The 24m catamaran yacht Phantom, developed by the Croatian yard, Arista Marina Group is a unique, innovative and versatile superyacht support vessel, featuring very appealing contemporary styling. The motor yacht Phantom´s clean lined silhouette represents a phantom like shadow on the water. The yard has already completed a 72m superyacht and is currently working on the conversion of a 120m vessel.
Phantom has taken the role of the SSV or shadow vessel, and given it a contemporary twist. With its 12m beam contributing to the 210 m.sq of deck storage area the phantom has the carrying capacity of a much larger monohull vessel. Carrying the tenders and toys is just one of the support functions that the Phantom provides.
The catamaran platform is very stable, and as such the vessel makes an ideal day boat. It is finely appointed with all the amenities of the best beach club. The large open deck is close to the water so with its’ wide swim stairs and transom ladders, access to the sea is easy and fun. This can be a great asset for family’s, particularly those with young children. There is a small pool on the foredeck, with sufficient room to surround it with several luxurious sun loungers, and there is a small bar and galley for food and beverage preparation. Providing the perfect companion to any charter.
Cleared of the tenders and toys the aft deck of the Phantom can become a great venue, for BBQ’s and parties. The deck has plenty of shade, and below decks there is an air-‐conditioned lounge for guests wanting relief from the sun, and a day bed for those fancying an afternoon siesta.
Ideally suited for existing yachts without a large modern beach club transom the Phantom offers a means for guests to get more connected to the sea. More toys, more space and a large deck nearer to sea-‐level can only enhance the whole yachting experience.
For owners embarking on a new build project the Phantom gives more freedom of design when agreeing space allocations. Internal volume dedicated to ever more technical tender garages can be kept to a sensible level if the yacht is set up to operate in conjunction with the Phantom catamaran SSV.
Operating a yacht with a support vessel has other advantages too. Additional owners team staff members such as beauticians, valet’s and security staff can be accommodated on the supporting vessel, a big asset if the ‘mother yacht’ is classified for only twelve guests. Some owners see value in letting the crew go to the escorting vessel for a well-‐earned break away from the close confines and pressures of the main yacht.
As an option Phantom can also be used for helicopter operations assuring additional safety for the mother ship and allowing owners and designers more freedom and use of space on their yacht.
The Phantom can be built to operate as an occasional helicopter landing pad. Many existing superyachts do not have a landing platform so the Phantom ‘H’ variant offers that capability at a very efficient price. For new builds, not having the helicopter onboard the main yacht makes for more simple construction and class issues, and most designers will be happy not to have to work an unsightly platform into the styling concept of the new yacht
Arista Marine is a New Zealand based company that has its operational base in Croatia. Arista Marine was formed in 2009 by Arthur Hughes, David Hicks, Geoff Mayhill and Don Marshall, who bring together a skill set combining corporate management, finance, engineering, boat building, yacht design and shipyard management. Their joint objective is to establish a world-‐class yacht building and repair facility in the Eastern Mediterranean, capitalizing on the high skill set of the local work force, relatively lower labour rates and access to one of the largest and most popular cruising areas for yachts. At the facility in Croatia they have already completed a 72m superyacht and are currently completing the conversion of a 120m project.