Monk Design has designed the steering pedestals and the central instrument panel on the deck of the sailing yacht ‘Hamilton’ the first WallyCento box-ruled super yacht launched today. The WallyCento ‘Hamilton’ superyacht is the first in a fleet of state-of-the-art box-ruled super yachts which share similar high performance, and which have been conceived and developed by Luca Bassani, President and Founder of Wally.
Luxury sailing yacht HAMILTON - a WallyCento Yacht by Wally
Hamilton yacht is an awesome, stealth-like racing machine, combining absolute comfort, outstanding performance and racing maneuverability. Developed by naval architects Judel & Vrolijk, in compliance with the box-rule, Hamilton is the most avant-garde cruiser-racer Wally to date and was built at Green Marine in the UK, specialists in carbon fibre yacht construction, with an interior and deck signed by Design Unlimited and with finishing touches by designer Adriana Monk.
Joining the luxury yacht Hamilton project in September 2011, Monk was brought on board to design the steering pedestals and the consoles for the control functions in twin-pods.
Monk embraced this design challenge as sculptural function wrapped in carbon fibre. “A yacht of such striking beauty and proportions has to have fitting accessories to embellish the overall concept without being overpowering,” says Monk. “With so many people and disciplines involved, the design of a yacht is a massive undertaking of teamwork and collaboration and it was imperative that I embraced and enhanced the existing design created by Judel & Vrolijk and Design Unlimited.”
Monk developed a product form language that is repeated in the twin-pods, the steering pedestals and the aft posts. Her unique concept was born around the dual function of the aft posts. The aft posts serve as a vertical surface for the FFD (Full Function Display) and doubles as a safety rail for crossing the expansive aft terrace during sailing maneuvers. Consequently the attitude of the post/leg is determined by ensuring the best viewing angle for these screens for the sail-trimmer on the aft winches. At dock the middle racing insert can be removed allowing clear passage along the centrally mounted gangway. During an ocean crossing a tall radar support can be inserted. Finally a unique dining concept was developed which again involves the aft posts.
WallyCentos uniquely feature the carbon-fiber, triple-spoke helm wheels specifically designed by Konstantin Grcic. “I decided that the pedestals should therefore complement this beautiful wheel as well as house the various screens and buttons into a harmonious form” says Monk. “The steering pedestals have an honesty to their posture that represents the shortest and most efficient steering cable angle,”
This balancing act is something that Monk, as an experienced car designer has been challenged with on a regular basis. “The intriguing aspect of this project is that it also involves the multiple functionality, maneuvers, tactics, strategy and fluid movement of some of the best sailors in the world.”
The instrument panel, normally an incongruous structure mounted mid-ship, is now a set of two unique pods, shrouded in clear carbon fibre and imbued with logic, function and form. The port pod is for all stay controls. The starboard pod embraces all sail controls and navigation tools. Monk’s task was to “make numerous buttons and various size screens all fit together in a homogenous and graceful manner.”
After completing these deck sculptures Monk then began work on the colour scheme and the yacht’s corporate identity. Although there was a clear design direction in place, Monk was asked to suggest an original paint scheme. The concept of painting a sculpture that floats was the inspiration behind her colour choice. Water exists in various consistencies and shades, from thick mud to crystal clear waters: ‘Thames Mud’ was Monk’s choice for the exterior paint colour. It was inspired by British industrial designer David Higgins’ unique 1960’s Lancia Zagato colour, an appropriate association since both the car and the yacht owners are British nationals.
Monk proposed that the racing accent should be of a more tropical shade – an aqua turquoise that beckons the yacht to warmer, clearer, bluer waters. The unique positioning of the racing stripes gives the yacht an aggressive and bold look – a winning combination. These twin stripes were also applied to business cards and racing gear alike.
Monk also chose the yacht’s glass colour for the side windows to match the ‘Thames Mud’ exterior colour: She selected a bronze hue to create a warm and inviting interior glow that suggests a healthy complexion and enhances the relaxed ambience.
The colour scheme has also been applied to the WallyTender that will accompany luxury yacht Hamilton. Here the twin stripes take on a more dynamic attitude by emphasizing the angle of the bimini. Monk was also asked to design various elements: by sculpting the seats and benches and trimming them in sumptuous water-resistant leather, she was again able to apply her experience in automotive design. The unique design she created for the reading lamps inside the cabin is just one more example of Monk’s dedication to design & detail.
