The four Designers’ luxury superyacht conversion projects of the 59m HR MS Blommendal survey vessel by Boele from 1973 have been carefully examined as part of the ICON YACHTS DESIGN CHALLENGE. Dixon Yacht Design, Ivan Erdevicki, H2 Yacht Design and Newcruise have all created distinctive designs and ICON rewarded each one of them for their unique and characteristic strengths.
ICON Yachts Conversion Project 2013
Best contemporary design – Newcruise
Newcruise’s previous conversions have included the explorer-style motor yachts Penguin, 55m and Absinthe yacht, 62m – and they followed the theme here. ‘We see it as an ocean discovery vessel for a private owner, worldwide cruising from Arctic waters to equatorial destinations under safe and comfortable conditions,’ says Newcruise owner and director Roland Krueger. ‘This picks up from her classic duties as a training ship for Dutch naval crews.’
The look is contemporary, with natural wave-like curves in the forward superstructure preventing sleek lines veering into aggressiveness.
‘It is a balanced design maintaining the vessels history while adjusting the volumes thoughtfully to their new intended purpose,’ says Krueger.
Best classic design – Ivan Erdevicki
Ivan Erdevicki’s completed refit conversions include a 1924 vintage 18m wooden sailing yacht and a 38m all aluminium crew vessel. In this instance, he took a conservative approach.
‘The plan was to retain the original classical hull lines and integrate sympathetically and seamlessly the new modernised superstructure,’ he says,
‘to retain the backbone of the old superstructure (base, exhaust stack, funnel) and with extended decks, achieve spacious accommodation and entertainment decks.’
Best futuristic design – H2 Yacht Design
H2 Yacht Design approached the challenge as a communal exercise, asking members of the design team to draw their vision, then choosing the one that Design Director Jonny Horsfield felt most likely to, ‘Capture the imagination of a client looking for something different.’
Best state-of-the-art design – Dixon Yacht Design
Dixon Yacht Design turned in a modern interpretation of the explorer yacht lifestyle. ‘Our aim was to complement the classic hull with a low-profile superstructure and enhanced space,’ says Bill Dixon, director of Dixon Yacht Design.
‘We have added promenade decks aft, while extending the superstructure forward allows the bridge to be enlarged and relocated to provide a higher skydeck with panoramic views.’
Citing contemporary trends in architecture and industrial design as influences, Dixon also worked with rather than against features such as the funnel.
