With the launch of 46.22 metre superyacht Como, Feadship once again affirms their position as a leading force within the superyacht industry. Drawing attention to a groundbreaking use of glass, Como features extraordinarily large windows at her owner's request, adding jaw-dropping panoramic views to her exquisitely designed interiors. An exceptional superyacht even by impeccable Feadship standards, she raises the bar in several areas and is a perfect example on how technological advancement, superb craftsmanship and a visionary take on luxury yachting can lead to beautiful innovation.
Como's owner's requirements were translated by Feadship into a stylish vessel, with modern interior designs from the boards of Redman Whiteley Dixon. She has continued the course set by other recent Feadship launches with regards to large windows, such as Musashi and Venus. This challenging advancement has now resulted in the application of glass as an actual structural support, a step that she takes with flying colours. Feadship deliveries usually have four or five decks, the raised pilothouse yacht, however, once again displays Como’s knack of successfully pushing boundaries and breaks with certain traditions.
Her large glass panes have had a considerable impact on the routing of piping and cables. For her layout, a core similar to buildings was created, containing staircases, ducting and technical spaces, a concept which was first applied onboard the 88 metre Musashi.
Large windows are indispensable, the application of which on this level can be traced back to one of the shipyard's own Future Feadship Concept designs. In 2006, a concept called X-stream was presented at the Monaco Yacht Show, receiving an enthusiastic response for the incorporation of a fully glazed superstructure in the design. Bram Jongepier, Feadship's manager of knowledge development, states that this project, “led to a research programme focused on the use of very large glass panels, the deployment of glass for strength, and the influence that glass has on interior comfort levels.”
A 2012 study focusing on load bearing glass for specific locations in the yacht proved that glass panels could support huge amounts of weight. Findings from this programme have all been successfully implemented into Como's concept.
Her owner, Neville Crichton, a highly experienced New Zealand yachtsman and avid racing car driver, commissioned the Dutch shipyard to build an outstanding superyacht that was not only fully custom, but of the highest possible quality.
“Having built many yachts in New Zealand, my choice of Feadship came after a careful and extensive examination of its expertise and facilities,” comments Crichton, who was made Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit by Queen Elizabeth II in 2012 for his services to yachting and business. “Once the decision to work with Feadship was made, I followed the construction process closely at all stages. I am pleased to be able to report that Feadship has exceeded my expectations in all areas and working with them both professionally and personally has been an enjoyable experience, with a remarkable and unique superyacht as the end result.”
Como is a real eye-catcher, with a contemporary bow shape and sleek, curvy whaleback sheer giving her strength and confidence. Her exteriors, designed by Dubois Naval Architects, show off those intriguing large windows, which are placed on top of the metal rather than countersunk into it. This glass covers Como's structure in a continuous band, drawing from the extensive knowledge gained during the Venus-project. A smooth transition from paintwork to glass and vice versa results in continuous gloss lines, making for a perfectly sleek look.
All this not just adds to distinct exterior features, but also results in gorgeous vista views from within, particularly from the owner's suite, guest staterooms and the main saloon. Uninterrupted views mean an uninterrupted sense of freedom, which Como accomplishes in an elegant manner. Her owner's love for racing cars is reflected in several features, such as the angle of the superstructure wall.
Majestic, bold and contemporary, Como boasts strong curves and a slender silhouette in all silver and touches of black for the windows. With two and a half decks, her look displays refined sportiness and agility. The possibility of having larger windows has been changing the looks of superyachts over the last decade or so. Larger windows have been making their mark, not just on exterior looks, but also on onboard experience. Como is a natural step in this evolution and, as Feadship director Henk de Vries states, “we have used the very latest technologies and developments to push the window on what is surely the most sophisticated 46 metre superyacht in the world today.”
Inside, Como features an airy open-plan main saloon, designed in a contemporary and light style with a generous touch of modern glamour. The cosy central lounge offers a semi-circular sofa and big armchairs, all in white upholstery with chic dark piping. The round, glass-topped table is subtly grand, which seems to be the base for these interiors.
Ample white, stainless steel accents and high-gloss dark timber for furnishing and cabinetry are the main ingredients, framed by dramatic vistas and generous amounts of natural light. There is a sense of intimacy, particularly with the cosy dining area to the main saloon which easily seats a company of up to eight. A large aft bar partially situated on the exterior aft deck further blends the interior and exterior areas.
Moving forward on the main deck, the stateroom makes optimal use of glazed side panels that give exquisite, uninterrupted views. In fact, Como pushed the boundaries with regards to what's permissible within existing regulations. Feadship proved to Lloyd's that they were able to make windows suitable for that location and size, and that the glass laminate would hold. The resulting amounts of natural light and panoramic views are simply stunning.
The master stateroom, like the main saloon, is all about contemporary and light design, with modern shapes lined with subtle curves and a fresh, calm colour palette of white, silver and light beige tints. Here, luxury means lightness and finesse, a stylish modern design scheme with a touch of glamour. The big master quarters have his and hers en suites, lounge areas and ample storage space in the wardrobe area.
A total of eight guests can find their luxury accommodations on the lower deck, with two doubles and two twin suites available. Designed in a similar style, accompanied by luxury en suites, ample storage space and impressive views, each guest suite is modern, light and welcoming. The serene interior designs are perfectly framed by dramatic vista views, while en suites are minimalistic, elegant and light.
Moving upstairs through the open staircase, the flybridge is an impressively spacious deck where all forms of exterior entertainment come together, which is also combined with the spacious main aft deck. With the latter an ideal area for formal lounging and al fresco meals, the former is all about endless hours of sunbathing, lounging and day to night entertaining. A bar, lounge area and al fresco dining setting are combined on a panoramic flybridge which can be completely opened up or surrounded by glass, turning an interior luxury lounge into an exterior entertainment deck instantly.
Como is a strong statement, with her sleek, sportive exteriors and light, panoramic and contemporary interior designs. With her surprising use of glass, adding dramatic vista views everywhere onboard, she makes her guests feel an outstanding sense of freedom. She is luxurious, with a touch of glamour, and once again illustrates the importance of technological developments, impeccable craftsmanship and well-balanced design.