Spirit Yachts unveils 111 superyacht interiors
British modern classic yacht company, Spirit Yachts, has revealed the final designs for its 34m sailing yacht, the Spirit 111’.
The sloop-rigged yacht is set to be the longest build from Spirit Yachts to date and at the request of an overseas buyer she has been designed to be one of the most environmentally friendly sailing superyachts ever created.
The initial concepts for the interior of the Spirit 111’ were created in partnership with Rhoades Young. Spirit Yachts’ design team then worked closely with the owner to develop the drawings into final renderings. The designs showcase a unique, curved interior with sleek contours bringing together the walls, bulkheads and furniture, into one flowing design.
Spirit Yachts head designer Sean McMillan commented: “The Spirit 111 has been completely customised throughout and as a result her interior is totally unique. The design is a never-ending swirl of organic shapes, which encompass the practicalities necessary in a yacht but in a highly imaginative way. I am very much looking forward to unveiling the finished interior as it is truly remarkable.”
Walls and bulkheads flow in an ‘S’ shape through the interior, whilst discreet doors and hidden storage ensure smooth lines and a contoured look. Bespoke, curved American Walnut furniture will create an illusion that it is part of the structure, creating a seamless appearance throughout. Even the door handles have been hidden to ensure every element meets the owner’s criteria. To open a door, a guest places their hand inside a hidden recess, in which sensors detect the movement and release the catch to open the door.
Designed to be owner-driven, the Spirit 111 will have no crew accommodation. Steps leading down the companionway reveal a central saloon and open plan galley to port. In the middle of the saloon will be a circular, two-piece seating arrangement around a dining table, with an additional curved sofa on the starboard side. Hand-made out of strips of American Walnut timber, the seating took over 2,000 man-hours to build and was designed to complement the ebb and flow of the wooden interior.
Forward of the saloon and galley, via a curved corridor, is a VIP, ensuite guest cabin and the master suite. In both cabins, a C-shaped arrangement created from steamed timber will house a double bed, with an additional curved sofa in the master. Also in the master is a forward ensuite complete with solid wooden sink (a feature replicated in all heads). Aft of the saloon are two ensuite guest cabins, both with C-shaped cocoon arrangements around double beds.
The smart lighting system onboard will complement the seamless approach to the interior layout. Spirit Yachts managing director Nigel Stuart explained: “The interior lighting is controlled by sun sensors so the brightness is adjusted to ensure there is no difference between outside and inside, there will be no pockets of shade and light as you would normally have.
The interior will have no light switches; motion sensors will turn lights on and off during the day and during the night, sensors under the beds will detect if someone is up and light the way to the nearest ensuite. If a guest starts to go elsewhere within the interior, the system will deduce which way they are going and light the relevant areas in a very soft yellow light.”
Spirit Yachts has worked collaboratively with leading marine and automotive suppliers to deliver on the owner’s eco brief. A Torqeedo electric propulsion system using a 100kW motor will propel the yacht silently for up to 40nm at eight knots from battery power alone. Whilst sailing, the propulsion system will regenerate the four BMWi lithium battery banks by rotating the propeller shaft whilst the yacht is under sail. All power-consuming components have been carefully selected to be highly efficient and will use minimal energy without impacting performance or comfort.
The largest single-masted wooden yacht to be built in the UK since Shamrock V in the 1930s, the Spirit 111’ will also be one of few superyachts capable of cruising without professional crew. Energy efficient Lewmar hydraulic deck hardware and OneSails GBR (East) 4T Forte sails made from recyclable materials will be fitted to a Hall Spar carbon fibre mast and in-boom furling to facilitate short-handed sailing.
