The $60 million vessel is powered by 2 MTU diesel engines. The massive ship flaunts sound levels of only 34dB in the master at cruising speed. Skat boasts a cruising speed of 17 knots and is built with military technology to reduce noise and vibration. A lift with two doors opens to the guest corridors, one side and the other to the crew side. The crew quarters deserve a special mention mainly because the entire lower deck is dedicated to the crew, complete with spacious double cabins featuring a desk, wardrobes, and an en suite. Every activity from dining, napping, or simply sun gazing can be enjoyed over the stern. The aft deck harbors the informal saloon, including a bar and gaming area for large groups. This fantastic pleasure craft also houses a library and guest office to starboard, while the lower deck accommodates the beach club and dive store. The open plan allows the space to be used for multiple functions. With 270-degree windows, the area unintentionally looks like a conservatory providing panoramic views and ample natural light, enlivening the interiors. Skat boasts a helipad, a modern gym, and a bridge deck that would floor even the most fault-finding yachting enthusiasts. The grey background allows the artworks to pop out and be a highlight indeed. The main saloon is clutter-free, packed chiefly with pop art by Victor Vasarely and Roy Lichtenstein in the name of decor. The guest and owner’s cabins are placed on the main deck.

Skat boasts an uninterrupted clean layout based on functionality. With kids in mind, the room was made for a swing set, trampoline, and sea pool. Also, a door was added to allow the family cabins to be a private wing. The office was transformed into a child’s cabin, and the same was done with the guest cabin. There were substantial changes made to the sofas, chairs, and other soft furnishings as Skat was now catering to a family. The interior is extremely modern, in tune with the owner’s vision of the world and the outside design of the ship.” With a new owner, not much changed in this nearly-perfect luxury vessel. I suppose it helps that I had been sailing for years. I designed for him a yacht that sails, not a Tudor palace. Clean, precise, uncluttered, practical, useful, and, if possible, multi-useful. Marco Zanini shared the design ideology with Boat International, ‘It was easy. The analytical mind of the owner drove the designers even further to push the boundaries. To him, nothing was a problem, merely a challenge,” Øino said.Ī closer look at the superyacht today makes it hard to believe it was commissioned in 2002. “Working with this fascinating client was a wonderful experience. With such a clear vision in place, it was a non-shocker that the entire design process took just six or seven months to complete. That explains the lack of undulating surfaces on the exterior and the interiors done by acclaimed designer Marco Zanini. The directive was to avoid complicated shapes, keep the design uncomplicated and respect the material used. The owner had a precise vision for his ship- use of arcs, circles, flat panes, etc. Via – Instagram / b.lex_benedettaiovane / Guillaume Plisson It was naval architect Espen Øino’s sixth design commission in 1999, and grey is the initial owner’s (Charles Simonyi) favorite color, shared Boat International. The 9906 emblazoned on her side has meaning. How Espen Øino managed to make Skat look like a home away from home despite its imposing grey sides, high bow, and faceted superstructure, akin to military vessels, is a question only he can answer. Salutations to the vacationing warship, Skat by Lurssen: It wouldn’t be wrong to say, Skat is a warship on vacation, and we, for one, cannot wait to explore the details: The distinct boat is a cross between a warship and pleasure craft with 9906 inscribed on her side. In the case of 231-feet long Skat, it’s not the name that’s the identifying factor it’s the ship in its entirety.

Had it not been for emblazoned names, most ships would look identical. With most yachts having the same shape, silhouette, and features, it can be difficult to tell one from the other.

Skat yacht