As long-time observers of the yachting scene, we always take notice when something unusual happens. Occasionally, we even come across a project that not only catches our attention, but also fulfils all our expectations. This doesn't happen very often, but it commands our great respect. One such yacht is the Quaranta, the first development from the Turkish shipyard Curvelle. With her delivery this summer, her creator Luuk van Zanten reaped the fruits of his five years of endeavour.
Working on the Quaranta required the right mix of patience and passion. Van Zanten started the work with the idea of "combining tangible innovations with practical use and maximum flexibility for guests". Our impression: he succeeded. At least that's what we found out when we flew to Turkey to see the Quaranta for ourselves.
We were the first journalists ever to climb aboard via the gangway, and our first impressions dispelled any concerns we had when we saw the 3D model. The Quraranta looked much more pleasing than expected.
To tell the truth, every designer has a particular problem with the proportions when drawing a catamaran and with making it look ship-shape. The problem becomes even greater when he learns that it is a cat without sails, i.e. a motor yacht. What could have been a flat-nosed box turned out to be an elegant object that will win over all visitors - except incorrigible cat-opponents. Van Zanten is certain that the reason the market for this type of yacht has not yet taken off is that all attempts to make a motorised catamaran look appealing have so far failed. He was so confident of success that he looked for a company for 3D models and took a fifty per cent stake in it in order to have better control over the design process.
We climb on board via a passerelle, which would also look good on a 50-metre format instead of a 34-metre hull. As you might expect, the two hulls and the width immediately give the impression of the stability of a much larger yacht. At the back, guests can expect a lowerable platform that turns into a beach club and a tender garage that could also accommodate a small submarine. The mechanics can also handle an SUV.
Read the full article in BOOTE EXCLUSIV 6/13.
