"Our crazy ideas can also go viral, but the difference is we can actually make it."
EXPV expresses the connection between radical innovation and logic, harmonizing inspiration with the possible. Designed for clients who wanted to explore the world and enjoy their own privacy while entertaining guests in luxurious comfort en route, the 87m EXPV concept by Harrison Eidsgaard in collaboration with Feadship takes a completely fresh and unconventional approach to large yachts, and more specifically explorers.
Innovative Layout
In a radical departure from the norm, the owner's quarters and guest quarters are completely separate, hence the characteristic "split" superstructure with the owner's private quarters in the forward section and guest quarters aft.
The two elevated residences are served by separate staircases and elevators, but are naturally connected to each other by a floating glass bridge and the Ocean Lounge, essentially an extended beach club on the lower deck amidships with folding platforms on either side, an indoor swimming pool and a large skylight on the upper deck.
"The whole concept is based on the premise that the owners have their own residence and there is a separate guesthouse for friends and guests," says Peder Eidsgaard, co-founder of Harrison Eidsgaard. "The idea is that owners can spend weeks on board in complete privacy, but also interact with their guests in the Ocean Lounge amidships."
The Glass Bridge, is located between the Bridge helm console and up to the bow. The hydraulic side platforms in the Ocean Lounge are not at water level but slightly higher, which means they can be extended in fairly rough conditions without risk of waves or flooding. Sliding glass doors also mean the flush deck platforms can be left open at night or in cooler climates.
As befits any exploration yacht, the large tenders are stowed on the open deck above the Ocean Lounge below the Glass Bridge. In fact, there is space for two 13.5 meter tenders without height restrictions. More tenders and toys can be carried in a side-opening garage under the front.
"We have worked with Harrison Eidsgaard on various projects and they always throw a few challenges into the mix," says Jan-Bart Verkuyl, director and CEO of Feadship's Royal Van Lent shipyard. “The Glass Bridge was such a challenge and we worked closely with De Voogt engineers to see how we could achieve this. Suspended in the air, it is a completely new concept and a feat of engineering.”
A comfortable nook in the bow of the bridge deck, can be used for both sunbathing and dining. The owner's office is located aft of the wheelhouse, while below deck is the expansive and highly private master suite. Upstairs is the owner's observation lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows and a private veranda overlooking the foredeck. The heli-deck above the observation lounge is fully certified and has direct access to the owner's apartment.
"Customers like to use their helicopter almost like a tender to get to and from the yacht on day trips," says Verkuyl. "It hugely extends the area they can visit and is used frequently, but because it’s on the forward deckhouse there is minimal disturbance for the guest activities in the stern".
Access by tender is via a corridor leading from the platform to the Ocean Lounge.
In a completely new proposition, there are six guest suites arranged around the stern on two deck levels and all have sea view beds with private verandas. Cabins can also be combined into VIP suites depending on the number of guests.
The unusual superstructure layout means the guest house is essentially a self-contained unit with easy access to the swim platform, main and upper deck accommodation and its own exclusive lounge and bar connected to the owner's area via the Glass Bridge.
“When we started this project, we took all the features you find on superyachts and threw them up in the air,” explains Eidsgaard. “The pieces landed where you might not expect to find them, but where they might make more sense. The two deckhouses are unique and no other superyacht has them, but the profile with its reverse bow, bold use of glass and dynamic curves is very purposeful.”
In addition to the Glass Bridge, the groundbreaking concept placed other engineering demands on Feadship's technical team. Having the base of the tender amidships with the open Ocean Lounge directly below, where the engine room would normally be, required careful analysis to ensure structural strength. It also means a single-level engine room.
In conclusion, diesel-electric propulsion is ideally suited to this type of arrangement. Generators and pods also mean less noise and vibration, as well as the ability to integrate renewable fuels in the future.
In conclusion, "This is a yacht designed for experienced owners who like to spend long periods on board with guests who could join them for a week, a month or even longer, so privacy was a must," as Eidsgaard says. "In this context, it might seem like an extreme plan because it looks so different, but if you look at the individual elements, it all makes perfect sense."
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