The career of Gianni Zuccon has been a long and illustrious, spanning over 40 years in the luxury yachting industry alone. This momentous achievement was celebrated most recently at the Boat International Design & Innovation Awards 2018, where the multi-disciplinary architect received the Lifetime Achievement Award. This is not the first time the naval architect and exterior stylist has been recognised, receiving the title of Ambassador of Italian-ism in the World from the Altagamma Honorary Council, and the Boating Pioneer Award 2010 at UCINA – SATEC, the association of Italian yacht and pleasure boat builders.
Gianni and Bernardo Zuccon – Photo credit Justin Ratcliff
When you first set up your studio, what were your initial goals; was the yachting industry something you had conceived working in back then or was it a door that opened along the way?
I founded Zuccon International Studio in 1972, together with architect Paola Galeazzi, my wife. In 1976 I won a call for yacht designer from the Posillipo shipyard: That was my very first project for a boat. We can say that my first contribution to the yachting industry dates back to 1978 when I signed the Technema 65 for the Posillipo shipyards. Moving on, we began our collaboration with Baglietto shipyard and a few years later, in 1990 with Ferretti Group.
I chose to keep working in the yachting industry because I realized how passionate I was about it. We approached every project with great enthusiasm, love and attention. I believe we also managed to give an important contribution to this field when, in 1978, we wrote our ‘manifesto’, stating what were the key elements we believed every designer and every actor in this market had to keep in mind, to ensure yachting a successful future.
We were convinced that the culture of yachting and craftsmanship had to develop a close relationship, almost merging together. This project soon became the centre of my activity and was perhaps the aspect that most fascinated me. I have never perceived my role as merely linked to economic finalizations: for me, the design was something I fell in love with.
How has the company vision for Zuccon International Project changed over the decades? How has the company itself changed/expanded?
I believe that our firm has followed the natural evolution of the industry, exploring the newest trends as soon as they emerged, and getting enriched by the possibility of working with different and passionate owners and shipyards, who gave me great freedom in interpreting their requests and desires. A great boost also came from Martina and Bernardo, who represent the future of the studio. They have their own design philosophy, with a different interpretation of what design means.
Over the years we have designed small and large vessels (even creating a brand dedicated solely to superyachts), ranging from custom superyachts to on-spec projects, we have worked with a variety of materials and created thousands of different layouts and combinations, and we have always remained true to our core philosophy.
We have always focused on the pursuit of the perfect balance, believing that good design is the one that does not forget anything, does not underestimate, does not favour an element over another, but responds with honesty, simplicity, balance and correctness to every design requirement.
What would you consider some of your most challenging, most satisfying projects?
I have always said that the most beautiful and challenging project is the one I still have to realize. This attitude has always pushed me to give the best of me in every new project, in the belief that I could always try to overcome myself. I don’t want to settle, nor to indulge in thinking that I already have created something perfect: I always have to try to do more and create something even more amazing than what I had already done.
CLOUD 9 superyacht
CLOUD 9 has been one of your largest projects in recent years: Take us through your design choices, materials and anything else you would like to draw attention to.
CLOUD 9’s design is the result, quite successful in my opinion, of several experimentations carried over the years on the use of heterogeneous languages, of different surface patterns and on the constant control of the relationship between materials and forms. The result is a system characterized by considerable volumes that allow having large living spaces, although at the same time the overall sensation is of great dynamism and balance.
The design presented a few challenges, in particular, the outdoor spaces’ layout was quite complex on various levels since it is a system of several different spaces that differ not only dimensionally but also in terms of content.
Each area can be used either to split or merge guests on board, allowing them to enjoy moments of privacy or maximum conviviality. Talking about the whole yacht, I have to say there is no particular detail that I prefer since I find CLOUD 9 has a kind of general harmony that ties together all the yacht’s different areas, thus creating a sort of elegant, fluid continuity.
What projects are you currently working on?
At the moment we are working on strengthening and carrying forward the new collaboration born last year with 2 of the most renowned Italian shipyards: Sanlorenzo and Perini Navi.
What is your vision for the future of Zuccon International Project?
Zuccon International Project’s future is now deeply linked with the activities of Martina and Bernardo, who are now in the lead. There are big and important projects coming up, as I mentioned before, with the first models likely to be launched next September, during the international boat shows season. In addition, we are also working to open a new office/studio, conceived as a “creative workshop” in which other disciplines, including photography – always Bernardo’s passion – will make important contributions.
December Six Superyacht
SUPERYACHTS BEARING ZUCCON INTERNATIONAL PROJECT NAME
To date, more than 450 luxury yachts bear the exterior styling of the Zuccon International Project name, one of which being recent award winner M/Y CLOUD 9, taking Best Layout 164-270ft (50- 82m) at the World Yachts Trophies 2017 and becoming a finalist at the Boat International Design & Innovation Awards 2018 for Best Exterior Styling Motor Yachts 45m and Above.
One of the latest launches to feature exterior styling from Zuccon is motor yacht DECEMBER SIX, launched in January 2018. At 33m/108ft, she demonstrates that the architectural firm does not focus on the larger superyachts alone. Here are five luxury yachts available for charter across the world that have exterior styling from Zuccon International Project:
HANA
Powerful 43m/141ft luxury yacht HANA from Italian shipyard CRN boasts extensive outdoor spaces ideal for dockside parties or private meals with family and friends. Topaz blue and green accents are brighter than those of the interior, producing clean and invigorating outdoor living areas. The main deck aft has an expansive casual seating area ideal for sitting outside with visitors and relishing in the local landscapes. Woven wicker furniture and oversized pillows add detailing to the alfresco salon for an area that will appeal to children and adults alike.
Luxury charter yacht HANA
The upper deck contains an impressive alfresco dining table and the integrated stern-side seating is deeper in the centre to create two sunpads for resting with your feet up or using as a sunbathing spot.
On the broad sundeck guests have a choice of aft sun loungers, an eye-catching alfresco salon in dark brown and turquoise that can be shaded by sun umbrellas, and an elevated forward Jacuzzi encompassed by two sunpads and two circular alfresco dining tables. A shaded bar in the centre will keep guests refreshed throughout the day and during evening revelry.
Relaxing atmosphere aboard HANA
The interiors are styled by Claude Missir, who chose panelling with a warm tone contrasted by cool comfortable furnishings in white and blue. The vibrant artwork matches the upholstery in the formal dining area, which is designed to seat up to 10 guests in a setting that can lit naturally through the port and starboard windows, or muted as required for the perfect evening ambience. Spend your evenings in conversation in the spellbinding skylounge, which is a laid-back retreat with its own bar, TV and lounge. Catch up on the latest sports or open up the rear sliding doors to make one large socialising area combined with the alfresco dining table on the upper deck aft. The spacious cabins all have en-suite facilities and each guest can expect a comfortable night’s rest in preparation for the next day.
Accommodation: 11 guests: 1 Master suite, 3 double cabins, 1 twin cabin with Pullman berth
Crew: 9
Amenities: Beach club, Jacuzzi, gym
Price per week: From €135,000
Charter grounds: Mediterranean
MARAYA
54m/178ft superyacht MARAYA from CRN was launched in 2008 and remains an impressive vessel to this day: Her Master suite port-side wall folds down to create a private sea terrace and shared guest amenities include a games room, a cinema and a huge variety of water toys including Scuba diving gear, remote-controlled boats and Seabobs.
Superyacht MARAYA
As with M/Y HANA, Claude Missir worked on the interiors to produce timeless sophisticated styling perfect for hosting a special event, while Zuccon International Project worked on the exteriors to provide plenty of seating on the main deck aft. Beige, white and pale stripes on the furnishings produce a tranquil and informal environment for morning coffee of a night of conversation out in the scented Mediterranean air.
Al fresco dinner set up aboard MARAYA
Dine by candlelight on the upper deck aft and savour a first-class meal served on a starry night, then settle into the aft sofas that curve around large circular tables ideal for holding drinks. Day or night, the Portuguese deck has spectacular panoramic views while the group chats or rests in the sunshine.
The sundeck is divided into two sections, with the foredeck fitted with sunpads and an indulgent spa pool while the aft has plenty of space between the cocoon armchairs and the L-shaped lounge for exercise in the sunshine. In the shade there is a grand alfresco dining table to serve up to 12 guests while they marvel at the landmarks from the heightened vantage point.
Accommodation: 12 guests: 1 Master suite, 1 VIP stateroom, 2 double cabins, 2 twin cabins with 1 Pullman berth
Crew: 15
Amenities: Beach club, cinema, games room, Jacuzzi, gym
Price per week: From €250,000 Easter special
Charter grounds: Eastern Mediterranean
LIGHT HOLIC
Favouring a pale colour scheme and reflective surfaces that manipulate light, luxury yacht LIGHT HOLIC (ex.DARLINGS DANAMA) is a 60m/197ft vessel from CRN with interiors by Alexandre and Cristina Negoescu. The exterior furnishings continue this idea, woven in chocolate brown and white while the stone coloured seats emphasise the romantic red accents against a white backrest. The simple and clean appearance works in harmony with the ivory hull and stainless steel railings.
Light Holic superyacht
The rounded table of the upper deck aft offers understated elegance for a meal out of the midday sun, and afterwards guests can lie back along the stern for drinks and dessert while watching the changing scenery.
The sundeck has a spa-like feel that places the sun loungers in rows to the aft while a canvas shade covers the inward-facing lounge. The wet bar has a choice selection of drinks to suit any occasion, and the forward Jacuzzi will ease knotted muscles while guests spent the night stargazing together.
Sunbathing and relaxation area
Accommodation: 12 guests: 1 Master suite, 1 VIP stateroom, 3 double cabins, 1 twin cabin
Crew: 15
Amenities: Beach club, Jacuzzi, gym, lift
Price per week: From €320,000
Charter grounds: Mediterranean
RAMBLE ON ROSE
The refreshing exterior styling of 60m/197ft superyacht RAMBLE ON ROSE (ex.MIM, MIMTEE) is evident from her aerial photography, which draws the eye to the aqua sunpads and the brown wooden furnishings that stand out against the pale teak deck.
Superyacht RAMBLE ON ROSE
Following the layout of other CRN superyachts LIGHT HOLIC and MARAYA, the sundeck places the sun loungers, alfresco sitting area, dining area and bar aft, while the sunpads and Jacuzzi are situated forward.
The spacious Portuguese deck has plenty of room for morning exercise and for guests to gather and spectate during a regatta or other event in the yachting calendar. The upper deck aft offers the same relaxing beach club vibe while guests dine and look out from the seating.
Ramble On Rose bridge deck
Downstairs the main deck is beautifully designed for breakfast alfresco, and sliding doors lead into the stunning interior, where jovial artwork on the walls and cabinets coordinates effortlessly with the patterns in the panelling and the fabric furnishings.
Accommodation: 12 guests: 1 Master suite, 1 VIP stateroom, 3 double cabins, 1 twin cabin
Crew: 14
Amenities: Jacuzzi, gym
Price per week: From €320,000
Charter grounds: Mediterranean
AMORE MIO
Like M/Y DECEMBER SIX, luxury yacht AMORE MIO is a smaller craft at 30m/100ft last refitted in 2017. The smaller space is used efficiently to provide guests with bow seating and an informal place to dine alfresco or toast a special occasion, while the main deck aft has a sheltered sofa and raised table for mealtimes together as a family.
Ferretti 100 AMORE MIO
The Jacuzzi is located on the flybridge where guests have another place to choose to dine alfresco, after which they can stretch out on the sunpads and enjoy the view before taking a nap in the sun.
Ferretti AMORE MIO – Foredeck seating
The interiors follow on from the outdoor colour scheme with more muted blues and oranges and the formal dining area is warm and comfortable for recharging with a meal after a tiring day of sightseeing and exploration. The starboard side of the lounge has sliding glass doors and the gunwale folds down to make an additional terrace.
Accommodation: 10 guests: 1 Master suite, 1 VIP stateroom, 3 double cabins, 1 twin cabin
Crew: 5
Amenities: Beach club, Jacuzzi
Price per week: From $62,500 USD
Charter grounds: Miami, Florida and the Bahamas
