STEAMER 888

Imagine one morning you’d wake up and you’re wondering what it would look like if you turn the Chrysler Building horizontal and put it one the water. Apart from it probably not floating. But assuming that it does, assuming you use the design language and create a yacht, who would it look like? And this is basically how we ended up with this new concept. We call it ‘Steamer 888’, picking up vibes of art deco and the streamline design of the Thirties. Which kind of works in a fun circular logic really, as streamline was strongly influenced by nautical themes. What’s equally interesting is the fact that such design, born during the great depression, wasn’t just picking up visual aspects of aerodynamic but was literally streamlining the earlier art deco.

So much for the theory. In practice we decided on a sleek and fairly narrow fast displacement hull for efficient long distance cruising at a reasonable speed. She’s about 88 metres long but in volume she’s probably closer to a 60-70 metre vessel. That’s also because we like to avoid cramming volume on any given length and adding too many decks. There might be an argument when you can’t have a yacht beyond a certain length but still want to squeeze as many friends and family aboard as possible. Well, since the design is so far just speculative, we don’t see the need for that. Besides, there really should be enough space for everything a discerning owner could ask for himself and for up to 8 guests.

The final layout would still be determined according to the future owner’s requirements and preferences, but there’s certainly enough space for a good size salon, even a second lounge and definitely a spacious owner’s suite. We still have 3 exterior deck levels, so you can have a party around the pool and still be able to retreat to some calm for sunbathing, having a second breakfast or just reading a book. A garage with a good selection of tenders and toys? Given. A beach club and a gym? No problem. You’ll even be able to enjoy it with the hatches closed. You want to land your helicopter? Alright, you can do so, but it’s not designed to keep it parked there while the yacht is travelling and there’s of course no dedicated hangar.

Overall, the exterior styling is probably best described as a modern twist of classic art deco shapes and lines, like a mix between the Henry Dreyfuss designed ‘New York Central Hudson 4-6-4’ steam train, the Lockheed Super Constellation and a chromed Dualite toaster. Plus, an assortment of Manhattan landmarks of the Twenties. There’s a certain richness and playfulness, yet at the same time the design is surprisingly disciplined, following clear geometric rules. We might be biased, but we think she turned out rather sexy. It would be up to her future owner whether or not to add a matching tender, something featuring polished aluminium and rivets and a repurposed aircraft engine. We certainly would have a few ideas!