Together with the internationally renowned designer Guido de Groot we are working on the Streamliner concept yacht
The Guido de Groot design studio is working on several yacht concepts on which most are exploring new shapes for times to come. The styling of the Streamliner concept is however taking us back in time. Guido de Groot explains that inspiration for this 42 meter motor yacht came from “streamlined” designs from Raymond Loewy (November 5, 1893 – July 14, 1986) such as his famous Bullitt nosed train designs for the Pennsylvania Railroad, the Greyhound Scenic cruiser bus and Studebaker cars. The retro style of the yacht is putting a smile on everybody’s face when people see the design for the first time. She evokes a golden era with her elegant streamlined form, and classic features.
The Concept of the yacht itself is however very novel. She has an unique split level layout that allows the owner's cabin, situated forward in front of the raised pilot house, to feature a “balcony/bathing platform” situated amidships with unique access to the sea. This bathing platform, which can be raised and lowered, is situated in a watertight section of the yacht which also incorporates a sauna.
The yacht offers large open spaces with comfortable outdoor relaxation areas making her ideal for carefree cruising. The large sundeck area has been divided into several stepped levels including a bar area that is connected to a pantry area situated in the large funnel shaped housing. This Funnel shaped housing also has on top a helm station area that has a crow’s nest function as well. Forward of the funnel is a large sunbathing area and a whirlpool. In order to keep the lines of the yacht clean, a large tender and toys are placed in an aft garage with an integrated slipway.
Her timeless lines may make reference to the past and can be described as “retro” but she is a thoroughly modern vessel, with spacious accommodation for eight passengers and up to eight crew. What makes succesfull retro designs work explains the designer is that they make heavy use of modern production technologies that did not exist at the time of the original design. A good example is modern window engineering: Complex curved glass shapes and new gluing techniques for window installation give today’s designers a broad range of new possibilities, while new moulding and laser cutting technologies make it possible to create shapes that would have been impossible before. Modern painting technology also allows yacht finishes the likes of which we could only dream of in the past. Succesful retro yachts appeal to people with a passion for classic yachts and those who like modern shapes
Guido de Groot developed the project together with project manager Horst Seibold of IYTEG Ltd. and the world famous US based Naval Architect Doug Sharp. When I was doing a project together with Horst in Taiwan 4 years ago, Guido de Groot explains, we went through some old concept drawings in one of my sketch books. We both thought that it would be a pity not to do something with the retro style sketches in those books. From there on we started to work on the Streamliner concept yacht to the level as it is today which includes a detailed design, a tank tested hull and a thorough specification. However the project still leaves enough room for changes if requested by owners or shipyards and a three deck version is already on the drawing boards as well .
