By: Cliff Schindel.
Photos: J.Kelagopian - Chromie A.Fermus
Today, the Costruzioni e Riparazioni Navali (CRN) Shipyard in Ancona, Italy is arguably one of the most important facilities building superyachts today. Founded in 1963, the 81,000 square meter shipyard is where time‐tested engineers and craftsmen have created an established reputation for their know‐how in superyacht production. Since 1999, the CRN Shipyard has served as a multi‐brand production center for the Ferretti Group.
It is at the CRN Shipyard where elegance and style are combined with engineering and technology, all in a close working relationship with the owner/client, that ultimately lead to the creation of unique works of sea-going art and technology, such as CRN Project 122, Romance.
In April 2008, Romance slid down the ways and into the waters of the Adriatic Sea. There to witness the Romance launch were CRN President Lamberto Tacoli, the owner of Romance owner, every craftsmen and designer involved in her creation, and a gathering of invited guests. After her blessing, and to the sound of Giacomo Puccini’s celebrated aria “Turandot”, Romance became the newest member of an elite group of CRN superyachts.
Her external lines, including the recognizable CRN bow, were designed in a joint effort between CRN engineers and the Zuccon International Project Firm. Sophisticated and complex interiors were conceived through a close working relationship between the owner and the seasoned CRN Design Department, making Romance a truly custom-made superyacht.
Romance’s regal and Baroque-style atmosphere can be seen throughout her three living decks, which are accented by a variety of materials and unique elements, such as onyx, silk, and gold, making her the superyacht expression of real affluence and opulence. With an attention to detail that included doorknobs chiseled in bronze and gilded which tie back to the luxuriant decoration typical of the Baroque period. Furnishings and accessories were tied together by mahogany and mahogany feather found throughout the paneling and fine carpentry.
Some of the unique elements of this superyacht are her fully operative wood stove in the panoramic lounge; a video-projector hidden in an overhead which transforms the lounge into a fullsize movie theatre; a large 6 x 2.5 meter pool that has an adjustable current that turns the water into an aquatic treadmill; a wellness center styled after a Turkish bath, with design elements that include aroma-therapy, scented fir sauna, a massage room with a beauty shop and a fitness room; as well as the custom-made seventeenth-century themed furniture, rendered even more stunning by inlays, lacquered decorations, and gold appliqués.
The upper deck of this superyacht we find a large and luxurious VIP guest cabin, the spacious panoramic lounge, an apt pantry, and common receiving area. In the panoramic lounge designers opted to use lighter-hued, decapé ivory paneling to uniquely accent this living and entertaining area. Also located on the upper deck is the large-size wheelhouse, with the Captain’s cabin and the radio room located behind it.
Above the upper deck is the sun deck. The sundeck includes the large swimming pool, the sunbathing area, covered lunch area, and a workout room installed inside the mainmast.
On the forward main deck is the owner’s stateroom. Fitted with Corinthian columns, panels finished in gold-leaf, crystal Swarovski accents on the suspended ceiling create a “starry sky”, and the gilded, tufted headboard completes its imperial style. An attached terrace includes an accent table and chairs upholstered in lapin skin. Also included in the owner’s exclusive stateroom are two luxury baths, detailed in onyx. One bath has been ornamented with what is believed to be the last block of Egyptian alabaster available on the open market.
In the dining area, the owner continued with Swarovski crystal and has a one-of-a-kind chandelier as its centerpiece. Also located on the main deck are the main lobby and lounge, a spacious owner’s study, pantry, and a fully-equipped main galley.
The main lobby, visible from the outside, is built around two back‐lit columns, with bulkheads decorated with a mother-of-pearl mosaic and a central door featuring a bronze lion’s head. Highly refined animal images are another recurring motif on Romance. The animal theme detail has been carried over to each gold-molded bathroom faucet fixtures in the owner’s stateroom.
Moving down to her lower deck, we enter the area set aside for Romance's guests. Here there are the remaining four of five guest cabins, two with double beds and two with twin beds. Each cabin includes gold-leaf decorations and elegant, hand-embroidered fabrics. Forward of the guest area is the crews quarters, fitted for 10 the area includes a dinette of its own and six cabins.
Finally in the sub deck of this superyacht is a state of the art and fully equipped engine room. Romance’s Naval Architecture has been formulated by the CRN engineering department and has been built to LR 100-A1-SSC-"Y", MONO, G6, *LMC, UMS, MCA compliance.
With a total of 12 guests and 10 crew members, Romance is ready to set sail with two 3512B Caterpillar engines topping at 15 knots. Cruising at 12 knots, Romance has an impressive range of 4000 nautical miles. True to her name, the superyacht Romance is sure to spark a love affair between her owner and her seagoing magnificence.
For more information visit, www.crn-yacht.com.