The freshest new superyacht concepts for 2018 and beyond

For our design special edition of Boat International, we spoke to the world’s most prominent superyacht designers to see what new designs they have up their sleeves. Here’s what we found…

What is it?

A chiselled 58 metre motor yacht from the renowned London-based design studio Bannenberg & Rowell.

Why we love it

The sharp, angular lines catch the eye, with a pair of fins atop the superstructure concealing the satellite domes when viewed from sea level, but it is the interior layout that really sets this design apart. The dining area is situated aft of the saloon to give sea views on three sides while enjoying a meal. What’s more, the main deck tender garage allows Project XS to store and launch a much larger dayboat than usual.

What is it?

Guido De Groot’s latest design for Dutch yard Vanquish — builder of some of the world’s sleekest and sportiest dayboats.

Why we love it

This ambitious 28.4 metre concept would push Vanquish into superyacht territory for the first time. De Groot’s inimitable style can be seen throughout, from the reverse-angle bow to the elegantly curved hardtop, which conceals a Targa-style sunroof. Speeds in excess of 50 knots are promised as well as accommodation for up to ten guests. A 19.6 metre and a 22.86 metre version are also on the drawing board.

What is it?

Frank Neubelt’s 100 metre design with a massive swimming pool positioned, unusually, as the centrepiece of the foredeck.

Why we love it

There are some enviable al fresco spaces on board, including a beach club with sunbathing spaces and a spa pool. But that superyacht swimming pool has an interesting attribute: it can be craned off and replaced with a containerised system to house substantial toys, such as submarines, sailing boats and hovercrafts that may come in useful for entertaining between long passages (Planet 300 is envisioned with a 10,000 nautical mile range at 14 knots).

What is it?

The Delta Marine design team conceived this 72 metre as a stylish explorer with a generous wellness area and a helicopter.

Why we love it

Taking advantage of the ability to mould concave and convex shapes in composite, the graceful superstructure flows around vast expanses of glass, augmented with judicious use of black paint. The graceful lines conceal six decks, with a structure inspired by the mast of a U boat. The lower decks are more casual with a great pool on the aft main deck, close to the water and the beach club, with an incremental transition to more formal spaces on upper decks.

What is it?

An imposing design from the boards of Steve Gresham that takes the Ulstein Group's X-Bow concept to the next level by adding a hybrid Azipod propulsion system capable of delivering a maximum cruising range of 7,000 nautical miles.

Why we love it

That towering, no-nonsense bow looks like it could handle anything Mother Nature can throw at it (and indeed, it would be built to Ice Class specification), while the ability to carry an Agusta Grand or an EC135 in the aft helicopter hangar is certainly appealing for those looking to explore even further afield. The Seymour Diamond studio is attached to develop the interior, which will include a separate owner’s deck with a forward-facing observation lounge and a superyacht beach club that can convert into a 12.5 metre tender garage.

What is it?

A supercar-inspired take on the 26 metre Otam fast planing yacht collection, by design duo Alessio Riccobaldi and Niccolò Pasquini, aka R+P Architecture.

Why we love it

Gullwing windows over the helm are guaranteed to turn heads wherever you cruise. When closed they allow for spectacular views at speeds of up to 45 knots, but when the anchor’s down and the windows are open, a seamless indoor-outdoor layout, with sunpads and sofas aplenty, really comes into its own.

What is it?

The next step in the Gotham Project by ER Yacht Design, for Dutch builder Icon and broker Bristow-Holmes, is the ER175 — a conceptual design for a 53 metre yacht with a total interior volume of less than 500GT.

Why we love it

Its confident, aggressive looks are attention-grabbing but it’s the aluminum yacht’s potential capabilities that really appeal — a possible top speed of 20 to 25 knots but also transatlantic range. Under Ivan Erdevicki’s signature winged mast are three full decks plus a flybridge, all aptly concealed within the ER175’s futuristic styling. Optional features include a pool and helipad.

What is it?

A Luiz de Basto explorer yacht concept for the Burger Boat Company, the 105 Explorer is based on the recently delivered 31 metre Northland, also by de Basto.

Why we love it

The vertical bow and geometric lines give this yacht the tough looks of a go-anywhere explorer and allow for up to five cabins, including a main-deck master suite. The bathing platform expands with foldable sides, creating a great staging area for tenders and toys or even a meal by the water’s edge. At just 32 metres overall, this explorer packs a lot into a manageable size.

What is it?

A reboot of Cantieri Navali Chioggia’s tough natured Naucrates 88, this original 39 metre explorer design is by Green Yachts Studio.

Why we love it

Appearing to lean forward thanks to its reverse windshield, and designed with a high bow, this explorer looks ready to go anywhere. The main deck uses the full ten metre beam, which means there are many options for the interior layout, and abundant recessed glass ensures natural light throughout. The concept melds entertainment and utilitarian spaces seamlessly with, for instance, the possibility of covering the pool to create a helipad.

What is it?

A project from the design team behind 101 metre I Dynasty, this slender 85 metre tri-deck, an evolution of an earlier concept by The A Group, based in Monaco, was developed in collaboration with SuperYachtsMonaco.

Why we love it

One of the design’s aims is to provide ample comfort for 12 guests while keeping the gross tonnage below what is usual in this size range. This translates into an elegant yacht, with an unbroken sheerline and abundant glass, which focuses on wellness with a great spa.