As leisure is regarded as the ultimate luxury, it is only fitting that it serves as the inspiration for a new superyacht design. With a certified helipad, submarine platform, two underwater observation lounges, and a fleet of tenders, “Time” outlines the blueprint for an explorer yacht that may assist owners and guests turn back the hands of time while at sea.
The concept created by Studio Valentin Design in collaboration with Abeking & Rasmussen may be more appropriately titled “Down Time.” The seven-decked, 282-foot design maximizes the available interior space while packing in as many pleasure-inducing features as possible, such as a sports club with a pool table and a certified German microbrewery, as well as a garage with space for three tenders, a submarine, and aquatic toys. The lower deck features a spa, a gym, and a dive shop. The yacht is designed to maximize the quality of life.
Valentin Weigand of Valentin Design stated to Robb Report during the concept’s unveiling at the Monaco Yacht Show, “Our goal was to create an extraordinary explorer yacht where guests can enjoy every moment.”
Designed for both warm and cold climates, Time not only offers underwater exploration, but also has a room dedicated to heli-skiing. Other amenities include an indoor pool in the beach club on the lower deck and a cozy office in the owner’s suite, allowing owners and guests to work, rest, and play on their own terms.
Till von Krause, Abeking’s sales director, completely grasps the owner’s perspective. Every morning, he commutes to the German shipyard onboard his traditional motor boat, traveling down the River Lesum before merging with the larger River Weser, where Abeking’s facilities are located.
“Time is a concept that allows owners to discover new worlds without forgetting old values,” explains von Krause. It is necessary to consider established solutions without concern of entering uncharted territory.
Abeking performed the naval architecture for Time in-house, and the exterior design by Romain Acquaviva of Valentin Design complements the hull, arrangement, and interior. The 3,400-gross-ton yacht is intended to be a hybrid, equipped with diesel electric propulsion and a POD-drive/rudder propeller that should provide a cruise speed of 14 knots and a range of approximately 5,000 nautical miles.
Acquaviva told Robb Report that Time was designed with a holistic approach in which technical aspects were conceived alongside interior spaces to maximize usable volume and provide cost-effective solutions. Exploration broadens the range of opportunities aboard a yacht, but we sought to strike a balance.
The objective was to combine engineering elements with design features that facilitated on-board life. One area is the incorporation of multiple side terraces to increase the yacht’s usable footprint in both the beach club and the main salon. The certified heli-platform that converts into an open-air entertainment area is another feature.
Triple-height, opaque windows and wraparound balconies interrupt the exterior continuity of lines. Large glass panels create an observation lounge aft on the interior, allowing for full-height windows that encompass views from all angles. An open-air theater on the upper deck suggests family movie evenings, while the crow’s nest provides the best view on board.
The extra-wide duplex owner’s suite features a combination of rounded and linear lines. There are two private bathrooms, one with a Jacuzzi made of marble and wood and the other with a walk-in shower. Wool and silk carpets, rotating glass shutters, and direct access to a private infinity jacuzzi all contribute to “craftsmanship, comfort, and freedom.”
Weigand explains that the design of the owner’s suite prioritizes airflow and spaciousness for restful sleep. The yacht also has two VIP suites and four double cabins, accommodating a total of 12 passengers.
With Time, the emphasis is on creating a floating sanctuary that affords owners the freedom to spend time on a seaworthy yacht.
“It was important for us to not only consider design, but also to add value, because a yacht is something to enjoy with your family, a place to forget your worries and be free,” explains Weigand. That has always been our intent.