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The three superyachts that Philippe Starck designed

If there's one thing that is assured about Philippe Strack, it's that you never know what to expect from the maverick designer, whose felicity at invention is as diverse as his portfolio. The aesthetic with which he crafts a chair is similar only in the fact that it's so different from what informs his interiors. So you wouldn't be hard-pressed to imagine how unexpected and different his designs for yachts would be.

Here, we look at three iconic Philippe Starck designs that created floating architectural marvels, including a yacht for fellow iconoclast, Steve Jobs.

VENUS This 80-metre-long ship boasts an aluminium exterior that makes it look uncannily like a floating Apple notebook. Built over a period of six years, Venus has sleek contours, not unlike Apple products, but that in no way downplays the very obvious luxury of the superyacht. Fitted with large floor-to-ceiling windows, the main living area receives ample natural light. The highlight, though, has to be the seven 27-inch iMac computers in the wheelhouse.

WEDGE TOO Looking unlike anything that Starck has designed before, the stunning 65-metre-long Wedge Too is all rounded edges and warm wooden interiors, which display an eclectic mix of periods and styles. The spaces inside include a large, yet inviting, lounge and master bedroom, which offer spectuacular views of the endless ocean. It is the sundeck which contains the best part—a Jacuzzi surrounded by a solarium.

A It cuts the water with sharp-featured grace, its slim structure an eye-catching addition to the high seas, stretching through the ocean across 119 metres. And it goes by the name of A. This superyacht designed by the French icon has thoroughly modern interiors and maximizes avaliable space. The interiors feature wood furnishing that are neatly juxtaposed by a glass roof. The perfect spot from where to view one of the swimming pools located above.

Philippe Starck on the future of superyacht design, Elon Musk, and ‘saving the sea’

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Few designers have done more to re-shape the identity of the modern superyacht than the Frenchman Philippe Starck . Over the course of two decades, naval architecture and design has formed a considerable – if largely unseen – chunk of Starck’s consultancy work. His best-known boat was the late Steve Jobs’ impressive Venus, a sleek 79m superyacht built by Dutch yard Feadship.

Starck has also turned his hand to two monumental commissions, the 119m Motor Yacht A and 143m Sailing Yacht A, both owned by the self-made entrepreneur and industrialist Andrey Melnichenko. At this end of the market, clients rarely invite the world’s media into their grand saloons, so much of what we know about these boats comes from spy shots, yachting enthusiasts, rampant speculation and the occasional glittering spread in the specialist press. A keen yachtsman and boat-builder himself, the designer likes to explore new techniques and technologies on a small scale before ramping up to meet the demands of his clients. Wallpaper* spoke to Starck about the business of building boats, what drew him to the industry in the first place and what keeps his ideas afloat.

Portrait of  Philippe Starck . Photography: James Bort

W*: How did your first naval project come about? Philippe Starck: One day, a gentleman called me to ask if I could design a 120m yacht. My answer was yes. He said: ‘perfect’. When I asked him about the programme, he said: ‘Make what you want’. One month later, it was designed. He loved it. We did it. The owners are happy. W: What are the key differences between designing yachts and designing buildings? PS: Except for monuments, buildings have functions, they are useful, we hope at least. A yacht is not made to be useful, it is the ‘crystallisation’ of a childhood dream. The territory is not the same; it is a sentimental imagination built with the highest rigorist technology. It is a paradox. W*: What yachting innovations are you most proud of at Starck design? PS: My first job was to replace the vulgarity of the power of money by the elegance of intelligence and happiness. Afterwards, there was an interesting work about harmony with the sea, then I worked on the elegance of the religious minimum of invisibility and other high-tech inventions . W*: What is next in the future of yachts? Can you speak about any upcoming projects? PS: The future is electric and hydrogen for all sizes of boats, from 3m to 300m. I am ready to help Elon Musk to make the same revolution he made for cars but applied to boats. After saving the earth, now it’s time to save the sea. W: Does yacht design ever bring innovations that you can translate into products or buildings? PS: Absolutely and that’s also the reason why I design boats. A mega yacht is a free advanced technology laboratory which explores thousands of challenges. When they are won, they can be applied to everything.

Tenders for‘ Motor Yacht A’, designed by Philippe Starck, 2008.

‘Motor Yacht A’, designed by Philippe Starck, 2008.

‘Venus’ Feadship, designed by Philippe Starck, for Steve Jobs, 2012

‘Sailing yacht A’, designed by Philippe Starck, for Andrey Melnichenko, 2015.

INFORMATION For more information, visit the  Philippe Starck   website

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Jonathan Bell has written for Wallpaper* magazine since 1999, covering everything from architecture and transport design to books, tech and graphic design. He is now the magazine’s Transport and Technology Editor. Jonathan has written and edited 15 books, including Concept Car Design, 21st Century House, and The New Modern House. He is also the host of Wallpaper’s first podcast.

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The Yacht Steve Jobs Designed With Philippe Starck Has Finally Been Unveiled

By Alex Heath • 12:05 pm, October 28, 2012

Around this time last year, it was revealed that Steve Jobs had been designing his very own luxury yacht  before his death. Jobs had been collaborating with renowned French designer Philippe Starck on the project.

After six years of design and construction, Steve Jobs’s yacht has finally been finished at a shipyard in North Holland. The beautiful ship is called “Venus,” and Job’s widow, Laurene Powell Jobs, was there for the launch with Jobs’s three children.

One More Thing shares some photos from the launch and details surrounding Jobs’s yacht. The ship measures 70-80 meters long and features a luxurious sun terrace with a large jacuzzi.

The yacht’s design is directly inspired by Apple. The hull is made entirely of aluminum, making it significantly lighter and more agile than other yachts of its kind. A continuous pane of structurally reinforced glass wraps around the bow. A row of 27-inch iMacs control the ship from its wheelhouse. Those who worked on the ship were given iPod shuffles from the Jobs family.

“Venus” is being freighted back to the United States after its unveiling in the Dutch city of Aalsmeer. Biographer Walter Isaacson shared Jobs’s plans for the yacht last year:

As expected, the planned yacht was sleek and minimalist. The teak decks were perfectly flat and unblemished by any accoutrements. As at an Apple store, the cabin windows were large panes, almost floor to ceiling, and the main living area was designed to have walls of glass that were forty feet long and ten feet high. He had gotten the chief engineer of the Apple stores to design a special glass that was able to provide structural support. By then the boat was under construction by the Dutch custom yacht builders Feadship, but Jobs was still fiddling with the design. “I know that it’s possible I will die and leave Laurene with a half-built boat,” he said. “But I have to keep going on it. If I don’t, it’s an admission that I’m about to die.”

Source: One More Thing

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The evolution of yacht design

Evolution of yacht design, Superyacht builders, Marine boat construction, Hull marina architecture

The future of yacht design

9 September 2024

Author: Joanna Lewis

Yacht design is constantly evolving as yacht designers push the boundaries of traditional design and new technologies come to the fore.

The world’s most iconic yachts boast striking design features that set them apart from other vessels, from innovative naval architecture to design features that focus on enhancing a yacht’s green credentials.

Here we take a look at some of the most pioneering yacht design trends changing the yachting industry for the better.

Interior yacht design trends

Interior yacht design has changed significantly to factor in modern yachting lifestyles.

Yacht interiors now have a strong focus on flexible layouts that are more open-plan. Furthermore, there is a growing trend for onboard spaces that blur the boundaries between a yacht’s interior and exterior areas. Vast glass sliding doors that can be fully opened, retractable roofs, and fold-down balconies are designed to completely eliminate any boundary between a yacht’s interior and exterior.

Wellness is a big part of the yachting lifestyle, with private yachts now dedicating a significant portion of their real estate to spas, fitness suites, and yoga and meditation areas. Interior designers are also now bringing nature onboard, with hydroponic and vertical gardens that not only enhance wellbeing but also offer chefs access to an organic garden.

The latest interior yacht design trends are also harnessing exciting new materials such as sustainable textured wood, recycled glass, natural stone, and fine fabrics with a firm nod to organic forms that mimic nature.

Finally, advances in digital technology are transforming interiors, with vast tech windows or walls that offer virtual views and streaming services.

Exterior yacht design trends

Exterior yacht design has, arguably, seen the most significant shift in design trends from vessels with soft curved exteriors that mimic the organic shapes found in nature to avant-garde vessels that challenge conventional yacht design.

One key advancement in technology has been glass, which has led to a slew of eye-catching vessels with vast glass superstructures. Not only does the use of glass create head-turning vessels, but this material also floods the interior with light, while providing owners and their guests with breathtaking views of the ocean.

In addition, yacht exteriors are becoming more striking, with deck spaces being used in new ways. Yacht designers are now placing more emphasis on a yacht’s exterior with an increasing amount of real estate being designated to alfresco dining.

Vast beach clubs are now the norm on modern-day vessels, enhancing an owner’s connection to the water and direct access to the sea. It is common to see multiple exterior decks for relaxing and entertaining.

New advances in hull design are also helping to transform onboard comfort and the overall performance of luxury yachts. A hull typically amounts to around 70% of a yacht’s total structural design, making hull design a complex part of a yacht’s overall design.

Thanks to advances in hull designs, modern yachts now boast enhanced seakeeping and energy efficiencies.

There is no question that the world of yacht design is constantly evolving as designers seek to create ever more eye-catching vessels that meet the demands and lifestyle habits of today’s yachting enthusiasts

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The #1 Boat and Yacht Parts Restoration in Santa Clara CA

Restoring beauty and functionality to your boat parts.

Decorative Metal Coatings, We understand that choosing the right boat and yacht parts restoration service provider is crucial to preserving the beauty and functionality of your watercraft. At Decorative Metal Coatings, we stand out from the rest. With years of experience in the industry, we have honed our skills and knowledge in boat and yacht parts restoration. Our team of artisans possesses unparalleled expertise and craftsmanship, guaranteeing exceptional results.

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Boat and yacht parts restoration can encompass a wide range of components, each contributing to the overall beauty and functionality of the watercraft. Here are some of the boat and yacht parts that can be restored:

• Helm Stations and Steering Wheels: Bring back the charm and functionality of helm stations and steering wheels, ensuring smooth and precise navigation.
• Ladders and Swim Platforms: Restore ladders and swim platforms to make accessing the water from your boat or yacht a breeze.
• Decorative Metal Trim: Revive decorative metal trims and accents, like brass or copper, to add a touch of sophistication and allure to your watercraft.
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• Handcrafted Metal Hardware: Whether it's door handles, latches, or hinges, restore handcrafted metal hardware to maintain the original character and charm of your vessel.
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Port Adriano, the new harbor designed by Philippe Starck

Located on the south coast of the island of Mallorca, Port Adriano has become one of the Mediterranean’s main luxury leisure harbors, with 82 new berths for yachts of up to 60/80 meters long. The union of the creative and visionary talent of Philippe Starck and the experience of the Port Adriano team has achieved installations that have revolutionized the concept of ports. Starck blurs the frontier between harbour and boat, creating direct contact with the sea and extending the experience of yachts interior design to the quays: from the bollards to the woods chosen for the surfaces or the lamps of the piers, design is an essential part of Port Adriano.

“A port is a village where the piers are the streets, we should be able to enjoy pacing them. So I minimized the ruptures between the water and the land, using sober materials, evoking the nautical universe. I wanted to unveil the truth of the harbor ." Ph.S

DP Port Adriano

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About the Business

Fiberglass repairs and customizations are our bread and butter. With over 35 years of experience Miguel has been a leader and heavily sought after technician when it comes all things fiberglass. Any structural, cosmetic, or functional application of fiberglass on your watercraft can be repaired, customized, or introduced. No space on your dash for your new marine electronic display? We got you covered! We can reshape and fiberglass new customized dashboard template to fit your new electronics. …

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Miguel Boat Repair is awesome!!! He was quick to get in touch with me about my boat. Once scheduled, the service was completed same day. I have already scheduled another project for my boat with Miguel.

Quick turnaround time on an annual service. Great service. Will definitely recommend.

Great work! Miguel and the team were able to help us refinish some fiberglass parts for our vehicles.

We took our family waterski boat to Miguel for the annual maintenance last week. We have never been there before; we were very impressed by Miguel professionalism, knowledge and friendliness. He checked everything, and more, that was needed for us to take the boat back into the water after one year not being used. He knew what to look for as a potential failure. He checked everything and his price was very reasonable. We did not have the feeling that he was overcharging us, but on the contrary. We are planning to take our boat back to Miguel every year. We would strongly recommend Miguel and his service.

I brought in my 2013 Sanger for diagnostics as I was having some engine problems. Miguel was prompt with a diagnostic report and resolved all issues. The shop itself looks a little outdated, but don't let looks fool you! I couldn't be happier with their service and I will definitely return when I have other boat related needs.

Just contacted them on repairing fiberglass on my RV. Unfortunately, the damage was more extensive than originally thought. We are mulling over the repair now but regardless, Junior and Miguel were super professional in their response and response time. Would not hesitate to move forward if the wife ever blesses the repair. Happy wife, happy life.

My husband has a four winds 1993 boat that was making this horrible noise as if marbles were inside the motor, Don Miguel was extremely helpful and quick to fix the issue without taking advantage of my husband. This guy is super quick and in my opinion I felt he was honest and very knowledgeable. the only upside down is he is super busy. I recommend him.

Took in my 2005, 21ft Bayliner for annual service. Miguel and son also changed the bunks on my trailer, replaced a steering cable and power assist on the seteering. Got running lights working and changed the prop.Took boat in Wednesday and had it back by Friday. They both called to confirm problems and to keep me up to date on their progress of the work. Really good experience. Already thinkng about having some additional work done!

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Pearls of wisdom: Julie and Mark Tucker of Design Unlimited

As UK-based studio Design Unlimited celebrates its 25th anniversary, Risa Merl speaks to founders Mark (creative director) and Julie Tucker (managing director) about the design inspiration that keeps their business sailing along.

You are both cruising and competitive sailors. Did you grow up sailing? J: I grew up sailing, and as a family we were brought up on the water. My dad designed a range of 28ft [8.5-metre] sailing catamarans called a Hirondelle, which you’ll still see in many harbours and rivers along the South Coast of England. I also raced sailing dinghies for many years, doing the Open Meeting circuit around the country.

M: I started sailing as a teenager, crewing on a friend’s Enterprise in Mumbles. I then raced Mirror dinghies and Lasers before moving on to cruiser racing, including the inaugural Round Spain Race, Fastnet, Cowes Week and Cork Week.

J: We actually met on the water when Mark joined the Lee on the Solent Sailing Club where I was a member. We have raced a whole range of sailing dinghies competing at local and national levels. This year, I’ve taken a break from dinghy sailing, and Mark now races a Hadron H2 single-hander, which he loves.

What boats do you currently own? M and J: We started our family boating in a RIB and then moved on to cruiser sailing and enjoyed a Bavaria 33, Hanse 400 and Vision 42 (which we designed for Bavaria). However, now that the family have grown up, we have gone to “the dark side” and bought a motor yacht to enable us to get to the places we love more quickly. Our attitude is still that of sailors, though, and we often find that we are the only motorboat anchored overnight in our favourite places like Newtown Creek, Beaulieu River and Chichester Harbour!

How has your experience as sailors translated to key points in the design of sailing yachts? M and J: Our personal experience has given us a good understanding of life at sea and what is required to live aboard a yacht, which is key to understanding how to design them. This knowledge has been passed on to our team, many of whom also enjoy sailing. We have learned a lot about the practicalities of materials, functionality of spaces and the importance of comfort whilst sailing.

How do you approach designing a sailing yacht vs a motor yacht? M: The main things to consider when designing a sailing yacht are: the interior volumes are more restricted; the layout must be considered for passage making with regards to ergonomics; and there’s also the matter of heeling, which can make certain design choices challenging. We once had to make a chandelier gimbal on a sailing yacht!

In general, spaces on sailing yachts tend to be tighter due to structure, which impinges on space and volume, so planning storage is important. We have also found that sailing-yacht clients tend to be more involved in their build, maybe because of their passion for sailing.

What is the first thing to keep in mind when working on a sailing yacht’s interior design? M: Function! What does the interior need to deliver to achieve the owner’s aspirations? The general arrangement is critical from the outset. Understanding the owner’s space requirements ensures they enjoy their time on board while also ensuring the space for systems and storage are balanced to get the best out of the available space.

The interior must be comfortable with a connection to the sea, and ergonomics are important as life on board needs to be lived comfortably at a 15-degree angle of heel.

After 25 years of Design Unlimited, what projects are you most proud of? M and J: We’ve designed many sailing yachts over this period. As well as custom projects, we have also been involved with several production sailing yacht ranges. Custom projects include Visione , Pink Gin V , Sojana , Bliss , Ran , Singularity , Hamilton , Leopard 3 (refit), Escapade , WinWin , Missy (now Pattoo ) and Karibu (refit), Pink Gin VI, as well as the refit of Pink Gin VI, now Ravenger .

We also have some custom projects in build that we are looking forward to launching, including the ARES 61-metre , Balance Catamarans 750 and a Vitters 44-metre . Production and semi-custom boats we’ve worked on include the Brenta 80, Baltic 67, YYachts and Infiniti 52.

Lighting is a challenging element on all yachts, but in particular on sailing yachts due to lower overheads, structural requirements and intrusions. How do you approach lighting as a design element? M: As glass is used more in boat design, gone are the days of hulls with small portholes (or no portholes!) Now clients are expecting a much greater amount of glass in their hull designs.

Improvements in LED lighting has made its use and control much easier. Indirect lighting can be incorporated to illuminate dark corners and make ceilings and furniture “float” to give a more spacious feel.

The tendency in many boats is to have too much lighting at night and it is only by using boats that you realise that sometimes less can be more. Fewer light fittings can create a more intimate and relaxing ambience rather than loads of harsh spotlights – especially in the cabins.

Is there a beneficial cross-pollination from working in both custom and production design? M: Absolutely! You learn from both market sectors. Many of our superyacht clients worked their way up through dingy sailing and production yachts into the semi-custom market before going on to create their own personal dream yacht.

Getting used to the smaller spaces on production yachts allows us to utilise more of the larger spaces on custom yachts. We also investigate the practicalities of materials during our custom work, which can then be used on our larger production projects – we’re now doing much more research on sustainable materials in both market sectors. Finally, our production work also makes us conscious and respectful of costs.

Why do you think the sailing yacht market has not grown at a faster rate given the increased awareness of carbon emissions as a causation of global warming? M: There are only a certain number of clients whose families want to go on a sailing yacht and even fewer clients who want to race sailing yachts. Motor yachting is easier for those not brought up with sailing yachts. Also, the technicalities of the actual sailing do put some potential clients off. Sailing is a skill that takes longer to master and requires a large amount of dedication from all members of the crew. 

Experiencing the joy of sailing is not something readily available for everyone. Hopefully, future generations will be inspired to look towards sailing as a hobby because of its lower impact on the environment.

Are there any features that designers can exploit more to lure non-sailors into sailing yachts? M: Any improvement in stability would help – some families do not enjoy sailing due to heeling. The surge in the popularity of catamarans has helped with this, but then there are other issues with mooring space and whether people like this approach to sailing.

One suggestion is to improve the connection between inside and outside (as featured in our new Vitters 44-metre project) to remove the “down below” feeling you can experience on sailing yachts. This might be possible with new electric drives, batteries and modern systems and materials where the layout can be adjusted more radically, giving greater opportunity to the designers.

Another idea is using foils for increased stability and to reduce heel and pitch, such as on the Infiniti range for which we have undertaken the design.

You have put pianos and chandeliers, bathtubs and spa pools on sailing yachts. What’s next on your imagining list? M: All of these items have been driven by the imagination of the client, and we pride ourselves on turning our clients’ dreams into reality, no matter how extraordinary or ambitious they may be. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to exceed expectations, and we are always ready to embrace new challenges and innovate. Our goal is to continue creating extraordinary and personalised experiences for our clients – so who knows what will be next?

Some of our imaginings include glass-bottom aquariums, basketball courts, diving boards, yoga studios, ice rinks, wellness retreats, green spaces (mini forests, gardens/hydroponics)  and cinemas.

You have had a couple of commissions where you have been asked to refit a boat that you designed originally (such as Pink Gin ). Is it hard to rip out your own work and give a new look to the space? M: No, it’s really fun and interesting to give a yacht that you have previously designed for a client a new lease of life and see the interior in a different way. The smart thing to do with a refit is help a client see beyond the original owner’s vision while keeping control of what can be done sensibly and within a budget.

The recent Pink Gin VI refit at Baltic Yachts is a very good example of this as the interior was originally a very eclectic and personal design, and her transformation has been incredible. While still using a large amount of the original interior, it has been decorated differently and we have used some very subtle changes to certain furniture elements and materials to transform her look.

What is your ethos when it comes to working with clients? M and J: Every client is special, and it is important to understand them 100 per cent, whether we are designing a 30ft [9-metre] production sailing yacht or a 175ft [53-metre] superyacht. The enjoyment of your client’s time onboard is super important, as it is their relaxation time.

We have spent many years sailing and have met some great people and clients who are passionate about their sailing yacht projects. We are bonded by our shared love feeling connected to the sea.

First published in the September 2024 issue of Life Under Sail. Get this magazine sent straight to your door, or subscribe and never miss an issue.

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