The industry and journalists are rarely that lucky. Anyone who owns a superyacht likes to remain incognito. Even if it leaks out who the client is, few go public like the owner of "Maverick". What is particularly unusual about "Anjelif" is that a woman is behind the project. Maria Francesca Angelini didn't just commission the 50 metres, the Italian clearly stated where she was going in terms of design - and was also prepared to talk about her ideas. Even if only in writing after the official viewing.
The nine-metre-wide aluminium construction was created at Hydro Tec, the propulsion system was developed together with Siemens and is based on the experience Columbus Yachts has gained with the 40-metre-long Sport Hybrid projects - the first model to be given the "Hybrid Propulsion Y" designation by the Italian classification society RINA. Three different modes are possible, giving a maximum speed of 20 knots and a range of 4,200 nautical miles at nine knots. The diesel mode works conventionally, the MTU sixteen cylinders, each with an output of 1,939 kilowatts, push "Anjelif" forward, while the two Kohler generators, each with 175 kilowatts, supply the electrical consumers on board.
Island hopping made easy
In electric mode, the main engines are switched off. Instead, the generators supply not only the electricity for hotel operations but also the energy for the two electric motors, each with an output of 100 kilowatts. These are directly connected to the gearboxes and enable a comfortable speed of eight knots: ideal for quiet night cruises or island hopping. In the third, shaft generator mode, the main engines transfer part of their torque to the electric motors so that they can supply electricity. In this mode, the generators remain switched off, which brings major advantages in terms of maintenance and energy efficiency. In both diesel and shaft generator mode, battery packs compensate for possible power failures.
Concept for "Anjelif" to suit the owner's taste
Maria Francesca Angelini has now put her stamp on the creative concept in particular, although not entirely on her own initiative. She drew the striking, masculine lines of the beige-gold metallic - or champagne-coloured, depending on the sunlight - painted outer skin with the help of Marco Casali from Studio Too Design. The entrepreneur has determined what can be seen inside to her liking - and if rumours are to be believed, she has realised her vision for the impressive interior volume of 499 gross tonnes quite vehemently and emphatically.
"My main aim was to create a relaxed holiday atmosphere filled with pure energy - a space where you can calm both the mind and the body," is how she describes her focus, adding the attributes "comfortable, elegant and multifunctional". An example of this can be found in the lounge, where several delicately striped sofa elements by Armani Casa face each other, which can be combined into two long semi-circular sofas if required. The two in front even move together electrically on their floor rails so that guests can see the TV screen installed on the wall facing the master area without turning their heads.
Shapes result in harmony
It is not just the lounge sofas that are semi-circular, even the flanking shelves are soft and cornerless. The coffee table forms an oval, while the shades of the table lamps and the shimmering metallic frames form circles. This also applies to the arrangement of the LED spotlights in the ceiling. "In my design philosophy, everything has to harmonise, so rounded corners are important to achieve this balanced energy," Angelini reveals, "I imagined an environment in which every element conveys a sense of calm," she continues. To achieve this, she used fine, valuable surfaces and, above all, mineral stones in various shapes and colours. These objects by Taurini can be found everywhere on board. For example, a picture made of yellow quartz discs hangs in the corridor between the saloon and the owner's area, while in the massage room there is a surprising floor-to-ceiling wall decoration that imitates a bird's eye view of an ocean beach.
Quartz is used as a wall covering in the guest shower and forms distinctive basins at the washbasins, some of which are made from pieces set in gold. Other materials from the sea are also used, such as shells for the inlays in the headboard of the VIP beds or oyster shells for the dining area in the upper lounge. Where does she get all this inspiration from? "Not from a specific hotel or restaurant," she assures us, "my vision evolved as I pieced together various aspects of my experiences, much like a perfect jigsaw puzzle." For the colours, she opted primarily for champagne with accents in bronze and gold because she finds these tones both elegant and "cheerful". Angelini went beyond a monochrome design; each of the four guest suites on the lower deck was given a slightly different colour palette, with the washbasins shimmering in blue, green or a soft pink.
Every space is utilised on "Anjelif"
Down here, Angelini's sense of practicality is evident everywhere. The single beds in two cabins are mobile and can be moved together to form double beds on request. Between the two VIPs, the partition wall slides aside to reveal a large suite with a sofa bed, increasing the number of berths to a total of eleven. The storage spaces are also striking: open compartments with elegant, transverse metal strips as "fall-out protection", similar to a sailing yacht and ideal for smaller bags, books or other accessories. "On a yacht, it's crucial to make optimum use of every available space," says the owner. Guests will particularly appreciate the air conditioning system with "cold plasma" technology here in the belly of the ship. Here, the fresh air from outside is first purified of harmful substances such as viruses and bacteria using ions before it flows into the rooms for ventilation and temperature control.
The owner's favourite place
If you ask the owner about her favourite places on board, she first mentions the terrace in "her" flat. The private rooms at the front of the main deck include an office, a Technogym gym and a wellness bathroom with a Jacuzzi, hammam shower and sauna. Angelini then goes on to talk about the sun deck: "It's really fantastic. The comfortable sofas provide the perfect backdrop for having lunch with guests or relaxing on the loungers by the pool." If it gets too quiet and you feel like exercising, there is a third hotspot: the infinity pool with counter-current system on the aft deck. "I was and still am a good swimmer. Water is my element." The foredeck, which only appears to be a helipad at first glance, is also a special place for guests to spend time. With a screen between two mobile supports, a projector and a few crew handholds, this place is transformed into a veritable open-air cinema - and perhaps a dance floor afterwards.
What's special about "Anjelif"
Maria Francesca Angelini has clearly focused on every detail, optimising layouts and spaces, combining surfaces and colours to create a total work of art and showing no fear of glamour or playful accessories. Would she say that "Anjelif" is a feminine yacht? "Yes! A feminine boat on the inside, but a masculine one on the outside," she confirms, "that's what makes it so special."
Technical data
- Length over everything: 49,76 m
- Width: 9,06 m
- Depth: 2,29 m
- Gross tonnage: 499 GT
- Material: Aluminium
- Motors: 2 x MTU 16V
- Engine power: 2 x 1,939 kW
- Speed (max.): 20.6 kn
- Speed (travelling): 16.3 kn
- Range @ 9 kn: 4,200 sm
- Generators: 2 x Kohler 175 kW
- Guests/crew: 11/11
- Construction: Hydro Tec
- Exterior design: M. F. Angelini/Too Design
- Interior design: M. F. Angelini/Too Design
- Class: RINA shipyard: Columbus Yachts, 2024
- Charter price: from 330,000 euros/week
