"Alchemy": For efficiency and aesthetics - Philippe Briand and Enrico Gobbi create 66-metre yacht

In an age of ever new superlatives and futuristic design language with ever larger pools, forgoing wow effects seems exclusive again. Especially when the focus is on a holistic work of art interwoven with the help of science and experience rather than an "ornamental façade". Philippe Briand and his Vitruvius Studio in London seemed predestined for this no less complex endeavour by an American who, after two decades on charter yachts, had gathered precise ideas for his first own yacht.

Whether the successful building contractor also spent time on board the 73-metre Picchiotti "Nautilus" (ex-"Grace E") during his holiday cruises is not known. However, it stands to reason that he was attracted to Briand's clean, sleek lines and the concept of a wellness-orientated yacht with occasional charter operations. He approached the Frenchman with this combination of wishes, and the enthusiastic sailor delivered exactly what the active family appreciated him for.

"Alchemy" comes with a slim hull and flat superstructure

On the one hand, there is the extremely efficient, comparatively slim steel hull with a width of just eleven metres and a draught of three metres and, on the other, the low aluminium superstructure resting on it with 330 square metres of exterior space. "I always keep the waterline as long as possible," says Briand, referring to the 1194 gross tonnes of the 65 metres and explains: "The longer it is, the less fuel is consumed, as the hull glides through the water with much less resistance." According to his philosophy, the design below the waterline cannot be separated from the design above it, but should be considered as a single unit. In addition to the lower centre of gravity, "Alchemy" has an aesthetic reason for not having another deck: "The silhouette radiates calm and the lines express the essence of what I believe in. Perfection only exists when there is nothing left to do without." Only after the decision in favour of Briand and his Vitruvius concept was it time to choose a suitable shipyard.

Stable, economical, virtually silent and vibration-free

In addition to European quality and innovative strength, it was very important to the prospective owner that he was open to suggestions and ideas for improvement. Together with his representatives Fabrizio Loi (Interyachting LLC) and Mike Worthington-Lees (Winterbothams Ltd.), he found this at Rossinavi. In addition, the family-run company had already gained experience with diesel-electric pod drives through "Endeavour 2". In contrast to the 50 metres, this time it was not Rolls-Royce but Veth that supplied the two drive pods.

According to Rossinavi COO Federico Rossi, in combination with Briand's smooth-running design, they enable remarkable fuel consumption values as well as manoeuvrability and safe dynamic positioning even in difficult conditions. Those responsible in Viareggio proudly point out the very low noise and vibration levels. In addition to the inherently quiet pod drives - the electric motors rotate under water - two Caterpillar twelve-cylinder engines and generators play their part. They always run at optimum speed and their actual shock absorbers are not directly connected to the hull, but are once again damped. There are also four electric fin stabilisers.

Sport and wellness on board the "Alchemy" for the active owner family

Rossinavi is also proud of the hatches and cranes in the tender garage, which were designed and manufactured in-house and have to function smoothly under all circumstances despite their generous dimensions. The two seven and eight metre long Castoldi tenders, jet skis and mountain bikes as well as the separate storage room with meticulously organised water toys take up so much space (112 square metres) that the spa could not extend across the entire width of the hull. However, the folding balcony on the starboard side of the sauna and the partially glazed massage room offer a direct sea view. In contrast, the fitness area with Technogym equipment and plenty of space for yoga on the lower deck forward between the two guest cabins and the crew area is as wide as the hull. Its direct connection to the gym shortens distances, while the separate staircase for the 16 crew members ensures optimum service.

A staircase forms the glass centre of the salon

However, it was other staircases that were the focus of the owner's family from the very beginning. They wanted central steps in the middle of the two salons and an open layout without a conventional lobby so that they could look out from their cabin on the main deck through the large saloon to the water aft. "We had never built a staircase like this before, but it was essential for the owner, a matter close to his heart. He was correspondingly uncompromising on this point," recalls Federico Rossi. "I started calling RINA and other classification societies and asking how we could do it. Stairs are the main way that fires spread between decks. In the end, we had to rethink our whole approach to fire safety, adding extra smoke detectors and sprinklers.

In the event of a fire, a kind of water wall is designed to prevent the flames from spreading across the deck. The glass flanks of the staircase are constructed using a sandwich design, with DuPont producing the high-strength core layer. Even if the glass should break or splinter, the unbreakable base bears the weight of the entire staircase. Apart from the structural and technical aspects of the staircase, the design and the interior as a whole were of course also on the agenda. As the owner was open-minded about this personal matter, it was obvious for Federico Rossi to ask his close confidant Enrico Gobbi recommended.

Many details make the difference on board the "Alchemy"

The many joint, sometimes very different projects to date with the Venetian and his studio Team for Design made the collaboration easier, especially as the contract for "Alchemy" was signed shortly before the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in December 2019. Even if not in person, the client was able to stay in close contact with Rossinavi and Gobbi via weekly video conference, who in retrospect describes it as the closest collaboration with an owner to date. The "Spa Mood" theme was consistently implemented across all areas and decks. Predominantly "soft", indirect light fits in with this, as does the light-stained oak wood and the intensive use of beige, light grey and white leather.

The polished stainless steel details, typical of Rossinavi, refine the interior, which is restrained in itself. This contrasts with the approach of Gobbi and his team, who avoided shiny surfaces. As a result, travertine was used as far as possible instead of marble. One exception is the steps of the salon staircase, which became a highly recognisable highlight in conjunction with the glass wine cabinet for 230 bottles in the main salon. Otherwise, it is the subtleties that characterise the interiors on closer inspection.

For example, laser-cut inlays in the form of water droplets have been integrated into the lengthwise dining table and roll-out OLED screens have been concealed in the narrow sideboards. In contrast, the sofa opposite the dining table is almost massive. Like all the furniture, it was specially made for "Alchemy".

High priority for culinary delights

Although they are not the centre of attention on board, there are numerous works of art inspired by glass and water. Venetian-born Gobbi selected them together with the owner in his home country. Thanks to his experience with charter yachts, he wanted a galley in which even three chefs could work at the same time without stepping on each other's toes. The result fulfils the highest demands on 28 square metres with professional equipment from Marrone. Opposite on the port side are the two guest cabins on the main deck, where VIP guests stay overnight during charter operations.

The owners, who were in love with detail, took care of the well-being of their guests and, in addition to aesthetics, also focussed on functionality - as evidenced by the generous storage spaces. The central corridor leads into their suite, which offers the desired far-reaching view to the stern and beyond thanks to the absence of a lobby and staircase. The walk-in wardrobes and the central bed with a view ahead continue the symmetry throughout the 70 square metres. Rossinavi built a true-to-scale mock-up to clarify the distances between the bed and furniture down to the centimetre in advance. The master suite is completed by a double bathroom with a central bath and oversized shower on the port side.

Extensive experience with stainless steel

The tour leads back to the staircase solitaire and up to the upper deck. Its salon actually feels much more connected to the main salon. Two narrow, floor-to-ceiling video walls with water animations pave the way to another central corridor, from which another guest cabin, the captain's cabin and his office lead off. His work is made easier by the fully integrated bridge and the two joysticks for the propulsion pods. The view sweeps beyond the five primary displays to the hatch with lifeboat below, the forward seating and lounging area and the visually concealed work area with anchoring and mooring gear. At the other end of the upper deck, a sun- and wind-protected dining table with twelve chairs invites you to enjoy culinary al-fresco delights. Contrary to the trend, the sofas here are not freely movable, as on the main and sun decks, but traditionally fixed.

On the top level of "Alchemy", the large gas grill immediately catches the eye when entering aft - the US owner did not want to do without a barbecue, nor did he want to do without the outdoor TV under the large sunshade, the day bath and the sliding glass doors as a vestibule. In the front area of the 118 square metre sun deck, the crew can serve cocktails, hors d'oeuvres or sushi and then retire via the separate stairs. Two dining tables with a U-shaped bench are just as much a part of the informal ambience as the sunbathing areas around the round whirlpool with panoramic views. The pool is adorned with a stainless steel surround made in-house. Rossinavi crowns the "Alchemy" with this, which represents an impressive team effort and would not have been possible without the dedicated owner.

Technical data "Alchemy"

• Length over everything: 65,70 m
• Length (hull shape): 65 m
• Width: 11,31 m
• Depth: 3,11 m
• Gross tonnage: 1194 Gross Tons
• Material: Steel, aluminium
• Motors: 2 x CAT C32
• Engine power: 2 x 820 kW
• Drive pods: Veth
• Speed (max.): 16 kn
• Speed (travelling): 12 kn
• Generators: 2 x CAT C9.3
• Fuel: 100 000 l
• Water: 27 000 l
• Range at 12 knots: 4000 nm
• Construction: Vitruvius Yachts
• Exterior design: Vitruvius Yachts
• Interior design: Team for Design
• Class: RINA
• Shipyard: Rossinavi, 2023
• Charter: Burgess, 590,000 euros p.w.