How the Yachting World Fell in Love With Retro Design

A common practice in the world of fashion—incorporating the best design elements from a bygone age—is now making waves in the yacht industry, where the term “retro” is becoming as coveted as Grandpa’s wooden 1950s Chris-Craft. “The aesthetic can create feelings of comfort and timelessness,” says Jim Dixon, creative director of yachts and aviation at Winch Design. “The designs inspired by iconic periods add character, spirit, and fun to superyacht living.” 

Such influences are increasingly prevalent, from Picchiotti’s heavily stylized Gentleman’s Yacht (above) and Codecasa’s Vero (both recently launched 78-footers by Luca Dini Design and Architecture) to details as small as the mahogany instrument panel on the Winch-designed 203-foot Sea Owl. “A successful retro design is likely to use references sparingly to avoid becoming kitsch or contrived,” says Dixon. “We also don’t go backwards with technology or engineering.” 

“We’re not talking about a classic yacht,” clarifies Luca Dini. “That would involve too many issues with maintenance and restoration.” His Florence studio’s historical sleight of hand with the 1930s-inspired Vero included incorporating mahogany on top of the aluminum superstructure, a plumb bow, and circular portholes along the hull rather than large windows. Picchiotti’s navy-blue hull projects even more of that era’s look, and a similar 108-footer is in build. “They’re super-contemporary boats using materials from the great, classic superyachts,” says Dini, who believes this niche will grow. “Vero’s owner wanted something that would stand out from other boats on the market. Others will follow.” 

Singer Billy Joel was an early adopter when he commissioned Doug Zurn to design the 57-foot Vendetta, based on 1920s motor yachts that ferried well-heeled financiers from Long Island to Wall Street. “He always admired the style of those commuter boats,” notes Zurn. That was in 2001. Zurn has made a career with retro-influenced powerboats, beginning with his Shelter Island Runabout series in 1995 and proceeding through three decades with semi-custom and bespoke yachts, including a recently launched 70-footer constructed by Delta Marine. “Creating a new boat that looks timeless is a balancing act,” he says. “It requires focusing on the entire look, rather than one feature, like an orchestra where every instrument complements each other.” 

In contrast, the superyacht segment favors details. The straight-edged profile and raked mast on Feadship’s 248-foot One, for instance, are subliminal references to nautical elements favored in the 1980s. Designer Thijs Orth of Feadship’s Studio De Voogt says he employed “elegant curves forward and a tumblehome aft” to soften the vintage look. CRN’s 228-foot Project Thunderball, currently in build, also bears some resemblance to the brand’s offerings from that period, gaining its low profile by losing the top deck that is de rigueur on modern superyachts. The elliptical sheer line also commands a retro look. To avoid losing a deck, Alia Yachts’ 147-foot San had its wheelhouse repositioned, in part, into the main deck below to achieve a sleek, low-riding profile. “We consider ‘retro’ to be a compliment,” says Frank Born from Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, adding that San “looks like it existed much longer, though it’s brand-new.” 

Zurn believes the retro resurgence is reaching a broader market, whether the customer base realizes it or not. “Look at the popularity of open bow areas and plumb bows on almost every new yacht,” he says. “Buyers with no historical reference think these features are new, but they came from the ’20s. We’ll always borrow from the past.” Katia Damborsky 

A Neoclassical Cruiser

The current design mode emphasizing retro-chic sensibilities takes a slightly different tack with Nautor Swan’s new 75-foot Swan Arrow. Sure, it showcases a plumb bow and angular hardtop that suggest a 1930s gentleman’s runabout, but its most interesting features are closer to the classic blueprint that defines its masted lineage. “The inspiration came from Swan sailboats,” says Arrow’s designer, Jarkko Jämsén, who also penned two smaller tenders—the Shadow and the OverShadow—for the Finland-based yard. “I wanted to replicate the enjoyment of being close to the water, as you’d get on a sailboat, but combine that with the comforts of a motor yacht.” 

The Arrow’s triangular shape and straight-edged sheer line are reminiscent of the Swan Maxi series of sailing superyachts, which was Jämsén’s intention. Beyond the overarching aesthetic, he also created approximately 15-inch-high gunwales that allow guests to sit on the outer edge of the side passage and lean back into the rails to replicate the sensation of “hiking” over the side of a sailboat. “It’s a social experience that matches sailing like no other powerboat,” says Jämsén. “It has the same sense of spontaneity you’d get on a sailboat.” 

Located aft, the 538-square-foot beach club—with foldout sides—was also designed around Swan’s heritage of large, uncluttered decks. Even the hardtop enclosure, with sliding-glass doors and an open area at the back, conveys a sense of airiness. “It feels big and transparent,” says Jämsén, descriptors that apply to the Arrow itself and sailing’s own enduring appeal. Michael Verdon 

Credit: robbreport.com