Issuu

S T A R F I S H

I S S U E

n° 2 5

•

STA R

FI SH

IS SU E

•

- 20 21 - n° 25

- € 10

The ASrat iling of Geco Admiral Group ian Sea The Ital

31/ 1/2 021 UK £ 7,5 0 50, RLY - P.I. QUA RTE al € 10, Chf 10, one Inte rna tion e S.p.a. Spedizi LO/MI ian - 70% Poste Ital nto Postale me ona in Abb

"!?!\ PKKS( +#!"!

y(7HC6B2*KN

2 0 2 1

[ MEGAYACHT ]

This new 55-metre megayacht by The Italian Sea Group’s flagship brand is a celebration of Italian flair, with an innovative, striking bow design and revolutionary stern hosting the beach club area. The interiors are highlighted by a luxurious minimalism and a restrained maximalism by Marta Gasparini ph. exterior Studio Reskos - ph. interior courtesy by The Italian Sea Group

iovanni Costantino, CEO and founder of The Italian Sea Group,

Geco is 55.2 metres long

promised the owner he would build the most beautiful yacht in the

and 8.60 metres wide. She is

brand’s history, and he was as good as his word - Geco is a pinnacle of

Italian creativity. With an innovative design embodied by 130 tonnes of

engines that give her a top

aluminium transformed by 300,00 hours of work, its fluid lines flow

speed of 18 knots and a

dynamically between levels, emphasising their details and giving shape

cruising speed of 16.5 knots.

to what can only be described as a floating sculpture.

She has a striking high,

When a yacht designer’s work becomes that of a couturier, a number of additional factors

majestic bow and stern with a

come into play, namely the reaction of the owner and of the people whose task it is to

large beach club (opening)

interpret the owner’s requirements and create a setting where those on board will feel at ease. Embodying the emotional element is the challenge architect Gian Marco Campanino, art director of The Italian Sea Group, took on in order to develop an attractive, totally unconventional and functional sea-borne residence. The result of his work is the 55-metre Geco, a work of art with interiors displaying a luxurious minimalism and a restrained maximalism. There are few elements, but all are tastefully chosen with an eclectic mix of styles, the hallmark of the coolest yacht of the moment. The design started from a blank sheet of paper on which were drawn perspective views, large openings and flowing lines to express the space from stern to bow and between the decks, highlighting the hand-made details. The most striking aspects are the high, majestic bow and the stern with its spacious beach club. Thanks to the glass screens surrounding it, this architectural feature can be enjoyed all year round, as nowadays the opportunity to remain in close contact with the sea and nature is a priority. It features a stunning platform, a seaside terrace that is fully equipped for sunbathing in and out of the water. The open-air theme continues on the upper deck, which boasts a rather special layout – the exterior-interior areas are linked by sliding glass doors that eliminate the separation between the upper lounge (the focus of the entire deck), exterior lounge and dining area. The spectacular bar area also extends from inside to exterior without interruption. A hi-tech helideck towards the bow also features a lounge for hosting alfresco evenings beneath the stars – a space in Moroccan style with low, informal seating, Arab hangings and a central fire to evoke the feel of the North African desert while out at sea. A truly special experience. The interiors generate a captivating atmosphere that is a balance between classic and contemporary. Here Campanino has taken a revolutionary approach to yacht interiors by using French cabinetry and select Italian marbles. This method of creating sophisticated spaces draws on a fresh, innovative vision that is guided by an overall concept dictated by woods, materials selection and natural colours. Light floods the interiors, the windows and mirrors providing a sensation of freedom and purity. The architect specified elegant contrasts of materials, with a palette of warm and neutral colours combined with navy blue and cognac orange accents alongside bronzed metal details for the taps, bathroom accessories, handles, lights and hinges, creating a controlled, balanced look. The only exception is the huge chandelier that occupies pride of place in the dining room. Geco (the yacht is also available for charter) was created to provide an exclusive experience for its guests, and can host up to 12 people in four suites, an owner’s suite with private office and a VIP cabin, all with en suite bathroom, looked after by a crew of thirteen. There’s a treasure trove of water toys including jetskis, flyboard, kayaks and snorkelling equipment as well as an Evo 43 chase boat / tender with a top speed of 40 knots.

www.admiral-yachts.com

A nautical interior where French cabinetry and select Italian marbles create a sophisticated appeal. Top, the owner’s suite with soft, monochrome colours. Right, the owner’s bathroom with Calacatta panelling and glossy ebony. Taps and accessories are by Gessi. Opposite page, top, the living area and below, the spectacular backlit mocha-coloured oak bar top with honey onyx inserts forms a link between interior and exterior

Exterior Design Gian Marco Campanino

eco’s design fully reflects the brand’s stylistic philosophy, to express the modernity and refinement that is the hallmark of Made in Italy creativity and flair. In this sense Admiral is a frontline ambassador, communicating Italian beauty throughout the world. In detail, the brand spirit is embodied by an absolute harmony of proportions, fluid lines and an intense attention to details that are meticulously designed and flow from an imaginative research into shapes inspired by the Italian auto industry. The yacht’s exterior is all about beauty. The stern and bow are highly original – the almost vertical bow resembles a slightly softened blade giving the profile a decisive,

immediately recognisable profile while the unusual stern also contributes to the yacht’s eye-catching looks. The hull is based on in-depth research that has resulted in a streamlined shape that does not adversely affect the lower-deck living space. Despite its large, versatile beach club, the stern was not inspired by a desire to impress – it is based on a careful study of the use made of this area in this type of yacht. Taking advantage of Admiral’s vast fund of experience and working closely with owners and the brokers who will manage the yacht’s charter experience we drew up a series of requirements, including generous amounts of available space, easy accessibility for tender and water toys and the opportunity to enjoy an intimate relationship with the sea. The large beach club, in fact, provides enough space to configure different layouts using loose furnishings according to the moment, whether enjoying the sunshine or hosting an elegant waterside dinner. The upper deck boasts a number of interesting features. A fully retractable casing and the elimination of the coaming on the deck enable the distinction between interior and exterior to be transformed into a single uninterrupted space. The bar echoes this concept, sweeping extending outwards in a spectacular manner through the full-height windows to bring the club-like atmosphere of the interior to the exterior deck. Personally, I think that Geco is a lovely sculpture, one with its own soul, because life aboard her is lived to the full, travelling and experiencing a wide range of emotions.

The innovative design was given a solid form by 130 tonnes of aluminium. The build took 300,000 hours of work to complete. Its fluid lines flow dynamically between levels, emphasising their details and giving shape to what can only be described as a floating sculpture. A high-tech forward helideck provides a lounge that can become a venue for spending cool, starlit evenings

Interior Design Gian Marco Campanino, Art Director of The Italian Sea Group

ur brief was to create a “super-cool”, utterly unconventional yacht embodying a luxurious, warm minimalism and a restrained maximalism. It should be a pleasant place in which to spend long periods at sea. Everything is new, from the high bow to the stern concealing an incredible beach club, the heart of the design. This space was inspired by the requirement for an area that provides space and relaxation at all times of year. This is achieved through high glass screens that shield guests from the sea breeze during the day and encourage direct contact with the sea. The spacious sunbathing platform has a high-tech swim ladder leading down into the water. The bar, which also serves as an architectural element, becomes a link between interior and exterior with the long mochacoloured oak countertop, which is backlit and includes honey onyx inserts. We’ve installed a custom Jacuzzi on the

sun deck and a well-equipped open-air gym. Another key feature of the design is the heliport – to conform to legal requirements, it widens over both sides of the yacht, subtly outlining its shape. This area can also be transformed into a Moroccan-style lounge for pleasant outdoor socialising in the cool of the evening. The materials chosen blend into their setting without forcing - wengé, light natural oak and gilded Calcatta marble mean that throughout the yacht the elegance of discreet luxury combines with specially-made artisan pieces and walls clad in refined leathers, with furniture by famous Italian brands like Poltrona Frau, Ceccotti and Baxter. The only exception to this cool sophistication is the huge chandelier by Preciosa, a unique piece designed for this space. It creates a magical undulating effect with the seemingly infinite amber glass staircase.

Minimalism and maximalism blend in all the interiors. Above, the second full-beam owner’s cabin. Opposite page, the dining room with round marble table and Poltrona Frau chairs dominated by a imposing Preciosa chandelier, a unique piece designed for this space. The foyer with staircase linking the decks, an architectural element than can be used as setting for displaying art works

Geco seen from above, emphasising her shapely profiles. Admiral is a The Italian Sea Group brand, operating in the construction and refit of motor and sail yachts up 100 metres long. The company owns two brands, Admiral and Tecnomar, whose yachts are known for their sporty appeal, design and high performance

The Shipyard

ph. Giuliano Sargentini

Giovanni Costantino, CEO & Founder, The Italian Sea Group

Giovanni Costantino aboard Geco. The Italian Sea Group is based in Marina di Carrara, and occupies an area of over 100,000 square metres. Below, the high-tech bridge with 180° view of the sea

he owner has already gained great deal of experience in the nautical world with a number of yachts, and the M/Y Geco is the largest vessel of them all. He decided to buy it the first time he visited our yard, when he had the opportunity to meet me in person and I was able to share the idea I had in my head about this extraordinary build. He was won over by my vision of the project and my total commitment to it, and the result was a collaboration based on trust and mutual respect. The whole Geco project, in fact, began with a handshake between the owner and me. That’s more important than any bureaucratic conventions. The yacht was delivered 24 months later despite the unexpected crisis caused by Covid-19. I was given full handling of the development process and I managed every aspect down to the smallest detail, handling the project across its entire breadth through my technical and operational teams. I also focused on implementing the design, which led to the creation of a wonderful, unique object. The only creative input I took note of was when I shook hands with the owner and he said, “Giovanni, I trust you, I’m really excited by this superyacht. I’ll see you again when it’s delivered”. So I worked in close contact with Gian Marco Campanino to transform my personal vision into reality, and our Style Centre played an immensely important role in helping me realise my original creative idea. There was a deep, harmonious and immediate understanding between our work group and the owner’s team concerning the refined details, colours and materials to be used in the design of the exterior and interior layout. We’ve been working non-stop since Geco’s completion – we have eight commissions under way with Admiral and we’re working on four important projects with Tecnomar. We’ve launched production of our Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 yacht and the NCA Refit Business Unit, offering repair services for motor and sail yachts. It’s currently working on 15 yachts. My constant dedication and to all aspects of our activities is a crucial corporate asset”.