United Kingdom

YachtPlus

<img src="/uploads/store/photo/89484/image/large-6d9ad7d7d0324d487038f4ca3b10bb26.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/89484">Designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/170" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Foster + Partners (Company)">Foster + Partners</a> and built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1182" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rodriquez Yachts (Company)">Rodriquez Yachts</a> in Italy in 2011, the 41-metre motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1999" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Sapphire41.0m (134'6&quot;)Rodriquez Yachts2010">Ocean Sapphire</a>, seen here arriving in the Bay of St Tropez, forms part of three identical superyachts launched by fractional ownership company, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1845" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="YachtPlus (Company)">YachtPlus</a>. Sharing her unique marine-inspired designed by architect Norman Foster are her sister ships <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1997" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Emerald41.0m (134'6&quot;)Rodriquez Yachts2009">Ocean Emerald</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1998" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Pearl41.0m (134'6&quot;)Rodriquez Yachts2010">Ocean Pearl</a>, as part of the Signature 40 Series. The interior of the vessel was created to be extremely light and spacious, with continuous window sections and external balconies scattered across the yacht to enhance the feeling of freedom and spaciousness. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1999" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Sapphire41.0m (134'6&quot;)Rodriquez Yachts2010">Ocean Sapphire</a> offers accommodation for up to 12 guests in five separate staterooms.

Motor yacht Ocean Sapphire in St Tropez

The Norman Foster-designed motor yacht Ocean Sapphire arriving in the Bay of St Tropez recently. 

The 41m motor yacht Ocean Sapphire arriving in St Tropez

<img src="/uploads/store/photo/33339/image/large-0b97736fd42da7defae13406d7e0c225.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/33339">The second YachtPLus superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1998" data-legacy="true" href="#managed-by-application">Ocean Pearl</a> pictured cruising off the coast of Italy in June 2010. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1998" data-legacy="true" href="#managed-by-application">Ocean Pearl</a> was built by the Rodriquez Shipyard in La Spezia, Italy. The 41-metre superyacht was designed by the well know British design studio Foster + Partners.

Superyacht Ocean Pearl cruising off Italy

Fractional ownership super-yacht company YachtPlus this week launched the second yacht of its four yacht fleet in la spezia Italy. christened Ocean Pearl, this stunning 41 metre yacht , identical to its Foster+Partners designed sister yacht Ocean Emerald, will operate a series of cruises throughout the Mediterranean during the summer of 2010 and the Caribbean in the winter of 2011.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/130612/image/large-619008a2c4fd5b91bb69c9ff6189f6e4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/130612">"We are delighted with the response from the owners who spent this summer on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1997" data-legacy="true" href="#managed-by-application">Ocean Emerald</a> and are extremely optimistic about the future of the next three yachts that will continue to grow the YachtPlus fleet. The many enquiries we have received over the past few months and the very positive comments from current owners is a testament to the concept of fractional ownership which is rapidly becoming acknowledged as the most financially astute way in which to own a super-yacht,” said John Hare, Chairman of YachtPlus. “These are challenging financial times and increasingly more people, many former sole yacht owners, are turning to fractional ownership as the most cost effective, stress-free and viable way to own a luxury super-yacht,” he added.This type of ownership allows members to maintain a prestigious and luxurious lifestyle at a fraction of the cost of sole ownership thereby freeing up capital for other forms of asset ownership that would otherwise be invested as a sole yacht owner. One of the major attractions of YachtPlus fractional ownership is that it removes all the hassles, concerns, unforeseen financial pitfalls and very substantial annual running costs incurred via sole ownership.The third yacht of the fleet, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1999" data-legacy="true" href="#managed-by-application">Ocean Sapphire</a> is due to be launched in May 2010 and the fourth, as yet unnamed, is scheduled to enter service at the beginning of 2011. All four yachts, identical in design by world renowned architects Foster+Partners, are being built at the Rodriquez Cantieri Navali boat yard in Sarzana, Italy and will initially spend the summer months in the Mediterranean and the winter in the Caribbean and will offer total exclusivity, privacy and pleasure to those participating.

Yachtplus launch Foster+Partners designed superyacht Ocean Pearl

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/130126/image/large-53221d149bee7090c973f09f9b904276.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/130126">Norman Foster designed superyacht Ocean Emerald<a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1997">Ocean Emerald</a>, launched in 2009, was probably the most unusual superyacht launched that year. She is in fact the first of four identical superyachts to be launched by Yachtplus, over the next two years, all of which are currently under construction at the Italian boatyard Rodriquez Cantieri Navali in Sarzana, Italy. <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1997">Ocean Emerald</a> is designed by Foster + Partners in London and Italy, headed by Lord Foster. She features a beautiful modern, understated interior design.By Maarten Janssen

Lord Foster designed superyacht Ocean Emerald

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/128498/image/large-6a433c11fb3bc74f48f3d620d0d576df.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/128498">First YachtPlus superyacht Ocean Emerald leaving NiceIn April 2009 the first 41 metre YachtPlus fractional ownership superyacht was unveiled at Porto Lotti in La Spezia. Both the interior and exterior of <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1997">Ocean Emerald</a> have been designed by Foster + Partners. For more information on <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1997">Ocean Emerald</a> and the YachtPlus fractional ownership program, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/33080">read the full feature</a>. By Merijn de Waard

First YachtPlus superyacht Ocean Emerald leaving Nice

Last Saturday fractional ownership company YachtPlus, officially launched it's first superyacht, Ocean Emerald. This much anticipated event took place at Porto Lotti, La Spezia, Italy in the presence of the yacht's designer, the world renowned architect Norman Foster. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127507/image/large-6e2417a72fab520e019854fac0ea7978.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127507"><a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1997">Ocean Emerald</a> will be the first of four identical superyachts to be launched by the company over the next two years, all of which are currently under construction at the Italian boatyard Rodriquez Cantieri Navali in Sarzana, Italy. The next two superyachts to launch will be Ocean Pearl and Ocean Sapphire. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127508/image/large-4456a45146b962dd792096342f2d1ade.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127508">     <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127509/image/large-aa3516e959637f77cfc45e51218335d5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127509">“When we were thinking of names for the fleet we not only wanted something that followed a theme but reflected the quality, excellence and exclusivity of the YachtPlus product. Gemstones seemed the perfect fit and we feel that this will give us a strong brand identity in a very competitive market,” said Robert Hersov, Vice Chairman, YachtPlus. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127510/image/large-7558f2925b16bfbc1e151cd8f4ebfecc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127510">This spectacular and contemporary 41 metre masterpiece has been designed with a strong emphasis on space and light and has five suites for up to 12 guests at any one time who will be looked after by a permanent, highly trained crew of seven to cater to their every need. The internal planning of the yacht offers total flexibility to respond to the most discerning requirements of the owners and their guests and keen attention has been paid to design and detail ranging from the internal and external areas to cutlery, crockery, fabrics and crew uniforms. All furnishings and fittings are provided by the Italian manufacturer Cassina and kitchen and galley equipment by Schiffini. The YachtPlus 40 Signature Series <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127511/image/large-7dbeee45e2afc1197a7597b653791d24.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127511">Design The yacht’s design concept is the result of the work over a 15-month period by a permanent team of 7 architects at Foster + Partners in London and Italy, headed by Lord Foster himself. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127512/image/large-abc5424ee0cb61d5ea0ca3630e27d143.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127512">The result is a new concept luxury yacht that compares very favourably to many predecessors in her type, with four genuine deck levels offering over 30% more outdoors and indoors space than any yacht in her category. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127513/image/large-a5c25d8fc4553171367325b58a5383fd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127513">Special attention was paid to the quality of light and views, with all major areas of the yacht benefiting from forward-looking views, including the master suite that has two private balconies forward. Much thought went into making the yacht user-friendly for families and children. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127514/image/large-f02478c98b5b47bc77d1f9f9891fde74.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127514">    <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127515/image/large-43e96effdf338bfaf9e67093d9cab5c2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127515">On the engineering side, the technological prowess of the Italian Rodriquez yard successfully combined the Foster design concept with the requirements of a fully MCA compliant ocean-going vessel. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127516/image/large-d24bc6948ef80b211199c451929b9463.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127516">    <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127517/image/large-2fa59cd6e1a8abd570f89e03931cf4e4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127517">Interior Foster + Partners’ interiors for the 40 Signature series have been created with an eye on beauty, function and luxury, right down to the smallest detail. They have reconfigured traditional superyacht interiors to create a fresh style that is contemporary, technologically advanced and timeless. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127518/image/large-202a7bcdb10e4aff3e8cda47cce1c297.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127518">Taking advantage of the floor-to-ceiling windows and wide views. Foster + Partners has created a sense of continuity between the outside areas and interior spaces. On the main deck, solid teak wood continues indoors through the length of the spacious saloon (538 sq ft / 50 sqm) while the panoramic saloon on the upper deck has coconut husk fibre flooring, evocative of the laid-back interior style of a beach hut. On the lower decks the cabins’ walls follow the rounded profile of the hull and are inset with lights, showing to best effect the unique ‘eggshell’-curved living spaces. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127519/image/large-3c3d98f2256aba113a65825bdb6a2f16.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127519">     <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127520/image/large-63a5fe9a6866db97d953247a480d65ef.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127520">The superyacht is flooded with natural light on each of the four decks, which are in turn connected by a transparent glass spiral staircase. On the lower levels glossy, highly reflective finishes maximise the natural light available. The entire length of the owner’s suite is glazed on both sides with full-length windows. Its position at the bow end of the main deck maximises the sea views and points to the course of the yacht. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127521/image/large-47c503f08ac707d008d9c754e6638264.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127521">     <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127522/image/large-3866e3db9ddbf93e0f0b85273b0c6480.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127522">State-of-the-art lighting systems have been integrated throughout the design of the interiors, with scene-setting ceilings which change the mood and atmosphere of every room, transforming the panoramic saloon from a beach hut by day to an urban lounge by night and also ensuring the right degree of privacy. At night, the windows appear opaque from the outside, while during the day, the strong outside light floods into the space, making the windows appear completely lucent and open to the seascape. Vessel Walkthrough Lower Deck The guest cabins on the Lower Deck provide spacious accommodation for up to 10 guests. There is a central lobby with a translucent spiral staircase that filters through light from the decks above, and a segregated corridor for the crew to ensure maximum privacy for owner and guests. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127523/image/large-aa546a8b7ea5894b839f479214498a3d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127523"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127524/image/large-db4128d15dbee118f8d9fcce0b94cd18.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127524">     <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127525/image/large-d07609e81326f90041b3f3793cf05508.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127525">The garage consists of two compartments, housing a generous tender transversally, and two jet skis and a rescue boat, which doubles as a crew tender, under the transom staircase. Main Deck <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127526/image/large-bf65272030a2a79e31fc0f5496800626.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127526"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127527/image/large-9f6a9a37a3b760f1f5043e534dc2a50e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127527">     <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127528/image/large-be4bb081654b1bcf80c8cd8106783e19.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127528">The Owner’s Suite situated forward on the Main Deck, with over 53 square metres in size, is more spacious than most other superyachts in this category. It benefits from an abundance of light and forward looking views, without compromising privacy. Unique features include two “His and Hers” private balconies forward.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127529/image/large-034eae14a20b152edbbda1b6e57fbcfb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127529">The Main Saloon offers a modern sense of space and light, enhanced by the ceiling-to-floor windows. All furniture is loose-standing and can be configured flexibly, including a home cinema solution using a giant screen hidden in the ceiling. Upper Deck Forward-looking views from the Upper Deck Panoramic Saloon further enhance the sense of space and light. The Saloon provides an intimate setting for relaxing and leads onto a very generous Upper Deck, with additional seating and the possibility for al fresco dining. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127530/image/large-9c46250eb667e5a4588b64fd6d394190.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127530">Adjacent to the Upper Saloon is a cappuccino bar and children’s game station area. There is a very spacious second deck area forward of the Captain’s wheelhouse which provides extra seating and can be used as a workout area. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127531/image/large-e5bf0a917ea436cef553478e304da8aa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127531">Sun Deck The magnificent Sun Deck provides the superyacht with a genuine fourth deck, unique for a yacht in her class. In addition to the sunbeds and massage area, there is generous seating around the central bar. The privacy of the Sun Deck can also be used for work on the storable gym equipment. A light source captures unique quality of light at sea and filters it through to the three decks below. The entire Sun Deck benefits from an adjustable shading solution thanks to the retractable carbon-fibre hardtop bimini. The YachtPlus Programme In order to join the YachtPlus ownership lifestyle programme an initial payment of EUR 1.850.000 will give a 1/8th shared ownership of the yacht and guarantees 34 days per year on board – 11days in the Mediterranean during summer, 11 days in the Caribbean during winter and two six day cruises. In addition there will be an annual service charge of EUR 200.000. Ultimately 1/8th ownership will also give access to the YachtPlus fleet of yachts worldwide so owners will have the flexibility to choose when and where they go. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127532/image/large-016ade42f7f8124b27049f0779d231d2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127532">All arrangements from bookings to transport, private jet, helicopter transfers and onboard requests will be handled by the Swiss based management company Floating Life who will take care of every detail, thereby ensuring a totally hassle-free and relaxing time onboard. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127533/image/large-22d68f3285b65bec21da1a8f7bad19ed.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127533">The concept of fractional ownership is fast becoming acknowledged as the logical way forward for those wishing to have personal ownership of top-end luxury products and YachtPlus offers the investor the opportunity to part-own a truly beautiful superyacht. One of the main attractions of this type of ownership is that it removes all the stresses, concerns and unforeseen financial pitfalls experienced by sole ownership thereby giving total pleasure, exclusivity, privacy and relaxation to those participating. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127534/image/large-98bd74b2fa95c079f76258076b3cdb30.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127534">An additional benefit of membership is that for those who do not wish to spend their total time allocation onboard Floating Life can arrange charters on behalf of owners during the available periods. YachtPlus +44 (0)20 7824 9945 <a href="mailto:info@yachtplus.com?subject=M/Y%20Ocean%20Emerald%20%28SuperYachtTimes.com%29">info@yachtplus.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.yachtplus.com">www.yachtplus.com</a>  Floating Life +41 (0)91 6900065 <a href="mailto:info@floatinglife.ch?subject=M/Y%20Ocean%20Emerald%20%28SuperYachtTimes.com%29">info@floatinglife.ch</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.floatinglife.ch">www.floatinglife.ch</a>  By Merijn de Waard