The freshest new superyacht concepts for 2018 and beyond

For our design special edition of Boat International, we spoke to the world’s most prominent superyacht designers to see what new designs they have up their sleeves. Here’s what we found…

What is it?

A chiselled 58 metre motor yacht from the renowned London-based design studio Bannenberg & Rowell.

Why we love it

The sharp, angular lines catch the eye, with a pair of fins atop the superstructure concealing the satellite domes when viewed from sea level, but it is the interior layout that really sets this design apart. The dining area is situated aft of the saloon to give sea views on three sides while enjoying a meal. What’s more, the main deck tender garage allows Project XS to store and launch a much larger dayboat than usual.

What is it?

Styled to appear slimmer than she is, Aurora is the latest 140 metre concept from the boards of world renowned studio Nuvolari Lenard.

Why we love it

Balancing sleekness and interior volume is a common challenge for briefs in the 100 metre plus size bracket. The designers have pulled this off with aplomb and retained star features like an infinity pool and superyacht beach club in the stern.

What is it?

A sporty 60 metre penned by Reymond Langton for a client, with a striking reverse bow.

Why we love it

Pushing the trend towards making more of foredecks, the large glass-fronted superyacht spa pool, built-in seating and sunpads transform the bow into a private, intimate lounge in its own right, rather than a makeshift hideaway with a deckchair or two. There’s also a larger sundeck pool for more sociable swimming.

What is it?

An imposing design from the boards of Steve Gresham that takes the Ulstein Group's X-Bow concept to the next level by adding a hybrid Azipod propulsion system capable of delivering a maximum cruising range of 7,000 nautical miles.

Why we love it

That towering, no-nonsense bow looks like it could handle anything Mother Nature can throw at it (and indeed, it would be built to Ice Class specification), while the ability to carry an Agusta Grand or an EC135 in the aft helicopter hangar is certainly appealing for those looking to explore even further afield. The Seymour Diamond studio is attached to develop the interior, which will include a separate owner’s deck with a forward-facing observation lounge and a superyacht beach club that can convert into a 12.5 metre tender garage.

What is it?

A ten-guest, world-roaming concept from Design Unlimited, distinguished by its spectacular winter garden.

Why we love it

The forward portion of the main deck is given over to an owner’s suite lounge, with floor to ceiling glass on both sides and a retractable glass roof. The feeling of the environment ushered inside — particularly apt given the yacht’s raison d’etre as an explorer — is enhanced with a spa pool in this space, and green walls both here and in the similarly light filled saloon. The design is envisioned with hybrid propulsion and a 3,200 nautical mile range at 14 knots.

What is it?

An elegant superyacht design inspired by an ancient Polynesian canoe, this 115 metre is the latest brainwave from the team that brought us Jubilee – namely Igor Lobanov and Oceanco — while Achille Salvagni conceived the interiors.

Why we love it

Lobanov is renowned for his out-there exteriors and he certainly hasn’t held back here, with a dramatically curved bow and transom, as well as trick windows consisting of tiny dots that allow views out, but stop prying eyes from seeing in. Salvagni’s achingly cool interior adds another layer of intrigue — who else would have thought to fit teak stalagmites in the upper saloon?

What is it?

A supercar-inspired take on the 26 metre Otam fast planing yacht collection, by design duo Alessio Riccobaldi and Niccolò Pasquini, aka R+P Architecture.

Why we love it

Gullwing windows over the helm are guaranteed to turn heads wherever you cruise. When closed they allow for spectacular views at speeds of up to 45 knots, but when the anchor’s down and the windows are open, a seamless indoor-outdoor layout, with sunpads and sofas aplenty, really comes into its own.

What is it?

The latest design from the fast-rising Milanese studio, Ganimede takes Hot Lab’s fresh ideas up a gear with 113 metres of Fincantieri form and function to play with.

Why we love it

Water babies won’t be left wanting more — Ganimede boasts four pools, with the pick of the bunch taking pride of place in the 20 metre long beach club, where it is surrounded by the kind of architectural flourishes that you might expect to find in an art deco mansion.

What is it?

The Italian commercial yard’s determined push into the superyacht sector continues with this new sub-500GT globetrotter.

Why we love it

The exterior balances dynamic lines, penned by Tommaso Spadolini, with a reassuring sense of ruggedness, backed up by a transatlantic range at ten knots. Inside, contrasting light and dark elements in both the woodwork and the soft furnishings form the basis of a chic decorative palette. This theme starts in the saloon and is carried through to all five of the guest cabins.

What is it?

A conceptual design by J David Weiss of Designova Creative, the Seablade series was born of a discussion with a client seeking a yacht below 500GT with expansive main deck space.

Why we love it

Beauty is built right into this concept, which explores simplicity of form translated in particular into an “S” profile from the top of the wheelhouse to the stern. The design could be lengthened far beyond the 50 metre limit normally associated with the 500GT threshold without tipping the scale.