The latest concept from acclaimed yacht designer Andy Waugh is a 111-metre monster. Ascendance is designed to be around 25 per cent lighter than a conventional yacht, the boat will utilise advanced steel and carbon fibre construction techniques developed by Nobiskrug Superyachts, with a slender, low-volume hull. The major bulkheads of the vessel are to be fabricated in steel while the upper structures will be almost entirely built in carbon to vastly improve stability and passenger comfort. The proposed power system would be just as cutting edge with a hybrid, bio-diesel/electric configuration further optimising the efficiency and reducing vibration and noise.
The interior of Ascendance has been developed with the recently founded, London & Paris based design firm Motor Yacht Design Company (MYDco) with a stunning exterior that incorporates a strong diagonal feature. The eight guest cabins are located on the main deck above the owner’s suite, which occupies the entire forward upper deck. The foremost suite’s dressing and study areas provide additional space to the bedroom which crowns the deck, wrapped by 180 degrees of angled windows that make for dramatic forward views. The angled glass adds to the ship’s dynamic aesthetic and also has the practical advantage of reducing reflection, improving the views outboard during twilight hours.
One of the other innovative features is the “floating” elevator that connects the main lobby, somewhat reminiscent of a sci-fi spaceship, giving the feeling of being transferred by a beam of light. On the bridge deck (one of five) there’s a smoking and poker lounge complete with a five-metre curved bar facing out towards the glow of the fire pit area on the exterior deck – for extra style points, arrive by chopper and land on the retractable helipad. Either side of the bar there’s two 55-inch pop-up TVs and around the forward and outboard bulkheads are transfixing, contemporary gas fireplaces. Forward of the gym and beach lounge you arrive at the spa club which hosts a steam room, sauna, massage room, changing rooms and a scuba locker, and the sun deck facilities complete the design highlights, with two shower rooms serving the fore and aft decks which are ideal for lounging in the sun or socialising around the hot tub.
