United States

William Gardner

Superyachts remain dedicated to providing utter relaxation for guests onboard. While beach clubs, saunas and Jacuzzis may initially come to mind, many superyachts boast idyllic library rooms, allowing guests the opportunity to unwind amid a peaceful sanctuary of books. SuperYacht Times takes a closer look at some of the most noteworthy libraries onboard superyachts.Founder of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7278" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Artonsuperyachts (Company)">Art On Superyachts</a>, Pandora Mather-Lees commented on the importance of keeping books onboard yachts, "Historical books are valuable artefacts in themselves and represent an important part of our cultural heritage. &nbsp; Conservation is vital and the books should have a curator who keeps an eye on them", she continued, "When keeping and displaying books onboard, an inventory should be kept of anything valuable with notes as to its condition."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/228970/image/large-59020dc6dcfe6ca6eaf3c5e11b07167e.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/228970"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/228962/image/large-5460737fe44953667cd3e8ab6ba16ade.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/228962"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>&nbsp;| 126.2-metres | 2003The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> explorer yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a> is one of the most distinguishable superyachts in the world and was under the ownership of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen up until his untimely passing in 2018. Whilst her touch-and-go helipads and glass-bottom swimming pool are notable stand-out features onboard the superyacht, her stunning library should not go unnoticed. Octopus boasts interior design envisioned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/249" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jonathan Quinn Barnett Ltd (Company)">Jonathan Quinn Barnett Ltd</a>, while her exterior design was penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Espen Øino International</a>, and her naval architecture crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen Yachts</a>. Capable of locating a World War Two battleship in 2015, history is embedded into the very design and essence of the superyacht, making her extensive library all the more fitting. Showcasing a traditional leather sofa and adjacent wooden chairs, complete with lavish velvet furnishings, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus’s</a> library exudes classic elegance. The beautiful fireplace forms the focal point of the room with bright, mahogany bookcases bordering it either side.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/41070/image/large-696af6f5628e21cc9b1dadb825893d3c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/41070"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/41084/image/large-88c35f0d5d346458988aa2e8463e2ab2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/41084"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1596" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Planet Nine73.2m (240'2&quot;)Admiral2018">Planet Nine</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/570" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Admiral (Company)">Admiral&nbsp;</a>| 73.2-metres | 2018Delivered in 2018, the 73.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/570" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Admiral (Company)">Admiral</a> explorer yacht is recognisable to many for her starring role in Christopher Nolan’s 2020 film Tenet. The luxury motor yacht features iconic exterior design imagined by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tim Heywood Design Ltd. (Company)">Tim Heywood Design Ltd</a>, while her sophisticated interior aesthetic derived from the drawing board of German interior house, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4603" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fitz Interior (Company)">Fitz</a>. The 2,100 GT superyacht boasts a stylish saloon turned library for booklovers to indulge in. Showcasing a luxurious burnt-orange and grey sofa, bordering a bespoke coffee table, complete with hanging wall art and traditional globes, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1596" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Planet Nine73.2m (240'2&quot;)Admiral2018">Planet Nine’s</a> library forms the ideal backdrop for some immersive reading onboard.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/173431/image/large-0cf508db6aa9b49f6f7048cd2432b0af.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/173431"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/173430/image/large-8498065f29f83e184f3d66983e88bb9b.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/173430"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6788" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Q68.2m (223'9&quot;)Koninklijke Niestern Sander2012">Q</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4689" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Koninklijke Niestern Sander (Company)">Koninklijke Niestern Sander</a>&nbsp;| 68.2-metres | 2012Exhibiting a majestic volume of 2,272 GT, the expansive superyacht is in impeccable condition having undergone regular refits. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6788" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Q68.2m (223'9&quot;)Koninklijke Niestern Sander2012">Q</a> showcases both exterior and interior design envisioned by British design studio, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/61" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RWD (Company)">RWD</a> and was rebuilt at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/429" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ICON Yachts (Company)">Icon Yachts</a> shipyard in the Netherlands in 2020. Previously named Ragnar, the motor yacht’s interior design is inspired by one of the most famous Viking warriors Ragnar, and her Nordic-styled library is no exception. Situated in the yacht’s skylounge, the library acts as an idyllic haven for guests onboard. The distinctive wooden ship wheel displayed in the upper library saloon is reminiscent of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6788" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Q68.2m (223'9&quot;)Koninklijke Niestern Sander2012">Q’s</a> world exploring abilities and history as an ice-breaking multipurpose support supply vessel, prior to her conversion. The stately lounge boasts leather armchairs and a deep green sofa, bordering a tartan table. The surrounding dark walnut panelling highlights the spacious bookshelves and the secretive saloon even doubles as a games room, echoing a castle-like aesthetic design. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/222163/image/large-65c224ed22833a1d200f605a41b5033f.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/222163"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/280657/image/large-0daa1f8e2ef62562cf33e067e71e4c51.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/280657"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/150" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Atlantic64.5m (211'7&quot;)Van der Graaf B.V.2010">Atlantic</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/133" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van der Graaf B.V. (Company)">Van der Graaf Bv</a>&nbsp;| 64.5-metres | 2010The elegant 64.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/133" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van der Graaf B.V. (Company)">Van der Graaf</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/150" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Atlantic64.5m (211'7&quot;)Van der Graaf B.V.2010">Atlantic</a> sailing yacht features exterior design crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/949" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="William Gardner (Company)">William Gardner</a>, while her naval architecture is the work of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/134" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MasterShip Services BV (Company)">MasterShip Services BV</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/342" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Doug Peterson (Company)">Doug Peterson</a>. The impressive sailing yacht is the largest three-masted classic racing schooner ever created and can accommodate up to 12 guests across her six traditional staterooms. The interior was imagined by innovative yacht designer, Ed Kastelein, inspired by his interest in replicating classic yachts, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/150" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Atlantic64.5m (211'7&quot;)Van der Graaf B.V.2010">Atlantic</a> is a recreation of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/949" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="William Gardner (Company)">William Gardner</a>-designed winner of the 1905 Kaiser’s Cup. The classic yacht saloon boasts fully stocked bookshelves, with ocean-inspired wall hangings and a lavish red sofa and armchair, forming an understated sense of luxury onboard.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/280170/image/large-f9179053aed967bd2273fa97f2f4d168.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/280170"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/104945/image/large-4808053bb523f80c8beac70806002e1f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/104945"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/379" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Magna Grecia63.8m (209'4&quot;)Elsflether Werft GmbH & Co. KG1986">Magna Grecia</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/352" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Elsflether Werft GmbH & Co. KG (Company)">Elsflether Werft GmbH &amp; Co. KG</a>&nbsp;| 63.8-metres | 1986<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/379" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Magna Grecia63.8m (209'4&quot;)Elsflether Werft GmbH & Co. KG1986">Magna Grecia</a> was delivered by her German shipyard in 1986 and recently underwent a 24-month refit, leaving her in excellent condition. The motor yacht’s original interior design emerged from a collaboration between <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/41" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Donald Starkey Designs (Company)">Donald Starkey</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Terence Disdale Design (Company)">Terence Disdale</a>, while her freshly renewed interior aesthetic is the work of Florentine-based designer, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/586" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Francesco Paszkowski (Company)">Francesco Paszkowski</a>. The main deck displays an elegant office, featuring a uniquely designed library. The spacious bookshelves display a classic wooden design, perfectly positioned next to a timeless office desk, complete with multiple leather chairs for guests to use for work or relax whilst reading. The blend of wooden craftsmanship with hard leather is characteristic of the library room and extends across the entirety of the yacht’s interior, emanating an elegant charm.

onboard 5 superyacht libraries 

SuperYacht Times has carefully assembled a list of some of the most distinctive superyacht libraries, floating sanctuaries for booklovers onboard.

A closer look at 5 superyacht libraries 

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/277189/image/large-f2da4f5167dfa41238561047f8db0bfa.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/277189">Seen here recently sailing in Lepe, a linear hamlet on the Solent in south-west Hampshire, England, is the 64.5-metre super sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/150" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Atlantic64.5m (211'7&quot;)Van der Graaf B.V.2010">Atlantic</a>. The original Atlantic was built in 1903 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1285" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Townsend & Downey (Company)">Townsend &amp; Downey</a> on Shooter Island, New York, while the modern day <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/150" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Atlantic64.5m (211'7&quot;)Van der Graaf B.V.2010">Atlantic</a>, a replica of the original, was built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/133" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van der Graaf B.V. (Company)">Van der Graaf</a> in the Netherlands in 2010. Recreated using drawings from the original project, the three-masted classic racing schooner is a painstaking recreation of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/949" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="William Gardner (Company)">William Gardner</a>-designed winner of the 1905 Kaiser’s Cup, but holds all the modern equipment and facilities for sailing and racing at sea. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/150" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Atlantic64.5m (211'7&quot;)Van der Graaf B.V.2010">Atlantic</a> is currently listed for sale with an asking price of € 12,000,000.

Super sailing yacht Atlantic in Lepe

The 65m super sailing yacht Atlantic, built by Van der Graaf, is seen here sailing off Lepe, England. 

Top 10 largest sailing yachts on the market

SYT takes a closer look at the top 10 largest sailing yachts currently on the market.

The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4813" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pacific Mariner LLC. (Company)">Pacific Mariner</a> yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7960" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gail Force Too25.91m (85'0&quot;)Pacific Mariner LLC.2008">Gail Force Too</a> has been listed as a <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht for sale</a>. Previously known as First Light and delivered to her original owner in 2008, <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/gail-force-too/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht Gail Force Too for sale</a> has been well-maintained and is ready to change hands.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/110611/image/large-51e067101f443916c9ba50473609bf71.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/110611">The American shipyard brought Canada-based <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/949" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="William Gardner (Company)">William Gardner</a> on board to design this 25.91-metre <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/motor/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">motor yacht for sale</a>, which features satin-finish Mahogany and shows off a large main saloon with ample windows, comfortable seating, a wet bar and an entertainment centre.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/110614/image/large-377d7c1b383694be4c24150c1b580a4b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/110614">The 116 GT <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/pacific-mariner-llc/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Pacific Mariner yacht for sale</a> accommodates up to eight guests in four staterooms including a full-beam master with a private entrance stairway, a king-sized bed, marble bathroom and a hot tub, two VIP suites (forward and amidships) and a twin stateroom make up the other accommodation. Up to four crew members can also sleep on board <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/gail-force-too/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht Gail Force Too for sale</a>.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/110616/image/large-18f4a18b0c53c12e3605bbc425979050.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/110616"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/110615/image/large-191da81059780e45ba7f2e3e92916f65.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/110615">The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/motor/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">motor yacht for sale</a> offers significant outside space, including alfresco dining on a shaded aft deck. From here, guests can access the swim platform and the flybridge which features a Jacuzzi and a barbecue among other amenities. The forward deck is perfectly set up for sunbathing.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/110612/image/large-4976c3991157a3db152bb2aa9515c13e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/110612"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/110613/image/large-56015f54bb5c93b4bbc935a16556e8b2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/110613"><a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/gail-force-too/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Yacht Gail Force Too for sale</a> cruises at 20 knots and reaches her top speed at 25 knots, thanks to two <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> 10V 2000 M92 diesel engines.

26m Pacific Mariner yacht Gail Force Too for sale

New to the market: yacht Gail Force Too for sale! She’s a 25.91-metre Pacific Mariner built in 2008, accommodating up to eight guests and four crew.


26m Pacific Mariner superyacht Gail Force Too ready for new owner

New Zealand born and bred, Neville Crichton’s humble beginning on a farm on the country’s South Island is a far cry from where he is today, 72 years later. He is the Executive Chairman of one of the largest independent importer and distributor of vehicles in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa - the Ateco Group - an ex-competitive racing driver for a number of prestigious teams around the world including BMW and Ford, an avid yachtsman taking first place on a long list of regattas over the past five decades, and a serial yacht owner. And when I say serial, I mean it. Over the past 50 years, Crichton estimates that he has owned over 50 boats in total - with a sizeable portion of those hailing from the shipyard he founded in the 80s: Alloy Yachts.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/23311/image/large-a18a24d3222d84b90cfc4617678815c1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/23311"> Neville as a boy in New ZealandIt was Crichton’s passion for competitive sailing that led to the birth of Alloy Yachts and, subsequently, the jump-starting of the superyacht industry in New Zealand. Experiencing a sense of dissatisfaction with the sailing yachts on the market (“I just couldn’t find a boat builder that I was confident in being able to do what I wanted them to do,” he remembers) lead Crichton to what would be Alloy Yachts’ first vessel: Chanel. Measuring 28-metres and built to a William Gardner design, the all-aluminium Chanel not only satisfied Crichton’s thirst for the ultimate performance sailing yacht but soon piqued the interest of others, too. “She was sort of the first generation of a more modern look to sailing yachts and was definitely more of the style and performance that I was looking for. I set up Alloy Yachts originally just for my own boat, but the next thing you know is that we have two clients wanting us to build boats for them - and suddenly I’m in the boat building business! At that time nobody had the confidence in New Zealand as a boat builder. I’m proud to say that I had the confidence to take those first steps.” Certainly an impressive feat - and all this from a man who was still making big waves in his full-time job in the automotive industry. Although stepping away from the yard after a couple of years of thoroughly enjoying his involvement in the design and engineering side of building boats with Alloy Yachts, Crichton’s connection with the yard continued over the years. The eventual demise of the company in 2015 was something that affected Crichton on a personal, professional and patriotic level. “I was so disappointed that they went out of business… they certainly had built some fantastic boats. The blame there was put on the currency issue, but I don’t actually think that’s the case. I truly believe there was still a market for Alloy Yachts, but I think the owners probably made more money selling the business than keeping it running - which I understand of course. But as a very patriotic New Zealander, it was very sad to see the business go. It would be difficult to try and ever get the superyacht business there off the ground again.”<img src="/uploads/store/photo/23310/image/large-045a0831364154caeba99ad186c7e8a5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/23310">Neville at the Rolex Giraglia Cup, 2009But, really, I ask? Does the New Zealand boat building industry really have such a small chance of revitalising itself? “Well, the mast industry is very good,” Crichton muses, “and the small fibreglass production boats are quite strong, but the big aluminium or steel boats… I don’t see anybody spending the money to set up a yard again. If it was up to me I would build spec boats and take them to the market one by one - but no one is going to have the patience or the money to do that. It just wouldn’t be practical.” One of the other home-hitting disappointments in the disappearance of Alloy Yachts is the direct effect on the sailing market, especially when considering that, to Crichton at least, the sailing yacht sector was and continues to be, one of the most innovative fields of yachting.&nbsp;This assertion is focused on performance and technical, rather than aesthetic, developments, and it’s true - in these areas sailing has progressed by leaps and bounds. And, indeed, Crichton himself has been on the forefront of this advancement in a number of these innovations from his Alloy days - a unique position for an owner to be in, and something that probably stems from that real passion for sailing and, of course, from having the financial freedom to invest in that passion. Explaining some of these sailing innovations that may have passed the average motor yacht enthusiast by, Crichton says: “In sailboats certainly we put the first roller-furling boom on a sailing yacht in 1990, and that was probably one of the biggest steps forward within the sailing scene - that and automatic self-planing winches. With that, the reduction in the need for a crew was huge. The innovation of using carbon fibre for a lot of components means that you are also able to build a lighter boat which means you can put smaller gears and smaller sails on the boat to get the same performance. The development of power and hydraulic winches which just require a push of a button to pull the sails out, that is also a significant jump for sailing. Cosmetically, we probably need to re-look at some parts of the boat and reconsider some designs, but as far as development goes… I mean the boats are sailing much, much quicker than they ever have done before and you can build a 45-metre and sail it with five people. Years ago you would have had 20 people on that boat to sail something of that size.”<img src="/uploads/store/photo/23312/image/large-3d51e17412161e7c93d023888288bc8d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/23312" style="background-color: initial; font-size: 0.85rem;">Crichton's Alfa Romeo Regardless of this behind-the-scenes level of serious improvements over the years, it is no secret that the sailing industry has been suffering somewhat of a decline in recent years, something in which was certainly was not helped with the loss of legendary designer Ed Dubois - a man whom Crichton himself admires and built many boats with. “Ed Dubois was a fantastic designer, and he was so passionate about promoting not only his own boats but the entire sailing industry. He certainly generated a lot of interest in the industry. So I think that the passing of Ed affected the industry too, but, still, I think the sailing yacht industry has had more innovation put into the mechanical side than the power boats have had.” <img src="/uploads/store/photo/23313/image/large-4c258cfa96d81c2ea30ab496003d82bf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/23313">One of Crichton's first yachts, the 14m ShockwaveAlthough Crichton recognises that aesthetically, it is probably the motor yachts that have undergone - at times - radical transformations over the years, he still notes that this side of the business is the least innovative. Perhaps for the true sailor, a motor yacht just isn’t as exciting as a sailing yacht - a sentiment which you can certainly feel in conversation with Crichton. Regardless, Crichton is, of course, no stranger to motor yachts, using them to follow the world’s most exciting regattas around the world in absolute style, comfort and luxury, as well as to use them to indulge in the very best views available at events such as the Monaco Grand Prix. “I’ve got to say, some of the innovation - they call it - with power boats is changing for the sake of changing and not necessarily for the benefit of the boat. I use my current motor yacht, the 47-metre Heesen-built Como, to follow the regattas around - I really get my kicks out of regattas. I do get pleasure out of owning good things, and that’s a reason why I also own the big power boats.” &nbsp;But just because motor is not Crichton’s main passion, it doesn’t mean that he doesn’t strive for innovation and the creation of the very best.&nbsp;The motor yacht that probably most accurately demonstrates this is the 46.22-metre Feadship-built Como (now; Lady May), delivered in 2011. Fulfilling pretty much a lifelong dream to build a Feadship - “If you want to aspire to the best, that’s Feadship in my book,” he says proudly - Crichton pushed the boundaries of what, really, anyone thought was possible with the use of glass in superyacht design, working once again with Dubois to create a truly unique aluminium vessel that ticked all of Crichton’s boxes. Just a couple of highlights include the climate-controlled flybridge, exceptionally large windows in the hull, and the creation of a continuous glass surface by placing the glass in her superstructure on top of the metal as opposed to directly into it, offering impressively uninterrupted views from the master suite. &nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/16355/image/large-c480015f673e1ef5a1795f1cb9b1d3ba.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/16355">The Feadship Como&nbsp; And of course, as the sailor, owner and boat builder, Crichton was a close collaborator with the entire Feadship team throughout her design and construction process, which he clearly still remembers fondly: “I was very proud the day we launched the boat - Como certainly won’t be the last Feadship I will ever build.” Pushing forward and setting new standards, however, wasn’t an easy journey. “We did have to negotiate quite hard with the surveyor and the authorities to get the certification on the glass, and we had to do considerable testing for Lloyds to allow us to have glass surfaces as big as we did on Como. I guess I pushed quite hard, and Feadship did it, they delivered. So from that boat, of course, this kind of utilisation of glass has continued on in other projects as they then knew they could certify large windows. If you look at previous Feadships, the portholes downstairs are tiny, probably 12 x 10 inches, so we opened it up, made it a more enjoyable experience downstairs. The guests want to look out, not down in a dungeon.”Despite the challenges of certification, the result is something truly spectacular and well worth the investment of energy, and as Crichton states, really kick-started Feadship’s continuation of innovative glass solutions and features on board their custom creations.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/23308/image/large-b2f62467e1594c6bc982295f391b5e9b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/23308" style="background-color: initial; font-size: 0.85rem;">Crichton's current motor yacht, ComoCurrently enjoying the Heesen Como which he plans to sell next season after purchasing her in 2017, for Crichton, the next 12 months will be spent figuring out where he wants to build a new superyacht. With plans to build at Feadship again at some point, it will certainly be interesting to see what new innovations come from the mind of Neville Crichton on his next boat. After enjoying what will probably be his last hurrah on the sailing circuit last December at the famed Sydney - Hobart Race (a race in which Crichton has already enjoyed winning - twice), for now, at least, it’s time to unwind… until the next yard is decided, that is. <a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title=""><img src="/uploads/store/photo/23641/image/large-5807815e2703721ae6618b7a54d59cdb.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/23641"></a> This article is featured in the latest issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper. To get your special Innovation Edition,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">subscribe now</a>&nbsp; to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue.&nbsp;

Neville Crichton: How an owner, sailor and entrepreneur sparked industry transformation

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/154710/image/large-8c63dab9180c67284b630293f86b36be.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/154710">Atlantic in San Francisco BayThe 69.24 metre Atlantic, the 7th largest sailing yacht in the world, was designed by William Gardner and built by Townsend &amp; Downey, Shooter Island, New York, in 1903. The yacht we see on this photo, is in fact a replica of the original yacht, which was delivered by Van der Graaf in The Netherlands, in 2010, to the drawings of the original schooner collected from various archives in the USA. She was photographed yesterday as she cruised under power down Potrero Reach in Richmond, San Francisco Bay, California.By Maarten Janssen, photo by George Schneider / <a href="http://www.SuperYachtPhoto.com">SuperYachtPhoto.com</a>

The 69.24 metre Atlantic in San Francisco Bay

In April the keel was laid of the new schooner Atlantic at the Van der Graaf yard. Two keel sections have been built upside down and by turning them the official moment of the laying of the keel was constituted. Seven more sections are being constructed to complete this strikingly large and slender three masted yacht. By the end of the year the motorized vessel will be launched, after which fitting out and rigging is expected to take another two years. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/122788/image/large-575e23fc48c579334abbc12f05ec9c4a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/122788"> The original yacht was launched on July 28th 1903 and gained enduring fame in 1905 under command of the notorious captain Charlie Barr winning the golden Kaiser’s Cup in a race from New York to The Lizard on the south-west coast of England. The cup appeared to be a plated fake later, but the mono hull record time of 12 days, 4 hours and 1 minute stood for 100 years, until it was broken in 2005 by <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1229">Mari-Cha IV</a>, setting a time of 9 days, 15 hours and 55 minutes in the Rolex TransAtlantic Challenge. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/122789/image/large-68a052ca1cc0c7fd9d33d0012b406585.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/122789">The <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/150">Atlantic</a> was designed by William Gardner and built by Townsend &amp; Downey, Shooter Island, New York. The schooner measured 56.43 meters (185’) over the bows, excluding bowsprit and mizzen boom outboard of respectively 8.76 meters (28’8) and 4.05 meters (13’3). With her beam of 8.85 meters (29’) and draft of 5.00 meters (16’5) her displacement was 395 tons. The replica is commissioned by Dutchman Ed Kastelein (left photo). He gathered copies of drawings of the original schooner from various archives in the USA, amongst which the MIT Museum in Massachusetts, which Doug Peterson, acting as consulting naval architect, has digitized guaranteeing the authenticity of the lines and floatation. The structural designs for the construction by today’s methods and materials, like welded instead of riveted hulls, have been produced by the naval engineering company MasterShip at Eindhoven. They too have completed the task of updating the design without changing an inch to the sacred aesthetics of the original. In the old design for example all 96 steel frames were spaced at 558.8mm (22 inches) and this has been adhered to for the sake of authenticity. The building takes place under Bureau Veritas classification for charter yachts. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/122790/image/large-5171d40ad267a6af8b2a32ba461cfff1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/122790"> 140 tons of Lloyds grade A certified steel have been plasma cut into 3,000 pieces of different shape and thickness. The keel plate is 20mm, the hull plating is 8 to 6mm and the deck is 5mm. After the forming of the hull plating, eventually all parts will be transformed into the most beautiful hull shape ever. The construction is divided into nine sections and the first two keel sections have now practically been finished (photo above). The next seven sections will also be built upside down. While the main, fore and aft deck will be constructed on contra-templates to preserve the camber of the deck. The use of temporary aluminium bridge straighteners on the outside of the hull plating will assure the smoothest possible surface to avoid excessive use of fillers later. Finally all sections will be joined. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/122791/image/large-357564adc807af8f56674bbbc3f0888b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/122791"> 30m³ of teak are drying to be spread out over the deck and around the bulwark and 58m³ of mahogany are waiting to be used for the interior paneling. The teak deck houses, hatches and skylights are being copied meticulously from illustrations of the original. The winches with bronze drums to contemporary design will be powered electrically, unlike the original steam driven units. For equipment like the anchor chain stopper, stanchions, belaying pins and pin rails new casting patterns are custom manufactured based on original designs. From the different sail plans of the original the record setting 1905 rig of 1,720m² (18,500 square feet) has been chosen for the recreated yacht. The original rigging had tapered steel tubes for the lower masts and bowsprit, but only the bowsprit will remain in steel. The base of the new 45 meters long masts will be made of alloy with the top masts, booms and gaffs to be built in Sitka spruce. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/122792/image/large-62c37ad6ef700521c7e681b72d7921df.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/122792"> Back in 1903 the <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/150">Atlantic</a> was built as a true mega yacht with every imaginable luxury at the time, like electrical power, refrigeration and warm running water. But in terms of comfort below decks she would still not bear comparison with the new schooner, which eventually will serve for luxury charters. The main saloon will be finished Colonial style with mahogany panels and furniture. The staterooms too will be executed in mahogany and light cream colors will prevail. Accommodation is foreseen for twelve guests, including a large master stateroom with library, private head and bath amidships. A modern galley will assure the catering and a pantry and laundry will provide for the household backup. The captain’s cabin is aft and crew quarters for 10 are located in the forepeak with separate deck access. In terms of space for the crew no parallel can be drawn with the old days when 39 crew and officers lived on board all year round. <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/150">Atlantic</a> will be sailing again soon and she will be as breathtakingly beautiful as ever. The myth is being created!<noscript></noscript>