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The 5 tragic minutes that sank a superyacht

PORTICELLO, Italy — Survivors of a storm that sank a superyacht off Sicily recounted their ordeal to one of the doctors who rushed to their aid, with some saying it took mere minutes for the 180-foot ship to go down. 

Dr. Fabio Genco, head of the Palermo Emergency Medical Services, told NBC News on the phone Thursday that he arrived in the seaside village of Porticello before dawn Monday, about an hour after the $40 million Bayesian sank in the violent and sudden storm.   

Of the 22 people onboard, 15 survived despite storm conditions and darkness, climbing onto a lifeboat before being rescued by a nearby sailboat. The crew members have made no public statements so far, though some have been interviewed by investigators.

“They told me that it was all dark, that the yacht hoisted itself up and then went down,” Genco said, recounting what the survivors told him. “All the objects were falling on them. That’s why I immediately made sure, by asking them questions, if they had any internal injuries,” he said. 

It appears they had just minutes to abandon the sinking ship, Genco said. 

“They told me that suddenly they found themselves catapulted into the water without even understanding how they had got there,” he said, “And that the whole thing seems to have lasted from 3 to 5 minutes.”

Giovanni Costantino, CEO of The Italian Sea Group, which owns Perini Navi, the Bayesian's shipbuilder, told Sky News that there were no flaws with the design or construction of the yacht. He said their structure and keel made boats like that “unsinkable bodies.”

In an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, he disavowed responsibility, blaming instead the actions of the crew. “Mistakes were made,” he said. 

Genco said one of his colleagues who arrived at the scene before him initially thought that only three people survived, but the coast guard reported there were other survivors and more emergency services were called in. 

When Genco arrived, he found scenes of panic and despair. 

“Unfortunately, we are used to such panic scenes because we are used to the shipwrecks that happen on Lampedusa ,” Genco said, referring to the island southwest of Sicily, where the wreckage of boats carrying migrants on the sea journey from North Africa to Italy are often found . 

Six of the passengers were declared missing Monday, and by Thursday, the bodies of five had been recovered from the wreck , some 160 feet underwater.

Among those who survived is Angela Bacares, wife of the British tech mogul Mike Lynch , whose body was recovered Thursday. 

Another survivor has been identified as Charlotte Emsley, 35. She told the Italian news agency ANSA that she had momentarily lost hold of her year-old daughter, Sofia, in the water but managed to retrieve her and hold her over the waves until a lifeboat inflated and they were pulled into safety.

Dr. Domenico Cipolla at the Di Cristina Children’s Hospital in Palermo is also part of a team of medical professionals treating the shipwreck survivors. He told the BBC on Wednesday that Emsley and her daughter, as well as the father of the child, who Cipolla said also survived, are continuing to receive psychological help. 

“Psychological support was constant and is constant even today, because basically it is the wounds of the soul that are the most in need of healing in these cases,” Cipolla said.

Genco also told NBC News that he was especially concerned about the child. “She did not understand anything. She was soaking wet and cold,” he said. 

Karsten Borner, the Dutch captain of the Sir Robert Baden Powell, a yacht that was anchored near the Bayesian, said by phone Wednesday that he saw a thunderstorm come in at around 4 a.m. local time (10 p.m. ET) Monday, followed by what looked like a waterspout, a type of tornado that forms over water. 

The International Centre for Waterspout Research noted on X that there was a “waterspout outbreak” off Italy on Monday, the day the Bayesian sank. 

“I turned on the engine and made maneuvers so that we wouldn’t collide with the Bayesian, which was anchored about 100 meters from us,” Borner said. “Then all of a sudden it disappeared. Then the wind calmed down, we looked around and saw a red flare.”

Borner said he got into his boat’s tender and saw a life raft with 15 people on it. Members of the crew were administering first aid. 

“I don’t know why it sank so quickly, but it may have something to do with the mast which was incredibly long,” he said. Questions have been raised about whether the mast was to blame for the accident as tall masts, even with the sails down, have more surface area exposed to the wind, which can contribute to tipping a vessel in a storm.

The CCTV footage that emerged Tuesday showed the yacht’s 250-foot mast, believed to be one of the tallest aluminum sailing masts in the world, lashed by the storm as it appears to tilt to one side before disappearing.

Claudia Rizzo is an Italy based journalist.

Claudio Lavanga is Rome-based foreign correspondent for NBC News.

Yuliya Talmazan is a reporter for NBC News Digital, based in London.

Mike Lynch and daughter among missing after yacht sinks: What we know about disaster - and 'alarming' potential cause

The British-flagged luxury vessel named Bayesian was carrying 22 people when it got into difficulty off the coast of Sicily. Seven bodies have now been recovered from the wreckage.

News reporter @samuelosborne93

Friday 23 August 2024 12:24, UK

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Seven bodies have been found after a superyacht sank off the coast of Sicily.

Twenty-two people were on board the vessel named Bayesian when it got into difficulty in the early hours of Monday, with 15 people rescued.

Here's what we know about the sinking of the luxury vessel so far.

Follow latest updates on the superyacht sinking

What might have caused the sinking?

The British-flagged luxury vessel, named Bayesian, capsized at around 4.30am local time on Monday morning off Palermo, according to ship-tracking site Marine Traffic.

It sank in as little as 60 seconds with 22 people on board, 12 passengers and a crew of 10, according to the Italian coastguard.

Waterspouts, essentially tornados that form over water, were seen as powerful winds battered the area overnight, local media said.

The yacht may have sunk faster with all the doors open due to the hot weather, Sailing Today magazine editor Sam Jefferson has said.

"I imagine all the doors were open because it was hot, so there were enough hatches and doors open that it filled with water very quickly and sank like that," he said.

Official pictures show air conditioning units in several of the rooms, however, which could counter the suggestion open windows caused the vessel to sink faster.

The huge mast is also likely to have played a role, he added.

What are waterspouts?

Waterspouts typically occur during thunderstorms and can develop very rapidly, within minutes.

Their spin generally reaches wind speeds between 75-200mph, but can reach as high as 300mph.

They can travel at about 10-20mph typically but can reach greater speeds, making them difficult to avoid - especially in something as slow-moving as a yacht.

Matthew Schanck, chair of the Maritime Search and Rescue Council, called the reports of a tornado or waterspout "rare" and "quite alarming".

"The vessel was at anchor in a recognised anchorage," Mr Schanck said.

"Depending on wind direction and the state of the sea, this informs the captain whether it is a safe area to anchor or not. There was nothing that was too concerning, for my eye. All in all, the captain used the information they had to make a safe call."

Who owns the yacht?

The yacht belonged to the family of British tech tycoon Mike Lynch. He was confirmed to have died after rescuers found his body on Thursday. Mr Lynch was on holiday with his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, who is still missing, and his wife Angela Bacares, who was rescued.

Mr Lynch, 59, was known as the " British Bill Gates " and has been in the headlines in recent months over a high-profile fraud case.

In June, a US jury cleared him of all charges, which were related to the 2011 sale of his software company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard (HP). The yacht trip is believed to have been a celebration of the end of Mr Lynch's legal troubles.

HP accused him of deliberately overstating the value of the company before it was acquired by the American tech giant.

Mr Lynch was extradited to the US to face trial in May last year and spent 13 months under house arrest in San Francisco as he awaited trial on 17 charges of conspiracy and wire fraud brought by the US Department of Justice - which were later reduced to 15 charges. He always denied any wrongdoing and was acquitted.

Read more: Lynch's co-defendant dies days before yacht sinking

Who was on board when the boat sank?

The passengers were largely British and American, with crew members were from New Zealand, South Africa, and Canada.

Charlotte Golunski was among the Britons rescued. Her LinkedIn profile says she is a partner at Mr Lynch's firm Invoke Capital and has worked there since 2012.

Speaking after the ordeal, Ms Golunski told Italian media that she lost her daughter Sofia for "two seconds" amid the "fury" of the sea but was able to retrieve her. She said she held the infant above the waves until the lifeboat was ready.

"Many people screamed. Luckily the lifeboat inflated and 11 of us were able to get on board," she told ANSA.

The girl's father James Emsley also survived, according to Sicily's civil protection agency.

Also on board were Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of investment bank Morgan Stanley, his wife Judy Bloomer, a top US lawyer Chris Morvillo, who worked on Mr Lynch's criminal case, and his wife Neda Morvillo. Divers confirmed on Thursday that their bodies had been recovered.

The yacht's captain James Cutfield survived, along with South African crew members Leah Randall and Katja Chicken.

Recaldo Thomas, a Canadian-Antiguan chef who was working on the boat, was the first to be found dead, the Italian Coastguard confirmed to Sky News.

During rescue efforts, divers saw "corpses through the portholes" of the wreck as they recovered the body of a man at a depth of 50m (164ft), according to Salvo Cocina, the head of the Civil Protection of Sicily.

What do we know about the vessel?

The Bayesian is owned by a company controlled by Mr Lynch's wife.

It was known for its unusual 72.3m (246ft) single mast - one of the world's tallest made of aluminium - and shared its name with the statistical method Mr Lynch's Autonomy software was based on.

It was built by Italian company Perini Navi in 2008 and last refitted in 2020.

It was listed for rent for up to €195,000 (£166,000) a week, according to online charter sites.

The luxury vessel , which was managed by yachting company Camper & Nicholsons, could accommodate up to 12 guests in six suites.

It won a string of awards for its design, according to online specialist yacht sites.

Mr Schanck, of the Maritime Search and Rescue Council, said the vessel would have been equipped with "high standard" life-saving appliances and radio communications.

He added the yacht would have met all international standards and UK Maritime Coastguard Agency regulations before its voyage.

It was previously named Salute, or "health" in Italian, when it flew under a Dutch flag. Its minimalist interior featured light wood with Japanese accents designed by the French designer Remi Tessier, according to descriptions on charter sites.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

What were its last movements?

The boat left the Sicilian port of Milazzo on 14 August and was last tracked east of Palermo on Sunday evening, with a navigation status of "at anchor", according to vessel tracking site VesselFinder.

The Bayesian previously travelled to other parts of Sicily before its last sighting off the coast of the port of Porticello.

On Sunday, the boat was seen off the coast of Cefalu before it travelled towards Porticello, MarineTraffic data shows.

In the days before, the yacht travelled around four of the Aeolian islands, just north of Sicily.

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Prosecutors in the nearby town of Termini Imerese have opened an investigation into the sinking.

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• Live Reporting (active)

Watch & listen

The body of British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch has been recovered from the Bayesian yacht off the coast of Sicily , a source close to the family says

The search is continuing for one person who's still missing - it's believed it is Mike's 18-year-old daughter, Hannah

Five bodies have been brought ashore but they have not been formally identified

One body - that of Recaldo Thomas, the yacht's chef - was recovered from the sea on Monday

In total, 15 people survived, with six bodies recovered, and one person still missing

Live Reporting

Edited by Johanna Chisholm and Sophie Abdulla

Six key takeaways from day four of the search published at 20:20 British Summer Time 22 August 20:20 BST 22 August

The fourth day of search operations has come to a close in the coastal town of Porticello, and divers deployed to the scene have yet to recover the last missing person from a yacht that sank on Monday morning.

Here's a brief summary of what we learned throughout the day:

• The body of British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch has been recovered from the Bayesian yacht off the coast of Sicily, a source close to the family has told the BBC
• The person still missing is believed to be Mike’s 18-year-old daughter, Hannah, Reuters news agency reported
• No formal identification of the bodies has been announced by the Italian authorities
• An investigation is underway by Italian authorities, with captain James Cutfield reportedly being questioned by authorities yesterday for two hours, as they began speaking to all crew members
• The trip has been described as a "celebratory cruise" that came after Lynch was cleared of fraud charges in June. The BBC were told his "key team" were travelling on board

We're going to be pausing our coverage for the day, but you can read the latest here .

This page was written by Pia Harold, Cachella Smith, Matt Spivey, Rachel Flynn and James Harness and was edited by Marita Moloney, Nadia Ragozhina, Sophie Abdulla and Johanna Chisholm.

In pictures: A fourth day of search operations published at 19:41 British Summer Time 22 August 19:41 BST 22 August

As the sun rose over the harbour in Porticello and divers resumed their search operation, people gathered again by the shore

Earlier today, members of the fire brigade and coast guard recovered a fifth body, after four bodies were retrieved from the wreck on Wednesday and transported to nearby hospitals, in the city of Palermo

A source close to the family has told the BBC the body of British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch has been recovered and they believe the person still missing is Mike’s 18-year-old daughter, Hannah. No formal identification of the bodies has been announced by the Italian authorities

A 'warm and wonderful smile' that will be 'impossible' to forget - Countess of Euston published at 19:03 British Summer Time 22 August 19:03 BST 22 August

Mike Lynch OBE was one of Suffolk's "most inspirational citizens", the Countess of Euston says in one of the latest tributes to the UK businessman.

Clare, Countess of Euston, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk says in a statement that Lynch "was quite simply a genius", adding that he was a "global leader in his field".

"A kind and compassionate man who was always ready to help, hugely generous, the best of friends, but it will be his warm and wonderful smile that will be impossible for me to forget," she continues.

"Mike was an exemplary Deputy Lieutenant of Suffolk serving both our late Queen Elizabeth II and our present King Charles III."

She goes on to send her condolences to Lynch's wife and wider family.

From a celebratory excursion to a devastating tragedy published at 18:38 British Summer Time 22 August 18:38 BST 22 August

Mike Lynch was a star of the British tech sector who - as we've mentioned in previous posts - attracted comparisons to Microsoft founder Bill Gates.

But he also suffered a sudden and dramatic fall from grace.

In 1996, he established Autonomy, a company which built software to help businesses manage and sift through data. In 2011, it was bought by the US giant Hewlett-Packard in a deal that valued the business at $11bn (£8.6bn).

That made Lynch a very rich man.

But it rapidly turned sour. Little more than a year later, HP said it had found evidence of accounting "irregularities" at Autonomy that had been used to make it appear a much more attractive prospect financially.

This led to a decade of legal wrangling and last year, Lynch was extradited to the US to face criminal fraud charges. He was acquitted in June.

The excursion aboard the Bayesian was meant to be a celebration of that victory. It ended in tragedy.

Lynch 'a pioneer in artificial intelligence' published at 18:16 British Summer Time 22 August 18:16 BST 22 August

More tributes are continuing to be shared about British entrepreneur Mike Lynch.

The head of Luminance, a technology company where Lynch was a founding investor, says he was "one of the brightest minds the technology sector has ever seen" and a "pioneer in artificial intelligence".

Quote Message Above all, Mike was a kind man who had an impact on many and will be sorely missed. I feel honoured to have known him, worked with him and learnt from him over the years." Eleanor Lightbody, CEO of Luminance

Judy Bloomer: Teacher, wife and 'wonderful friend' published at 17:49 British Summer Time 22 August 17:49 BST 22 August

Some more details about Judy Bloomer, who - alongside her husband of five decades - went missing from Bayesian earlier this week.

Bloomer was educated at Homerton College, University of Cambridge, where she studied English language and literature. After that, she embarked on a career as a teacher.

She later worked as a psychotherapist for nearly 30 years, specialising in anxiety and stress.

She was also a former director of property developer Change Real Estate, a property firm in Bristol, which was founded by her husband, Jonathan Bloomer.

Sally Bailey, a former chairwoman of charity Pilot Light, wrote that Judy was a "wonderful friend" to the gynaecological cancer research charity the Eve Appeal. She was a "kind and caring person," she added.

In a statement from the Bloomer family, they described the couple as "incredible people and an inspiration to many".

"Our only comfort is that they are still together now."

Judy Bloomer was educated at Homerton College, University of Cambridge, before starting her career as a teacher

Bloomer 'a friend and mentor to many' published at 17:25 British Summer Time 22 August 17:25 BST 22 August

Tributes continue to be paid to Jonathan Bloomer. The chief executive of Morgan Stanley, where Bloomer was international chairman, says that "Jonathan's leadership and experience helped the firm manage a period of complex change for our international businesses".

Ted Pick describes him as a "friend and mentor to many", adding: "We will all greatly miss his wise counsel and spirit of kindness."

Meanwhile, Aki Hussain, chief executive of insurance group Hiscox, says Bloomer's advice and support were "immensely valuable".

"It was a privilege to have known Jonathan and to have benefited from his generosity and wisdom over the last year in his role as chair of Hiscox," Hussain adds.

"His deep experience across our industry and in the broader business arena, combined with his personal values, made him both an excellent chair and a person I was proud to know and work with."

Elsewhere Bloomer is described as a "giant in financial services" by investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown.

The group says: "We remember him fondly at Hargreaves Lansdown as someone who made a major impact on the business with his wealth of experience when he served on the board from 2006-2013 including as our senior independent director."

Mike Lynch 'was the Steve Jobs of Britain' published at 17:15 British Summer Time 22 August 17:15 BST 22 August

David Tabizel described his colleague and friend as the 'Steve Jobs of Britain'

Let's bring you a few more tributes to the victims of the Bayesian shipwreck.

First, David Tabizel has been speaking about Mike Lynch, who he says was "a human supercomputer" who "loved having his brain lit up".

Tabizel co-founded Autonomy with Lynch, and tells the BBC it's a tragedy Mike Lynch died "just when he was about to reclaim his status and his position in society", who had been subjected to "an unjust legal interruption".

"It feels a bit like the Post Office scandal... Just because a group of people are being accused doesn't mean they are guilty."

Tabizel praises Lynch's loyalty to his friends, describing the businessman as a great polymath with an inquisitive mind.

Mike Lynch had "an amazing gift to get to the nub of things, to get to the truth... he was a child. At the same time, he was a moral giant... he was certainly the brightest person I've ever met.

"To me he's the Steve Jobs of Britain. I miss him. I loved him."

Many factors could've played a role in yacht disaster published at 16:55 British Summer Time 22 August 16:55 BST 22 August

While we wait for the sixth missing person to be found, the investigation goes on.

The focus now is on whether human error was to blame. From the captain and the crew not taking measures onboard the yacht to mitigate the extreme weather and storm alert that had been issued before that terrible tragedy on Monday morning.

The wheels of justice move very slowly here in Italy. But there will be pressure on the investigators to wrap this up.

These are high profile victims - so there will be a lot of legal implications.

We know the investigators spoke to the captain, who survived, for two hours yesterday. He's 51 and from New Zealand.

Part of the focus is on whether there were storage compartments left open, allowing water to flood into the boat. And also on why there was no crew team on alert overnight when the storm happened, particularly given the fact there was a weather alert.

Another question: why was the yacht not harboured at port if the storm alert was out?

A ship surveyor told me yesterday there should have been a two-man watch team on board overnight.

The feeling is that there was a combination of factors that made the conditions ripe for this kind of disaster to happen.

No news conferences planned yet published at 16:39 British Summer Time 22 August 16:39 BST 22 August

Gillian Hazell Reporting from Porticello

Let's return briefly to the operation that's still running on the ground in Porticello.

Carlo Dall'Oppio, head of Italy's firefighters, has told the BBC there are no news conferences planned at present, and that the last body has not been found yet.

He said it was up to the coroner to announce the names of those who have died after identification.

As we've been reporting , according to Italian law, officials are not allowed to share the names of the deceased until formal identification has concluded.

Family of Jonathan and Judy Bloomer pay tribute published at 16:28 British Summer Time 22 August 16:28 BST 22 August

We're also been hearing from the family of Jonathan and Judy Bloomer - both of whom were confirmed as missing following the yacht sinking earlier this week.

Jonathan is the chairman of the Morgan Stanley International bank, he also gave evidence as a defence witness in Mike Lynch's US trial which saw him cleared of fraud charges in June.

The yacht trip has been described as a celebration following the trial's verdict.

In a statement, the couple's family express "sincere gratitude" to emergency services and all those who helped with the rescue operation.

"Our parents were incredible people and an inspiration to many, but first and foremost they were focused on and loved their family and spending time with their new grandchildren," the statement continues.

"Together for five decades, our only comfort is that they are still together now.

"This is an unimaginable grief to shoulder. Our only ask is that our family's privacy is respected at this time."

Mike Lynch had 'most brilliant mind' says close friend published at 16:14 British Summer Time 22 August 16:14 BST 22 August

A close friend and colleague of Mike Lynch says he was "the most brilliant mind and the most caring person" he has ever known, in a statement released to the BBC in the last half an hour.

Quote Message Over nearly a quarter century I had the privilege of working beside someone unrivalled in their understanding of technology and business.

Quote Message There is simply no other UK technology entrepreneur of our generation who has had such an impact on so many people. His passion for life, knowledge and all those around him was instantly inspiring to everyone he met, and he will be sorely missed." Andrew Kanter

Meanwhile Ruth Leigh, a neighbour of Mike Lynch said she was "horrified" when she learned he was missing after the yacht sank.

The 57-year-old writer and author added: "It's dreadful, it's the worst news."

She said that "right from the start [Lynch] was a fantastic neighbour".

Quote Message Whenever he met you he always remembered your name, he would chat to you, incredibly friendly and down to earth which we thought was a great quality. He was a really good neighbour." Ruth Leigh

British Library and BBC heads among latest tributes to Mike Lynch published at 15:57 British Summer Time 22 August 15:57 BST 22 August

Here are some more tributes that have been coming in to Mike Lynch, who had served on the boards of several organisations, including the British Library and the BBC.

The chief executive of the British Library, Sir Roly Keating , says: "Mike's extraordinary understanding of technology, combined with his passion for the British Library's mission to share knowledge, made him an invaluable member of our board.

"He was thoughtful, perceptive and supportive, and will be deeply missed by all of us who worked with him in his time here."

Director general of the BBC Tim Davie says: "Mike Lynch was an outstanding BBC director who made a major contribution during his time on the board, from 2007 to 2012.

"Wise, generous and insightful, he played a particularly key role in accelerating our transformation as a digital organisation."

Who was the late tech tycoon Mike Lynch? published at 15:49 British Summer Time 22 August 15:49 BST 22 August

Lynch, pictured here in 2000, has been in a major figure in the British tech industry since the turn of the century

The body of British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch has been recovered, days after his yacht capsized off the coast of Sicily.

The 59-year-old was holidaying on his boat with family, members of his business and legal inner circle, as well as the vessel's crew, when it was struck by a powerful storm on Monday morning.

Lynch had been a significant figure in the UK tech industry since helping to establish Cambridge Neurodynamics - a firm that specialised in using computer-based detection and recognition of fingerprints.

Five years later, he co-founded the British tech firm Autonomy. In 2011, Lynch made his riches by selling his company to US computing giant Hewlett-Packard (HP) for $11bn (£8.6bn).

But an intense legal battle following the high-profile acquisition loomed over Lynch for over a decade. He was acquitted of multiple fraud charges in the US in June, over which he had been facing two decades in jail.

Lynch had reportedly invited guests to his yacht to celebrate the conclusion of that court case.

In 2006 he was awarded an OBE in recognition of his service to UK enterprise. He served on the board of the BBC as a non-executive director, and in 2011 was appointed as an adviser to then-Prime Minister David Cameron on the risks and possibilities of AI development.

• You can read more about Mike Lynch here
• Or listen to our new profile on BBC Sounds

Body of Mike Lynch recovered from wreck published at 15:43 British Summer Time 22 August 15:43 BST 22 August Breaking

The body of British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch has been recovered from the Bayesian yacht off the coast of Sicily, a source close to the family has told the BBC.

The source also said they believe the person still missing is Mike’s 18-year-old daughter, Hannah.

A 'calm spirit' and 'deeply saddened': Friends and family remember victims of Bayesian sinking published at 15:39 British Summer Time 22 August 15:39 BST 22 August

In addition to the tributes that have been being paid to Mike Lynch, we're also receiving commemorations of the other people who went missing after the Bayesian sank:

• A spokesperson for Clifford Chance, the law firm where Chris Morvillo was a partner, said the team was "in shock and deeply saddened"
• Recaldo Thomas, a chef on the yacht, was described by his friend, Gareth Williams, as being a "well-loved, kind human being with a calm spirit"
• Jonathan Bloomer's brother spoke to the BBC earlier in the week while they were still waiting for news. "We’re coping the best we can, and we’re all just supporting each other,” he said. “He was my elder by half an hour, so, it means a lot when you lose a twin brother."

Reports this morning from the AFP news agency have indicated that all the missing men from the yacht have been brought to shore.

Bloomer 's wife, Judy Bloomer , Morvillo's wife, Neda Morvillo , and Lynch's daughter, Hannah Lynch were also confirmed as missing earlier this week.

As we've been reporting, five bodies, in addition to the yacht's chef Recaldo Thomas, have been retrieved so far but there has been no formal identification by Italian officials.

UK cancer charity 'deeply saddened' at Lynch news published at 15:22 British Summer Time 22 August 15:22 BST 22 August

The chief executive of Cancer Research UK has paid tribute to Mike Lynch, saying the charity is “deeply saddened to hear of the death of Mike Lynch and all those who have been affected by this tragedy”.

Michelle Mitchell says: "Together with his wife, Angela, Mike was a valued donor to Cancer Research UK and a member of the board for our Create the Change campaign, which funded the building of the Francis Crick Institute.”

"His support has helped to bring leading scientists together under one roof to tackle the biggest health challenges faced by humankind, including cancer,” adds Mitchell.

"Our sincerest condolences go out to all the families affected."

Lynch spoke of second lease of life weeks before boat tragedy published at 14:57 British Summer Time 22 August 14:57 BST 22 August

Mike Lynch was described by many who knew him as a charismatic and clever man, regarded by some as the UK’s version of Microsoft founder Bill Gates.

A tech industry stalwart for over 30 years, the Cambridge graduate was awarded an OBE for his services to UK enterprise.

His company Autonomy was a British tech superstar. The software Lynch developed at the firm used a statistical method called Bayesian Inference, which helps forecasters predict more accurate outcomes. It’s still used in AI tools today, and shares a name with the yacht he died on.

When Lynch was dramatically acquitted in a US court of 15 charges of fraud earlier this year, he was also in line for a £300m pay-out from the recent sale of UK cybersecurity firm Darktrace, which he co-founded.

Things were looking up, and just three weeks ago he spoke about having a second lease of life. It sounds like the yacht trip was intended as a celebration of that new chapter.

Lynch also told the BBC that his wealth had helped him ride out the legal proceedings, but equally, it was also his wealth which put him and his family on the doomed luxury yacht.

Body of Mike Lynch retrieved today, official tells Reuters published at 14:43 British Summer Time 22 August 14:43 BST 22 August

An Italian interior ministry official has confirmed to Reuters news agency that the body of Mike Lynch was retrieved from the wreck today.

Massimo Mariani says Lynch's daughter Hannah, 18, is still missing - adding that it's possible she is either inside the wreck or may have been tossed into the sea as the boat sank.

The BBC is in touch with the Italian authorities and we'll bring you further details as we get them.

Italian interior ministry official Massimo Mariani leaves after visiting the scene where a luxury yacht sank

What's been happening on the fourth day of the search operation? published at 14:34 British Summer Time 22 August 14:34 BST 22 August

If you're just joining us, here's the latest from the fourth day of the Sicily search operation:

• As the fifth body is brought to shore, the search for one missing body continues
• Reuters is reporting that the last missing body is Mike Lynch's 18-year-old daughter Hannah
• Lynch's body has been recovered, according to multiple reports, as well as the bodies of Jonathan Bloomer and Chris Morvillo, says AF P
• There has been no formal identification yet. Under Italian law, victims families must be notified first
• Investigators have questioned the yacht's captain, James Cutfield , for two hours yesterday. There are now questions over whether he took necessary measures amid weather warnings before the boat capsized

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Body Of Mike Lynch Recovered From Sicily Yacht. BBC News. Video Body Of Mike Lynch Recovered From Sicily Yacht

Everything We Know About the Luxury Yacht Sinking in Sicily, Killing 7 After Celebratory Trip

The key unanswered question remains — how did this happen?

What started out as a celebration on a luxury yacht off the coast of Sicily ended in tragedy on Monday, Aug. 19, when the craft — the 183-foot-long Bayesian — seems to have sunk quickly into the waves of the Tyrrhenian Sea after what the Italian coast guard called a “violent storm.”  

Twenty-two people were aboard, including 12 passengers and 10 crew, authorities have said.

Fifteen people were soon rescued after the Bayesian sank. By Friday, Aug. 23, following complicated and protracted search and rescue efforts , the bodies of all seven victims had been found, sources told PEOPLE.

Among the dead are British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and his daughter Hannah.

Here’s what to know about the tragedy as Sicilian officials are expected to share more information this weekend.

What is the Bayesian yacht?

Built in 2008 by Perini Navi, with a much lauded interior designed by Rémi Tessier and naval architecture by Ron Holland, the luxury vessel was refitted in 2020 and included six suites for as many as 12 passengers, plus quarters for 10 crew — the size of the traveling party this week when the yacht sank. 

It has previously gone by the name Salute . But Bayesian appears to be a nod to Lynch’s career: It refers to a kind of mathematical modeling used in his software company Autonomy.

Notably, the Bayesian has been touted as having the world’s “largest aluminum mast” at some 246 feet.

Other features included design elements specifically to “favor alfresco entertainment” outdoors, such as a large covered saloon, as one charter company put it. And the interior was intended to “create familiar, pure, and natural atmospheres,” according to the charter description. Past photos show rooms bedecked in warmly lit neutrals and cream colors.

Where was the Bayesian yacht when the storm hit?

According to the Italian coast guard, the Bayesian was off the coast of Porticello in Sicily, on the northern tip of the island, when disaster struck on Monday.

A source close to the survivors previously told PEOPLE that the passengers were celebrating after Lynch, labeled in headlines as Britain's "Bill Gates," was acquitted in June in a financial fraud trial in the U.S. that was related to selling his software company Autonomy for $11 billion to Hewlett Packard in 2011.

“That's why he took his closest friends and colleagues on the trip,” the source said.

Lynch himself reflected on how his life had changed after coming out from under the shadow of his legal troubles. He told The Sunday Times in the U.K. in late July that he felt like he'd been given a "second life."

But "the question is," he said then, "what do you want to do with it?”

Who was on the yacht before it sank?

The 12 passengers included Lynch, his daughter Hannah and his wife, Angela Bacares; Chairman of Morgan Stanley International Jonathan Bloomer and his wife , Judy Bloomer; New York City-based lawyer Christopher Morvillo and his wife, jewelry designer Neda Morvillo; Charlotte Golunski , her partner, James, and daughter Sophie and Ayla Ronald , a colleague at Christopher Morvillo’s law firm. 

The BBC reports that Ronald was also with her partner.

The 10 crew included cook Recaldo Thomas , who was among the seven victims who died, as well as the captain, reportedly named as James Cutfield, and others. According to The New York Times , one of the deck stewards was a 19-year-old South African native on his first such voyage.

Who was rescued from the yacht?

Bacares, Ronald and her partner, Golunski and her family and nine of the crew survived the sinking. The coast guard has said that some of them were “initially rescued by a boat in the immediate vicinity.”

Karsten Borner was the captain on the nearby boat and said he saw the yacht sink quickly.

"It all happened in really little time," he told Italian news outlet Rai, according to the BBC.

“The storm was over. We noticed that the ship behind us was gone,” Borner told the BBC. “And then we saw a red flare, so my first mate and I went to the position and we found this life raft drifting [with] 15 people inside."

Who died in the sinking?

Italian authorities have not yet publicly named all seven victims, though a government official told Reuters that Lynch was among the dead and the chef’s body was also identified to PEOPLE and other outlets by local sources involved in the investigation. 

Five other passengers were initially described as missing and five more bodies have since been found in the wreck, sources said: Lynch’s daughter Hannah; Jonathan and Judy Bloomer and Christopher and Neda Morvillo.

Why did the Bayesian sink?

This has emerged as perhaps the key question in the tragedy , and the answer remains unclear.

One theory is that the boat capsized after being struck by a waterspout (which refers to a tornado over the water), though there may have been more factors at play that contributed to the sinking. 

"The dynamics aren't clear — lightning, mini tornado, water spout, it's not clear exactly what happened," one person close to the search efforts tells PEOPLE. "The most likely hypothesis is that the cause was indeed a tornado that began at land and then sped out off coast and became a waterspout at sea with a speed of more than [180 miles] per hour, to the point that it managed to practically sink the ship whilst causing minimum damage to both the mast and the hull."

"Eyewitnesses said the boat went down in minutes," this person adds.

The source says the vessel’s upper hatches could have been open at the time of the disaster, which would have caused the boat to quickly fill up with water. The source also says that large amounts of water may have flowed onto the ship through the hatches as the vessel rocked back and forth during the storm.

“This would be the only thing that could cause the hull to rear up which, as several survivors told the investigators, made the ship sink in literally 60 seconds​​​​​​​​​​​​​​,” the source says.

Another factor that could have caused the yacht to lose stability was its movable keel, which is an underwater blade designed to help keep boats upright and prevent them from swaying back and forth, the source close to the investigation tells PEOPLE.

They say that the 30-foot keel was allegedly retracted to about 13 feet when the storm hit, while natural experts say it would have been strange to retract the keel at that location if the crew knew bad weather was approaching.

The boat’s 236-foot mast may also have also played a role in allowing the boat to rock, similar to a pendulum.

"This episode sounds like an unbelievable story, both technically and as a fact," Giovanni Costantino — who leads The Italian Sea Group, the company that now owns Perini Navi, which built the Bayesian in 2008 — said, according to CNN .

Speaking with PEOPLE, Costantino was more circumspect.

“I obviously can't say for certain [what happened],” he says, “but what I'm sure of is that the only reason a sailboat, especially one with Perini Navi technologies installed, could sink is if it fills with water."

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Home » News » SWD News & Stories » 7 Trends in Sailing Yacht Interior Design

7 Trends in Sailing Yacht Interior Design

Posted on March 14, 2023 and filed under SWD News & Stories

Interior designer Martha Coolidge, working with Stephens Waring Design, fine-tuned the style of the woodwork detail, panel layouts, light fixtures, and other elements of 65-ft ANNA’s appearance. Photo credit: Alison Langley

There’s some irony when it comes to looking at the hottest interior design trends for custom sailing yachts: much of the inspiration for today’s designs draw from the past – combined with modern innovation.

Interior designs that emphasize simplicity, balance, and natural materials are hardly revolutionary.  Quite the opposite.  But there is a new take and balance between old and new, iconic and innovative, that seems to provide the perfect balance for creating incredible interior spaces.

We’re exploring the top 7 trends in custom yacht design for 2023.

Natural Light and Connection Between Interior and Exterior Spaces

The use of larger windows is a trend that has been gaining popularity in yacht design in recent years, as yacht owners increasingly want to maximize their views of the surrounding environment and bring more natural light into their living spaces.

One way that yacht designers are incorporating larger windows is by using high-strength glass materials that can withstand the harsh marine environment. For example, tempered glass or laminated glass with multiple layers can provide the necessary strength and durability to withstand the wind, waves, and impact from flying debris.

In addition to using strong glass materials, yacht designers are also using innovative engineering techniques to maximize the size and placement of windows. Lightweight structural materials such as carbon fiber and titanium in the yacht’s construction, allow for larger windows without compromising the yacht’s structural integrity. In the photo of ANNA, above, the white-painted transverse structural knees are part of a carbon fabrication that strengthens the cabin and carries the mainsheet loads while blending into the classic joinery.

 M ulti Functionality and Flex Spaces

The design for 68-ft CIRRUS comes from blending 40’s & 50’s era style. The large saloon is designed to provide long-term comfort and versatility with innovative vertical storage and a vaulted ceiling that includes panoramic angled glass as well as overhead skylights. Design by Stephens Waring under construction at Jim Betts Enterprises.

Owners are spending more time aboard their vessels and are adding to the list demands and programmatic needs. These include home-office, fitness centers, gourmet kitchens, and gathering places for family and friends to spend longer durations of time together.

Because space is at a premium on a yacht, designers are creating multi-functional spaces that can serve multiple purposes. For example, a seating area that can be converted into a bed or a dining table that can be lowered to create additional seating. Clever storage solutions are also being incorporated into yacht design to make the most of available space.

Old World Charm Meets Modern Sensibilities: Spirit of Tradition

44-ft ITALMUS blends a 1940’s vernacular into the stylistic details and overall aesthetic of the yacht. The interior styling and design is aimed to mirror the era with a theme of highly crafted raised paneling and elegant joinery detail of select quarter sawn mahogany and finished in satin varnis.  Design by Stephens Waring, built by Van Dam Classic Boats. Photo credit: Billy Black

Yacht designers have always had a particular reverence for heritage and history.  The notion of heading out to sea conjures images of bygone eras past.  Capturing that essence requires a balance that avoids becoming kitsch or contrived.  While mid-century design may be considered the hot design trend of 2023, as designers steeped in a Spirit of Tradition design philosophy, we feel we’ve never left the genre.

Spirit of Tradition designs embody some historically identifiable link, particularly expressed in the shape and aesthetic exhibited in the design form of the hull and superstructure. Equally important, a Spirit of Tradition vessel must embrace modern development in materials, construction methods, mechanical systems and naval architecture science. Without the Spirit in development, we’re left with only Tradition.

Natural Materials

Douglas fir deck beams, traditional raised and v-groove paneling, bright varnish and white painted surfaces make it a light, airy enclave.  Interior design by Martha Coolidge and Stephens Waring Design.  Boat construction by Lyman-Morse.  Photo credit: Alison Langley

Yacht owners by their very nature are drawn to water and the natural world, so it makes sense to incorporate natural elements such as wood, stone, and other organic materials in design. These materials create a sense of warmth and connect the interior spaces to the natural surroundings.

As experts in wooden boat design, we have long touted the benefits of timber for structural elements.  However, incorporation of hardwoods, as well as a growing trend in sustainable timbers, have become increasingly popular with owners looking to achieve aesthetic, durability, and sustainability objectives in interior design.

Other natural materials such as leather and wool are also being incorporated to add texture and comfort. These finishes not only look beautiful, but they are also durable to withstand the harsh marine environment.

Renovation and Restomods

The owner of Marilee (built in 1926) had the bold vision to create an interior that reflected the yacht’s century-long provenance while creating an open space below.  The team worked with Paul Waring of Stephens Waring Yacht Design, to create a traditional and properly constructed interior with an updated layout for relaxed, modern day use. Photo credit: Alison Langley

The popularity of restomods has been well established in the world of classic cars, but it has only recently grown in popularity in the world of yachting. Fortunately, this is changing with plenty of success stories to point to.  Restomods are ideal for owners looking for cost-effective transformations that maintain sentimental connections to vessels and deliver stunning customized spaces that can be more cost effective than new custom builds. They are also popular with owners who inherit family boats, but need more utility and comfort for future generations.

Historical interiors often lack the ergonomics and amenities most owners seek today.  Good restoration projects embrace as much of the original charm and character of the original design as possible while improving comfort and livability.  Upgrades to electrical systems, electronics and navigation, plumbing and propulsion systems are low hanging fruit.  The interior design aesthetics requires a careful and complementary approach which honors the original character while updating comfort, utility, and aesthetics.

Flexible Spaces for a Crew Cabin

65-ft ANNA’s design includes a unique pocket door system.  The design provides an easy way to expand square footage when the cabin  is not needed or to private a comfortable extra cabin or crew quarters when extra hands or guests are aboard. Design by Stephens Waring. Construction by Lyman Morse Photo credit: Alison Langley

Owners often struggle with the balance between the desire for a larger vessel with larger interior spaces and the challenge of maintaining a total vessel size (and cost) which is manageable.

As we get older the idea of managing and skippering our own vessel can come at the expense of enjoyment.  Hiring crew alleviates some of the operational challenges and burdens, but it also means sharing interior space with others.

Flexible crew cabins provide a cost effective way to optimize space for when crew is and isn’t aboard. One solution is the installation of pocket doors on sleeping quarters. This converts square footage from private berths (crew quarters) to main salon gathering space when doors are opened and transforms the space to private rooms for guests and crew when needed.

Smart technology

Yacht owners are increasingly interested in incorporating smart technology into their vessels. This includes lighting, climate control, entertainment systems, and security features that can be controlled remotely. Smart technology allows yacht owners to control the environment on board and manage energy consumption more efficiently. It also adds an extra layer of security by allowing the owner to monitor their yacht from afar.

Related Articles:

A Clients Dream Crystalized in Spirit of Tradition Style

Pushing the Edge of Accommodations Design

Boat Renovations and Restorations 101

Yacht Philosophy: How to Make Small Spaces Feel Big

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Superyacht Interiors: The Top Luxury Designs

Everyone knows that a yacht or superyacht is nothing without a luxury interior. Indeed, there’s now a whole range of interior designers who either specialize in or regularly create yacht interiors. So, how do you find the best projects? Here at Insplosion, we want to help. That’s why we’ve gathered a list of our top luxury superyacht interiors !

Yacht fans may also like: Sabrina Monte-Carlo: Famous Interior Designers of Monaco

Brigadoon | studio indigo.

Including the Brigadoon in this list is pretty mandatory. After all, this luxury yacht by Studio Indigo is an actual winner of the World Superyacht Awards 2019! Thus, this project is all about the grand but understated mid-century luxury decor. The flowers, the wood, and navy-colored details combine to make this into a pretty classic luxury boat interior. Indeed, it’s the beautiful and neutral harmony that truly takes this project to the next level.

Besides, it’s quite a practical design. As you can see, the bedrooms and closets are amazingly organized. It’s all about luxury, yes, but also about comfort and practicality. The high seas are no place for clutter, which can cause accidents in bad weather.

But, in contrast with the brown color palette, you have this lovely deck area. With its slightly japandi style influences, this is the perfect place to relax in at the end of a long day.

Aurora Borealis | Winch Design

The Aurora Borealis does justice to its namesake. Indeed, it is as white and bright of an interior as the aurora itself. However, there are all sorts of little decor elements which are reminiscent of the sea. Just notice the shell-shaped ashtray and sea-horse patterns on some of the pillows! Finally, the mid-century lighting really adds a nice touch to the ambiance.

But there’s much more to admire. How do you like the lovely art deco bar? The lines themselves almost remind you of corals and shells. And the airy, light decor is just as present in the dining and living areas. While just as luxurious, this interior is much different from the Brigadoon’s.

Finally, we’ll leave you with this gorgeous view of the yacht’s deck at night. Once again, the seatings and patterns are chosen to be evocative of the ocean. It’s as gorgeous of a yacht design as you could ask for.

Superyacht Forever | St. Corona Interiors

If you’re looking for something equally light, but much more sober, look no further than Superyacht Forever . This creation by St. Corona Interiors also follows a white color scheme, but the decor elements aren’t quite as feminine. There’s not as much art deco influence here. The lines are much cleaner and simpler, almost minimalist compared to the glamour of the previous project.

Vincent Wolf Associates

The bar and living room area follow more or less the same route. Indeed, they favor light color schemes and clean, shapely lines. It’s all about practical luxury, functional without being quite minimalist.

Finally, we have the bedroom. While not opulent in the slightest, this room has the same sort of stylish beauty as the rest of the interior. Once again: you don’t want clutter on the high seas!

Logica | Martin Kemp Design

At last, we reach the Logica .  This project for a luxury yacht by Marin Kemp Design is everything our interior decor dreams are made of. Like the Aurora, it takes a much more art deco approach to superyacht interiors. The little metal details are just what we like to call luxury hardware!

The bedroom and living space designs follow very similar color schemes and strategies. Since you can’t have any clutter, it’s all about denoting luxury through the tiniest details.

Finally, you have the bathroom project, which is as light and gorgeous as the rest of the design. It’s a luxury bathroom through and through.

So, which of these superyacht interiors did you prefer?

Editor’s choice:.

27 Boat Interior Design Ideas

When it comes to creating the wow factor for your boat, the interior is just as important as the exterior. And if you’re looking for inspiration, you’ve come to the right place!

We’re going to look at 27 boat interior ideas to create comfort and visual impact in any kind of space.  And there are loads of tips and tricks you’ll be able to use in your own design scheme.

So without further ado, let’s take a look at some fabulous boat interiors …

Boat Interior Ideas

1. elegant teak.

In this elegant interior, the beauty of the natural teak flooring and cabinetry takes center stage. The powder blue upholstery and cream counter add subtle color, whilst keeping the design scheme serene and low key.

The curved sofa makes efficient use of the bow to create a convivial area for rest and chat. And the curved edges of the small kitchen make the best of the compact space.

2. Old-School Luxury

This luxurious yacht interior harks back to olden times, with its dark wood panelling and chrome portholes. The glossy finish to the wood and the pale blue upholstery add light and ensure it’s cosy, rather than oppressive.

The angled edges of the desk and kitchen counter create a comfortable space to move around. And sweet pictures of sea-life add interest to the walls.

Each area is clearly zoned for cooking, eating, lounging, and sleeping.

3. Cosy Charm

This beautiful narrowboat interior shows how to create all the charm of a country cottage on the water. Beautiful unfinished timber floorboards, a cast iron wood burner and rustic cabinetry work together for a coherent look.

Every detail here has been carefully chosen – note, for example, the old-fashioned whistling kettle and rag rug. The result is the perfect space to relax and unwind.

4. Classic Cream

Below deck spaces can be dark, but that’s not the case with this beautiful interior. Although the area is quite small, the use of cream counters and soft furnishings creates a light, airy space.

The polished furniture also helps reflect the light. And curved edges ensure there’s nothing to injure passengers as they move around the cabin.

Clean surfaces and minimalist door furniture add to the sense of space. And we love the clever way a room divider doubles as extra workspace for the kitchen.

5. Comfortable Curves

Curves can be particularly striking in boat interiors , working well with the lower ceiling heights. Here, a table is surrounded by a sofa that, together with a separate bench, almost forms a circle.

This is another case where powder blue has been chosen for the upholstery. Blue is a favorite for maritime interiors, and the pale shade works beautifully in darker spaces.

6. Social Space

We love the sociable feel that’s been created inside this elegant sailboat. Two curving sofas with tables provide a comfortable space for people to get together over food and drinks.

Here a white ceiling and pale floor help bounce the light around. That’s allowed a darker shade of blue velvet to be used on the sofas, creating a luxurious feel. Subtle detailing like the chevron woodgrain on the wall panels adds to the upscale finish.

7. Compact and Comfy

This sweet interior shows how some bright accessories can add charm to the smallest of spaces. White upholstery provides a blank canvas against which multicolored cushions really pop. And the colors in the fabrics are echoed in the retro prints on the walls.

Other details add to the nautical charm – a porthole mirror, fishing net curtains and glass floats all work brilliantly.

8. Kitchen With a View

This stylish modern kitchen is configured to make the most of the views from the interior of this catamaran. The high gloss cabinets and white worktops keep the space bright. And the large glass windows tempt the eye to the horizon beyond.

The space isn’t huge, but there’s nevertheless a four-ring hob, oven and separate microwave. And there’s a double sink and generous island. The clever design fits everything in without feeling cramped.

9. Sophisticated Neutrals

This super-elegant interior shows how a neutral color scheme effortlessly creates a feeling of sophistication. The gray and cream cushions work beautifully with the honey-toned cabinetry and flooring. Details like the gray rug tie everything together.

We love the wall-mounted wood-burning stove too. It’s a great way to create a cosy atmosphere without taking up valuable floor space.

10. Spotlight on Luxury

Lighting can add a whole new dimension to your boat interior . In this stylish cabin, an array of spotlights on the ceiling highlight sparkling accents like the chrome pedestals. The contrast with the matte upholstery creates a feeling of high-end glamor.

And this is another interior where opposing seating creates a sociable space. This would be the perfect spot to get together for evening drinks.

11. Glamorous Cruising

The curved lines and quality finish in this glamorous cruiser interior make the best of every inch of space. And a combination of recessed spotlights and downlighters creates a snug and cosy atmosphere.

Adding plants can be a very effective way to add softness to what might otherwise be a masculine space. Here a small potted ivy brings a touch of shore-life below deck.

12. Dramatic Contrasts

We love the way this cruiser interior uses strong colors for a dramatic look. There’s no sign of the usual marine blue here. Instead, black wall cabinets and sofa backs contrast with cream upholstery and white walls.

The look works because the dark shades don’t overpower the space. The lower cabinets are finished in natural wood, and the countertops are white. And there are plenty of spotlights at both floor and ceiling height to maintain the light levels.

13. Dual Levels

This luxurious yacht interior shows how using different levels can get the best from a small space. An upper platform provides a comfortable lounging spot, whilst the kitchen and dining area are below. And whilst they’re right next to each other, the varied heights provide an illusion of space.

The caramel upholstery, polished wooden cabinetry and white walls work beautifully together. The result is a calm and relaxing cabin.

14. Maritime Chic

This interior is open to the elements. That means everything here has to be weatherproof – as well as smart enough to impress passers-by!

The navy and white pinstriped upholstery looks super-smart, as well as hiding any stains. And the contrast with the white walls and polished wood creates a luxurious and unmistakeably nautical look.

15. Contemporary Kitchen

This stylish contemporary kitchen shows you don’t need a large space to include showstopping design elements. We love the contrast between the walnut cabinetry and white walls. And adding spotlights around the top of the cupboards turns the whole kitchen into a focal point.

Clever touches make the most of the available space. Mounting the microwave on the wall frees up counter space. And the basin cover provides extra room for food preparation.

16. Luxury Facilities

Few things spell out luxury on your boat quite as well as a stylish head! And this boat interior has it in spade s.

The staircase separates a commode and basin from a wet room, all with matching fixtures. A large mirror helps create a feeling of space in the WC. And spotlights in the ceiling provide bright light without impeding headroom.

Plants work particularly well in bathrooms – on water as well as on land. Here a small plant in a rattan container adds to the spa-like feel.

17. Blonde Ambition

Pale wood can create a stunning interior, as in this attractive cabin. The blonde tones don’t absorb the light, and they look great punctuated with contrasting dark doors.

The small kitchen nevertheless manages to fit in a good-sized fridge and freezer. Its stainless steel doors work perfectly with the metal surrounds and frosted glass of the wall cupboards.

18. Superior Lounging

We love the way the generous interior space here has been given over to luxury. The two modular low-level sofas follow the lines of the boat, leading the eye out onto the deck. Mounting the TV at an angle allows it to be viewed by those in any seating position.

The central table is hinged to provide an extra-long surface, but it’s narrow enough not to obstruct walkways. And we love its decorative compass motif.

19. Light Fantastic

This cleverly styled interior showcases how effective lighting can be at creating zones within your space.

The downlighting in the kitchen area provides a bright space that’s perfect for cooking and washing up. But in the lounge area, the lighting is more subdued, creating a tranquil and relaxing ambience.

20. Stylish and Elegant

This fabulous boat interior has all the elegance and comfort of a high-end hotel.

The look is achieved by keeping the color scheme simple and consistent. Walls, carpet and upholstery are all the same shade of cream. Cabinetry and beams are all finished in the same honey-colored teak.

An entertainment center and cabinets act as functional yet beautiful room dividers. And generous sofas invite you to kick off your shoes and relax.

21. Silver Accents

This unusual interior shows that bold choices can work brilliantly. Galvanized metal trunks make striking coffee tables, while aluminum panels on the armchairs add to the space age look.

The silver tones are replicated in the rug, and even in the outdoor seating on deck. The result is both unique and stylish.

22. Captain’s Table

In this boat interior, the captain’s seat is integrated with the on-board living area. Matching cream upholstery on both the captain’s chair and adjacent sofa keeps the space feeling coherent.

Spotlights cast a warm glow over the space, making it feel snug and cosy. And cabinets along the side walls provide plenty of discreet storage.

23. Smooth Transitions

We love the way this elegant interior transitions smoothly onto the deck , creating a feeling of space. Smart chrome accents add sparkle – whether from the stylish table legs, the kitchen faucet, or the cabinet handles.

The cream cabinets have a smart gloss finish to bounce around the light. The contrast with the matte cream upholstery makes the sofas seem even more inviting.

24. Glossy Finish

This interior highlights the way that combining matte and gloss finishes can create a feeling of luxury. The woodwork here has a deep lacquer – almost a mirror finish. It could appear gaudy, but against the matte cream sofas it instead looks incredibly classy.

A couple of cushions add a pop of color to the design scheme. And a white ceiling with multiple spotlights adds a sense of height.

25. Cool Blue

In this interior, blue accents are paired with white leather upholstery to create a classic nautical palette. The blue here appears in the accessories – everything from a sweet ceramic vase to elegant rugs, cushions and throws. The result is a crisp, fresh look.

A glass-topped coffee table is both useful and beautiful. Chrome legs mirror the guardrail beyond the windows. And because the light travels right through the glass, it doesn’t interrupt the flow of the space.

26. Ultra High End

The interior of this luxury yacht shows what can be achieved if money is no object. All the items of furniture here are one-off creations. We adore the unusual bar and matching coffee table, their curves reminiscent of a beehive.

Cream leather upholstery tones perfectly with the blonde wood. And large vases of orchids enhance the glamorous look.

27. Space for Entertaining

This spacious interior includes several features we’ve seen in other schemes. Luxurious cream leather upholstery? Check. Highly varnished surfaces? Check. And a glass topped coffee table to avoid the space looking cluttered. Check, check, check.

But there are quirkier touches too. We love the metallic upholstery on the 1920s shaped armchairs. And the spectacular chandelier above the dining table is a pleasing addition to the more usual spotlights.

This interior shows that you can mix different design ideas to create a unique and spectacular result.

Feeling Inspired?

That brings us to the end of our look at 27 boat interior ideas . From glamorous yachts to charming narrowboats, there are designs here for every taste and budget.

Whether you’re planning your own project, or are just keen to see what’s possible, we hope you’ve enjoyed our tour. And who knows – perhaps soon you’ll be applying some of the ideas to your own boat.

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Home » Blog » Live on a boat » Give your boat interior a fresh look

Give your boat interior a fresh look

By Author Fiona McGlynn

Posted on Last updated: August 4, 2023

12 AFFORDABLE BOAT INTERIOR DESIGN IDEAS

When we first moved aboard, our sailboat interior was a mess and we didn’t have the money to update it . We wanted to go cruising and our priorities were things like new sails, rigging, fiberglass repair, and electronics.

As much as I wanted a beautiful boat interior it was impossible to justify hiring an interior designer or updating the upholstery when we didn’t even have a dependable bilge pump! Fortunately, I found some creative boat interior design ideas and was able to makeover our sailboat for next to nothing.

In addition to sharing our boat interior restoration ideas, I’ve included my favorite boat interior photos from Pinterest and Instagram to further stoke your inspiration!

A quick note that this post contains affiliate links (so if you purchase through a link we’ll earn a small commission). The opinions are our own.

1. START BY DEEP CLEANING

As un-fun as it might be, a deep clean is the cheapest way to radically brighten your interior. It’s especially affordable if you use homemade boat cleaners. Dirty boat upholstery, mildewed cabin liners, and salt-encrusted hatches made our boat feel damp, dark, and generally unpleasant.

Deep cleaning (after years of neglect) drastically improved the boat cabin’s appearance and gave me a better idea of where to focus our boat interior makeover.

• Professionally launder your upholstery
• Wipe down the cabin liners with vinegar to prevent mildew and mold
• Wash hatches to maximize natural light
• Clean under all the cabin soles and the edges of any rotting boards
• Wash the walls and treat any wood with the appropriate wax, oil, or varnish
• Scrub out the bilge to prevent that boaty smell.

2. INSTALL INTERIOR BOAT LIGHTS

One of the great challenges of sailboat interior design is lighting. I’ve always felt that living on our sailboat is like living in a basement apartment because it is totally lacking in natural light !

One of the quickest ways to brighten things up is to install marine LED lights. The key to making LED boat lights look great, is placement.

The 3 best places to places to put LED strip lights on a sailboat

1. Under counter lighting. They look especially nice under cupboards or overhangs because the light strip is hidden.

View this post on Instagram < New battery installed! Lights and radio work. There’s LED strip lights which are great, but in the future we may need to swap those out for the multi colored ones. Our house has party-mode, the boat should too! #catalina22 #sailing #boatlife A post shared by SV Buza Sasha (@sv_buza_sasha) on Jul 11, 2018 at 5:18am PDT

2. LED rope lights make great courtesy lights . Tuck strip lighting on either side of a walkway to help guests navigate in the dark.

Battery operated fairy lights look cute coiled in a jar of seashells and are another easy way to add decorative lighting because no wiring is required. For the same reason, Solar Luci lamps and Solar Luci strings are a great option for lighting the cockpit.

3. COZY-UP TO NEW BEDDING

Ditch those damp cotton sheets and invest in hydrophobic options like 100% polyester. If you have a vberth, quarter berth, or non-standard sized bed, you may want to spend a few extra bucks on custom fitted boat sheets.

I know many cruisers who swear by memory foam mattresses and the Hypervent mattress pad for preventing condensation. If you like duvets and comforters, consider a mulberry silk option because it’s mold and mildew resistant.

4. FRESHEN THE HEAD

Add a splash of color to a dark bathroom with cheerful microfiber towels , Or, if you don’t want to feel like you’re camping, try the more luxurious quick-drying Turkish towels .

Tie them in with a cute wall-mounted soap dispenser and a spill-proof whicking air freshener and you’re on your way

5. GO GALLEY GOURMET

• Replace a rusted or dull faucet with a sparkling new one with a pull-down sprayer.
• Splash-out with colorful dish towels
• Use biodegradable loofas and scrubbies instead of plastic
• Pick up non-breakable dishware and glassware in fun patterns and designs.
• Create extra space with chopping board stove and sink covers
• Add custom knife, wine, and spice racks
• Add a green bar to keep greens fresh without a fridge

View this post on Instagram Boat decor #sundance #sailboat #sailboatlife #sailboatlifestyle #1969 #tartansailboat #sailboatinteriordesign #sailboatinteriors #maltetaller A post shared by Sundance Sailboat (@sundancesailboat1969) on Aug 15, 2017 at 5:32pm PDT

6. BOAT INTERIOR UPHOLSTERY IDEAS

Reupholstering a boat is the single most expensive part of a sailboat interior refit but it makes a huge difference. It costs thousands of dollars if you hire someone to do it. Fortunately there are a few tricks we used to avoid a full upholstery overhaul.

• Fun throw cushions and blankets can give your interior new life (and cover stained or threadbare upholstery)
• Packed out seat cushions can be easily fixed by inserting a layer of high-density foam and batting on top of the existing foam.
• If your upholstery is in really bad shape you may want to sew elasticated cushion coverlets that go over the top side of the cushion (it’s also a good way to protect nice new upholstery from boat projects (see: dirt, grease, and sweat stains).
• You can reupholster your boat for a fraction of the cost if you do the sewing yourself. It’s possible to score good deals on durable materials and marine-grade fabrics online. Also, if you’re not a sewer but you’re going cruising, you may want to bring your boat interior fabric with you and have the cushions sewn up in a place like Mexico or Fiji. We eventually had all of our saloon cushions sewn up for $100 USD in Ensenada, Mexico.

If you choose to reupholster your boat, look for boat interior upholstery fabric . You don’t have to worry (as much) about finding a waterproof or UV-resistant fabric (because it will be inside). However, always choose a synthetic fabric , heavy-duty nylon thread, and plastic zippers. Cotton will eventually rot and metal zippers will rust. You can get away with not using marine upholstery but natural fibers are a big no-no!

7. CUT A RUG

8. LOVE YOUR WALLS

Securely fasten art, photos, and souvenirs to your walls. Mirrors are great for creating the illusion of space.

Privacy curtains are also a good way to add a splash of color and are straightforward to make

View this post on Instagram My husband’s an artist…the cat approves 🐙🤣 . . . . . #catvskraken #sailboat #chalk #artist #sailboatinteriors #chalkboardart #kraken #catsofinstagram #meow #liveaboard #fridayvibes #fridaymood #instamoment #talent #husbandskills #saltytails @sv_saltytails A post shared by Erin 🌊🌴⛵🐚👙☉ (@erin_svsaltytails) on Jul 27, 2018 at 2:42pm PDT

View this post on Instagram After all of the sanding, refinishing, painting, ripping out old floors and carpet, we’re really loving our space. There are more projects to do, but we’re enjoying the results so far! When we originally bought our boat back in December, we had enough time to take care of the “must do’s” so this summer we are spending the time to really make her ours! . . . . . . #lightandbright #sailboat #sailboatinteriors #woodwork #overhaul #huntersailboats #cherubini #interiordesign #laboroflove #tinyliving #liveaboard #boatlife #sailors #ourhome #takingabreak #fornow #summerprojects #traveler #travelblog #results #saltytails @sv_saltytails A post shared by Erin 🌊🌴⛵🐚👙☉ (@erin_svsaltytails) on Jul 22, 2018 at 11:27am PDT

9. WHITEN AND BRIGHTEN YOUR SAILBOAT INTERIOR

Painting panels in light colors can brighten and modernize a boat cabin and set off teak trim. We repainted our red and blue fiberglass bathroom white and it made the space feel much bigger. It also makes it easy to clean because you can see the dirt.

View this post on Instagram #beforeandafter #boatrestoration #vintagesailing #menorca #sailing #boat #sailboat #sailboatinteriors #boatinterior A post shared by Velero Vintage en Menorca (@vintagesailing) on May 1, 2018 at 5:02pm PDT

10. STOW SIMPLY WITH CUTE STORAGE SOLUTIONS

Boats are always short on storage space but a few decorative baskets and storage containers can really improve the look of the space while giving you more room to tuck things away.

11. FUN AND FUNCTIONAL WINDOW COVERINGS

12. CHOOSE A FUN FEATURE

Let your imagination run wild. A feature wall, table, or piece of artwork can really change the feel of a sailboat interior. Have fun with colors, patterns, and make your new floating home your own.

View this post on Instagram #sailboat #boatlife #boatlifestyle #sailboatinteriors #ceder #liveedge #boatlifestyle #vancouver #boatinterior #art #windspirit #homesweethome #liveaboard #westcoastliving A post shared by @ arana_arte on Nov 2, 2017 at 9:13am PDT

If you’re still feeling overwhelmed about revamping your sailboat interior you may want to consider hiring professional help . There are plenty of interior designers who would welcome the challenge of working on a boat! Look for someone who has experience designing for small spaces and tiny homes.

We hope you enjoyed this list of custom boat interior ideas…

Good luck with your sailboat makeover.

Fiona McGlynn is an award-winning boating writer who created Waterborne as a place to learn about living aboard and traveling the world by sailboat. She has written for boating magazines including BoatUS, SAIL, Cruising World, and Good Old Boat. She’s also a contributing editor at Good Old Boat and BoatUS Magazine. In 2017, Fiona and her husband completed a 3-year, 13,000-mile voyage from Vancouver to Mexico to Australia on their 35-foot sailboat.

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