7
[ MEGAYACHT ]
38
Building a 74-metre yacht is a significant challenge. And this extraordinary creature by CRN, bearing the signatures of Zuccon International Project and Winch Design, is an expression of how a design can evolve to create an imposing, elegant and timeless yacht by DĂŠsirĂŠe Sormani - ph. by courtesy of CRN
39
40
ot many people can afford the time to take their entire
a yacht that was a perfect combination of aesthetics and functionality.
family (plus a tutor for the kids) and set off in search of
The client wanted a yacht where he and his family could enjoy unique
the world’s most beautiful destinations. But that’s what the
moments together, and this requirement led to the creation of the
owner of Cloud 9 has done. No sooner had he collected his
extraordinary indoor and outdoor areas, all perfectly linked, providing
floating villa, than he, his wife and their kids set off on an
elegant, imposing spaces conceived with a balance that will ensure a
extended cruise. For him it really was a dream come true.
fun, sociable experience. The bow area on the upper deck was originally
“The expression ‘Being on cloud nine’ perfectly captures the satisfaction
intended to be a touch-and-go helipad, but is now a multifunctional
of presenting the new Cloud 9, one of the most imposing, challenging
living area offering guests total open-air privacy. It can also be used to
and complex yachts CRN has ever built”, says Alberto Galassi, Ferretti
host a range of activities, like parties and karaoke evenings, but it’s also
Group CEO and CRN Chairman. “But big challenges bring great
the perfect place to lie back and read a book, practice yoga or do some
rewards. The Cloud 9 project drew on our yard’s incredible technical
fitness training. The sundeck with Jacuzzi, sunpad and teppanyaki-
skills to transform the owner’s vision into a 74-metre yacht with a unique
equipped bar also expresses the yacht’s character. Not forgetting the
personality. The result is an extraordinary craft, exceptionally beautiful
aft beach area, more than 100 square metres which can become even
and cutting edge, a perfect combination of sartorial design and advanced
larger when both the stern and starboard doors are open. Constant
technology”. Such a stellar result, in fact, is only to be expected, given
visual contact with the sea is provided by extensive windows, which
the outstanding team behind its creation - Zuccon International Project
also make it possible for this space to be used when at sea, not only
handled the exterior lines, Winch Design designed the external areas and
when the yacht is moored up.
the interiors down to the smallest detail, including the decor, and CRN’s
The relationship with the sea is constant and intense throughout. The
own special magic has made all the owner’s dreams possible, helping
colours are bright and fresh, and the many shades of blue accompany
his wishes open new design horizons. The owner was represented by
guests in every space, together with coral, shells and elements evoking
Burgess in the dual role of Owner Representative and Project Manager.
the ocean floor. All five decks combine sober and light colours that
The Cloud 9 project has some curious aspects – construction began
complement the frequent use of oak in a variety of mother-of-pearl
with one owner and continued with another, so the yard, designers
finishes. It’s immediately evident in the main deck saloon (entirely
and technicians had to come together for a rewrite. The new owner
devoted to guests), where bleached oak reigns supreme, lining walls
wanted a comfortable, welcoming yacht, like a home, a place to share
and floor in a uni-directional configuration that converges to create a
with his family that was also functional and suitable for charter use.
precise, continuous line. There are sofas creating intimate corners for
The most important challenge facing CRN was designing and building
playing board games, but they can also be transformed into a cinema
This photo, the spacious beach club that covers a total area of over 100 square metres. Here, indoor and outdoor areas are closely linked. Opposite page, an aerial view of Cloud 9’s tapered, elegant lines. The volumes have been streamlined to give the bow and stern areas a sleeker look. Opening photo, the transverse 10,000 litre swimming pool with transparent bottom, situated aft
41
room thanks to a domotic system that enables a screen and projector to appear. The same deck is also the location for six guest cabins with audio-visual systems, curtains and lights managed by an iPad-controlled Lutron system. As the owner is an avid fan of the Star Wars saga, the cabins are named after characters from the films. There is also a fantastic spa area with massage bed, usually on the shaded balcony, and a hair salon. The upper deck is yet another invitation to sociability and friendly interaction in the large saloon (where the ceiling and walls are decorated with Renaissance-style frescoes), the dining area (with round table and an indoor-outdoor experience provided by the sliding glass doors) and the well-equipped gym (fitted out as a schoolroom for the kids during the owner’s long cruise). It is on the upper deck, though, where the real stroke of genius can be found - 400 square metres for the exclusive use of the owner and his family. A multimedia room with generous sofa and maxiscreen TV has been designed for family relaxation, with a sliding door that, when opened, provides a direct contact with the natural world outside. The soft white wool/silk mix carpet, made in one single piece, extends without joins along the entire deck, while motherof-pearl finishings create attractive contrasts with the oak. Entering the owner’s cabin is a unique experience, as it is a perfect oasis of tranquillity with the king size bed at its centre. The windows all around provide a sweeping panorama, allowing the mind to expand and relax. A bas-relief made by an artisan carver from the Veneto region runs along the walls, lending an even more sumptuous appeal to the room. This yacht will delight all five senses, leaving guests happy and amazed - on Cloud 9, in fact!
www.crn-yacht.com
42
The upper deck saloon is a cool, intimate space. Every detail, from the materials used to the decor elements, evokes the sea and the natural world. The painted panels, for example, resemble the skies of a Renaissance fresco, a reference to the yacht’s name
43
44
Above, the main saloon, with the bar area stools (left) in the foreground. Bottom, the “Cloud” work of art by British artist Fenella Elms. Right, the upper deck dining area with coral-like chairs. Every piece of furniture and decorative element was conceived, designed and made exclusively for Cloud 9. Left, the owner’s cabin with central bed and a desk facing a large window. Top, a view of the lady’s bathroom
45
Exterior Design Zuccon International Project
C
ompared to the original design we had to modify some of the settings for onboard life in response to new requirements, but beyond these changes the shapes chosen for the exteriors have been adopted in full. Many elements of the yacht have remained the same as in the original design, proof that the design was functional right from the start, providing a response to a range of requirements. We concentrated on limiting the size of the volumes, which allowed us to streamline the bow and stern areas, where most onboard life unfolds. Cloud 9 is a true maritime craft, and the close connection with the sea is especially evident in the beach club, a space that in today’s market is becoming the nucleus of the yacht. This is where we see the most important stylistic innovations, in an area designed to respond to the need for outdoor space providing a direct contact with the sea. The entire configuration of the outdoor spaces is rather complex, as it involves the presence of many functional subsystems, each fulfilling a precise role. The system is indeed based on seven different but interconnected spaces. The connections are not only dimensional, but are also reflected by the content, and can bring together or separate people, enabling them to enjoy moments of intense privacy or expansive conviviality. One of the main challenges was to design the technical mooring space in the bow, which is concealed by introducing a platform, that can be used as a helipad. This means the deck has been left totally clear.
46
Cloud 9 is the result of a constant search, over the years, for ever-innovative stylistic languages, on craft of different sizes. This has involved a great deal of experimentation in the use of different design styles, different surface models and the constant monitoring of the relationship between materials and shapes. Cloud 9 is a lovely design, and we’re very proud of it. As always, we worked on it with passion. It’s a significant step forward because after the 80-metre Chopi Chopi, launched in January 2013, Cloud 9 is one of our largest builds before the arrival of the 79-metre CRN yacht now under construction. This is very important for us because while everyone was talking about custom yachts, we succeeded in creating a tailor-made design that suits a number of people.
A view of the forward entertainment area – which can be shaded by a canopy – with fitness equipment. This area can also be transformed into the perfect setting for an open-air party. To side, an aerial view showing the amount of outdoor space. Opposite page, architects Giovanni and Bernardo Zuccon. Below, a lovely shot of the beach area with the tender to the side, designed in the same style as the yacht itself
47
Interior Design Winch Design
T
he brief focused on the importance of family, on creating an enjoyable, relaxing place and on making Cloud 9 an attractive charter option. We discussed a beachy theme for the interior, so we created a completely new GA and brought together a dedicated in-house team to work solely on the project. The interior decor was all done in-house, for instance, something we at Winch Design pride ourselves on. The contemporary beach theme runs right throughout the interior, featuring beautiful furnishings and sumptuous seating to create an elegant and comfortable atmosphere. The style is very relaxed, yet utterly luxurious. Brushed Douglas fir and limed oak are two of the main surface materials used on board – there are over 50 in total. Decorative shells, corals and agates were placed inside multiple niches too. In the bathrooms, the pure white of the Calacatta marble on the floor contrasts with the depth of the Emperor Black marble. A 3D porcelain panel “cloud” by British artist Fenella Elms adds movement and depth to the central bulkhead along with two Vortex sculptures by Tim Royall. The Ferretti Group company Zago Interiors worked with outside suppliers to produce all of Cloud 9’s polished steel details, which amount to around 4,500 metres for the guest areas alone. In spite of her size, Cloud 9 feels utterly approachable inside and out - even from the stern platform, where the massive fold-down door forms part of a sprawling superyacht beach club, a very attractive feature for charter guests. There is also a 10,000-litre spa pool with a glass bottom at the heart of a recreation area on the main aft deck. Cloud 9 is a true Winch Design yacht, showcasing our ability to design every aspect of a totally bespoke yacht and create an “on-water house” that is the height of luxury while remaining a comfortable and enjoyable place for all the family.
Above, yacht designer Andrew Winch, who was responsible for all the furniture on Cloud 9. To side, the massage corner on the balcony along the starboard side and the beauty salon. Opposite page, the VIP cabin with double bed and the wonderful sea view it offers. The entire main deck is dedicated to guests. Note the use of wood (around 50 kinds) as a fundamental decorative element, along with the almost infinite number of details. Top, a corner of the owner’s terrace forward of the suite - an intimate, private space
48
93
50
Cloud 9 underway. All the decks and living areas display a perfect equilibrium and flowing interchange between interior and exterior spaces. With its large openings and windows, Cloud 9 provides a close visual contact with the sea from every deck
51
The Shipyard - Stefano De Vivo Chief Commercial Officer CRN and Ferretti Group
R
ight from the start the owner proved to be very knowledgeable, and asked to take part in all stages of the Cloud 9 building process, from planning to construction. When we start working with an owner we have two basic aims in mind. The first is to give shape to their desires with the greatest flexibility and without setting any limits, involving them in every phase of the yacht’s creation. From the initial brief to delivery, the yard’s technical design team sets out a proposal that reflects the owner’s wishes. The second objective is to create a yacht that is entirely unique and embodies excellence, displaying the artisanal skills of the direct and indirect workforce and the constant research and development activity surrounding our megayachts. At 74 metres long, Cloud 9 is CRN’s second largest yacht, with a 13.50 metre beam, five spacious decks and a subdeck. The imposing spaces give the impression of being on board a much larger, say an 80-metre, craft. Cloud 9 is the outstanding result of the collaboration between our engineering team, Zuccon International Project, Winch Design and the owner, represented by Burgess. This has been a productive partnership, in which all parties involved have made a crucial contribution to the development of this unique project. Harmonising the owner’s requirements with the demands of the charter market was one of the challenges we were faced with. Cloud 9 is a timeless yacht where the imposing exteriors morph smoothly into the interior spaces. It’s a surprising result, a seagoing masterpiece with a strong personality and sartorial design, a yacht that communicates the elegance, calm and comfort of a terrestrial home.
52