The award-winning U.S. and Caribbean-based design studio, Setzer Yacht Architects, has been commissioned by NISI Yachts to design an ultra-modern, high-performance power catamaran yacht series for immediate construction. As an addition to NISI’s existing Xpresso line of luxury yachts, the Setzer team is designing the vessel for pod drive propulsion, fitting it with a wave-piercing, plumb-bow hull form that is expected to deliver speeds in excess of 25 knots. The first 15-meter “Xpresso 1500” yacht model is scheduled for launch in 2014.
New Xpresso yacht designed by Setzer Yacht Architects for NISI Yachts
While the multi-hull yacht project represents a new direction of growth for a team that has historically focused on custom superyachts, Marketing Director Joshua Setzer emphasized that the core business of the 22-year old firm will remain unchanged. “We are very excited to be extending our brand into the under 20-meter, multi-hull category,” said Setzer. “As in past collaborations we’ve had with luxury builders like Hinckley Yachts and Chris-Craft, we see this as an opportunity to gain a fresh perspective, and to challenge ourselves to create an innovative design for the semi-production market. The essence of this brand, however, stays in megayacht design.”
When asked what will make the yacht project unique, Setzer noted that while pod propulsion has become increasingly prevalent in monohull yachts, it remains relatively uncommon for multi-hulls. “We’ve done pretty exhaustive research on what’s been done before,” says Setzer. “What we’re finding is that only a handful of multi-hull builders are actively experimenting with pods. We’re certainly not the first, but this is reasonably uncharted territory.”
Citing benefits including minimized shaft angle, improved maneuverability, and ease of docking, Setzer believes pod propulsion will provide a highly responsive operating experience for Xpresso 1500 yacht owners, especially when coupled with the unique hull form under development. “The hull itself has been influenced by months of observations made from our Antigua Studio during the Caribbean charter season. The seas just off of our doorstep have allowed us to see multihulls being put to the test every day.”
NISI 2400 Superyacht
This will not be the first time Setzer and NISI have partnered together on a project utilizing pod drives. The firms first joined forces in 2011 to produce the multiple award-winning motor yacht NISI 2400, the first yacht in the world under 24 meters to be built to full commercial RINA and MCA standards. Setzer and NISI have since collaborated on two additional projects, including a sister ship to the NISI 2400 launched last year, and a 17-meter, jet-powered sport-cruiser launching this spring that has been designed for a prominent Northeast American politician. Setzer is also currently developing a 30 to 36 meter superyacht series for NISI, which has been nicknamed “Hookah” and was partially unveiled at this month’s Miami International Boat Show.
From a design standpoint, the catamaran yacht Xpresso 1500 will feature modern exterior styling elements and an open interior layout similar to those Setzer has developed for NISI’s other builds, with emphasis placed on maintaining seamless flow between interior and outdoor spaces. “Cats are incredibly social boats,” said Ward Setzer, President. “The wide beam-to-length ratio allows us to really be creative in the way we incorporate entertainment spaces. Features like open-plan salons and galleys, oversized dining spaces on the aft deck, large bow deck sun pads – are not only feasible but can be included without crowding the general arrangement or compressing the accommodations. As designers, it’s a real joy to work on a layout like this and imagine all the ways the yacht can be used, whether it be vacation, charter, exploration, or entertainment.”
Below is a gallery for the stylish charter yachts with design by Setzer Yacht Architects.
Setzer Yacht Architects Charter Yacht Images
