showcases the latest innovations and most exciting launches from the world’s leading yacht brands and builders. After the cancellation of the 2020 edition, the 2021 show was back in full force with a number of game-changing yachts on display in the world-famous Port Hercules. Interior design was a key talking point during the event as this year’s most iconic superyachts debuted with equally captivating interiors. We take a look at the most eye-catching superyacht interiors unveiled at the show – and speak to the designers behind them.
Artefact: Reymond Langton Design
With her abstract glass windows and dominating exterior, Artefact was one of the most photographed superyachts at Monaco Yacht Show 2021. Built by German shipyard Nobiskrug, with exterior design by Gregory C. Marshall Naval Architect, the 80-metre hybrid superyacht features interiors by Reymond Langton, a British design firm known for its work on iconic yachts such as Lady S, Bravo Eugenia and Kismet.
“Artefact represents a forward-thinking approach to the concept of design and engineering a superyacht,” says the firm’s design partner and creative director Andrew Langton. “With careful consideration paid to engineering, naval architecture and dramatic exterior design, it was important to reflect this innovative concept with the interior styling, and enhance the distinctive character of the yacht’s layout and expansive glazing, while meeting the specification of high acoustic performance and a practical living space – requirements that influenced many aspects of the styling and materials chosen from the outset.”
In order to soften, but not alienate, the yacht’s bold, masculine exterior, Langton created a warm interior ambience through the use of signature natural materials – think light bleached oak and taupe sycamore – which he contrasted with soft bronze and dark walnut accents to integrate with the yacht’s distinctive angular design.
“Soft, subtly faceted architectural structures break up the design – both visually and sonically, and are blended with softer, curved elements found in the ceilings and furniture which are all developed to absorb noise and reduce echoes in the larger spaces of saloons and guest areas, while also interacting with both natural and carefully integrated indirect lighting to create bright, welcoming spaces,” says Langton.
It’s easy to see why this yacht has picked up so many awards. So far, it’s received accolades including Super Yacht of the Year 2021, Best Naval Architect, Best Engineered, Best Interior, Most Innovative, Best Exterior, Green Yacht and Best Layout. Somehow, we don’t expect this will be the last we hear of Artefact.
Moskito: Bannenberg & Rowell Design
Moskito stood out on the shoreline at Monaco Yacht Show, with her sleek exterior silhouette, but she becomes even more impressive inside. The 55-metre yacht was built by Dutch shipyard Heesen, the design a marriage between Omega Architects’ sleek exterior lines and contemporary interior design by Bannenberg & Rowell Design, the British firm behind iconic projects such as Promise by Feadship, Metis by Benetti, and Galactica Star, also by Heesen.
With Moskito, the Britons set out to create an interior ambience that is both bold and sophisticated, without being overly formal: “We wanted to take the breath away, without being aesthetically intimidating,” says company leader Dickie Bannenberg. “That fine line between approachability and comfort. Something cool and interesting, but subtle.”
We wanted to take the breath away, without being aesthetically intimidating. Something cool and interesting, but subtle.
Dickie Bannenberg, Bannenberg & Rowell Design
As the yacht is available for charter, the designers opted for an approachable colour palette of natural tones – think sycamore, eucalyptus and smoked oak with herringbone floors, travertine marble and bronze accents. Attention to detail is meticulous – the team considered everything down to the bespoke desk in the 82-square-metre owner’s apartment and the artwork in the hallways – mostly by up-and-coming British artists.
Throughout, the team sought to maximise the guests’ connection to the ocean with wave-like rippling architecture, long windows with dropped sills, and open-plan spaces – enabling views right through the interior to the water on the other side. Discreet lighting creates an inviting ambience at night, and large windows in every hull cabin and bathroom offer a beautiful view for all guests, not just the principal.
With the winter charter season preparing to begin, Moskito looks set to be one of the most in-demand yachts on the market.
WHY200: Vallicelli Design
Wally WHY200 wasn’t the largest yacht on display at Monaco Yacht Show but she was one of the most distinctive, both inside and out. The new flagship of Monaco-based Wally Yachts, founded by Luca Bassani, the 27-metre-long motoryacht features bold, futuristic naval architecture by Laurent Giles and Ferretti Group. Interiors are by A. Vallicelli, a Rome-based firm which has been designing yachts since 1976.
“The new compact superyacht WHY200 carries the ‘Wow’ factor engraved in its DNA,” says Bassani. While the yacht appears dark on the outside due to her grey and glass exterior, Vallicelli lightens up the interior, creating a large sense of space that’s ideal for groups and families, with expansive windows increasing guests’ connection to the sea – a major interior theme of the show.
The yacht’s distinctive 15-foot-tall bow, which towers over nearby vessels, houses the giant 400-square-foot master cabin – an unusual decision considering most owner’s cabins sit at the back of a yacht. The decision means that the owner wakes up to an impressive 270-degree view, uninterrupted through curved glass windows. Other innovative features include a spacious beach deck with flaps that fold down when the yacht is at anchor to increase the space.
“The new WHY200 expresses all its innovative power through new architectural elements, which represent a break with the past and with the typical clichés of a motor yacht,” says Bassani, who adds that her “bold” design will “improve the owner’s experience onboard and represent a turning point in the motor yacht market.”
Bintador: Francesco Paszkowski Design
Bintador, a new 50-metre all-aluminium hybrid superyacht from Tankoa Yachts, is easy on the eyes – and the environment. Powered by Tankoa’s innovative hybrid propulsion system, she features an eye-catching exterior by Francesco Paszkowski Design and equally enticing interiors – also designed by Paszkowski in collaboration with designer Margherita Casprini.
On the outside, Bintador is dynamic and contemporary, featuring large areas for entertainment. Inside, light tones and soft fabrics come together with natural materials such as brushed sandblasted oak, marble, glass and saddle leather, to create a sense of harmony that’s ideal for relaxation. “The owner wanted a cosy and welcoming interior, timeless and understated,” says Paszkowski. “He was very clear about what he liked, but he also gave us a lot of freedom to come up with proposals.”
The first thing you notice about the yacht is her carefully considered colour scheme, which juxtaposes bright and dark tones. On one end you’ve got ivory ceilings, sand sofas and honey Botticino marble; on the other, grey leather poufs and table bases, wooden panels and glossy grey Persian marble in the showers. The result is not unlike the private residence of a five-star hotel.
Much of the furniture, particularly in the owner’s cabin, is custom-made, with the remainder sourced from illustrious Italian brands such as Minotti and Giorgetti. It’s a beautiful example of Italian design and a reminder of why the ‘Made in Italy’ label remains strong to this day.
As the yachting community looks ahead to Florida for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (27-31 October), where further grand reveals are expected, it’s clear that the industry is bouncing back after the pandemic – which is great news for yachting and design enthusiasts alike.
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