When Burgess marketed the GC Force 66, which was already under construction, for 56 million euros in 2020, the 65-metre-long "Life Saga" had only been in the water for a few months and the 50-metre-long "Ourano" was still fresh in the memory. The three admirals had striking glass fronts amidships in common, which from the outside pointed to a central atrium. This recognisable feature was conceived by Uniellé Yacht Design Services and further developed by the Italian Sea Group's Centro Stile. The shipyard's own designers also replaced the rather narrow, vertical hull windows on the main deck of the GC Force 66 with larger laminated glass, which visually merge into horizontal units.
What convinced the current "JAS" owner
This probably convinced the then prospective buyer and current owner of "JAS", as did the comparatively short construction time with completion in 2023. The fact that it took a year longer in the end was mainly due to him and his biggest change request: an additional deck with a second owner's cabin at a lofty height. While an extension of the hull would hardly have been worth mentioning, the growth in height represented a complex challenge for the shipyard, which it took on with confidence.
The owner brought Brad Whiteman from Qudra Yachts on board as his representative and Mansour Bookani from MB Architects to harmonise his ambitions with the creative vision of Mark Berryman. Following the success of "Life Saga", the shipyard from Marina di Carrara entrusted the British designer with the development of the interior, which was initially planned without an owner, as well as the smoothly transitioning exterior surfaces. After the project was sold, he continued with the desired modifications. His typical style of creating an informal atmosphere for relaxation is already evident from the quayside or the tender.
The open tailgate provides a view of and access to the beach club, which can be widened on both sides via balconies with integrated glass elements. The sports and wellness area, which is lined with natural stone, teak and bamboo accents on the ceiling, looks inviting even when closed. The hull, which is eleven metres wide up to the stern, provides ample space for fitness equipment, room for a sauna including an experience shower and the 3.20 metre long spa pool with a glass overflow front and sea view beyond the bathing platform. The similar setting on board the "Life Saga" fascinated the current "JAS" owner and was an important argument in favour of taking over the Spec building.
Read also:
However, the client added a similarly sized pool directly above it on the main deck, whose glass floor elements act as a skylight for the beach club. The deck overhang provides most of the shade when bathing and on the adjoining seating and sunbathing areas. Opposite the staircase to and from the deck is a bar that perfectly complements the pool area. Through the consistent design and use of teak, complemented by walnut, European oak and lighter-coloured American oak, Berryman and his team have achieved a remarkable blend of indoor and outdoor areas. Despite the attention to high-quality details, the materials are durable and easy to maintain by the crew of 17.
Inside or outside? Both inside and outside!
From the pool area on the main deck, we enter the actual interior of "JAS". There, a dining table made of limed wengé wood with inlays and legs in an even darker finish welcomes us. "Our interiors should feel like a second home. No one should have to worry about etiquette when entering these rooms," says Berryman, summarising the philosophy of his design studio and making it vivid: "Owners and guests can lean back on the sofa and happily put their feet up on the coffee table or the ottomans!" The L-shaped sofa area with a view of the first, but not only, XXL screen on board and from the floor-to-ceiling glass doors of the supposed atrium amidships fits in perfectly with this. Although it turns out to be an optical illusion, the bulwark, which can be folded down at the touch of a button, offers even more spectacular views and can also be used as side terraces.
The owner's children, whose first name is derived from "JAS", may nevertheless prefer to watch digital "TV" or play in their twin cabin further forward on the main deck. This is part of the first owner's suite, which measures almost 100 square metres. The enormous hull windows flood it with daylight and guarantee impressive views, whether from the bed on either side, from the bathroom with Japanese toilet and bathtub or from the veritable dressing room. The bench seat directly in front of one of the windows invites you to look down at the water all day long, but there is much more to discover on board.
Firstly, there is the VIP cabin on the main deck, which we pass on the way back to the main staircase before exploring the four cabins one deck below. In terms of their lavish design - such as power sockets concealed with leather panels or spacious showers - they are only slightly inferior to the cabins on the upper decks. Two of the four cabins on the lower deck are open to nannies or other employees of the owner, so that the maximum of twelve guests and family members are spread across the remaining six cabins. They also allow additional flexibility through individual occupancy.
Almost endless retreat options on "JAS"
Our tour takes us back up to the bridge deck. Like the guest areas, the helm station is finished in cream-coloured and brown leather. The three "atrium windows" in the upper saloon at the same height offer an almost limitless panorama. As in the main saloon, the large TV is complemented by several armchairs and a comfortable sofa. The crew can fulfil drinks requests either from the galley or one of the numerous bars. The flexibly closable winter garden with a round table for twelve again creates a seamless connection between the worlds. The outdoor deck has been upgraded with both customised outdoor furniture and integrated green areas. "We like to use plants that grow on the coast, as they can withstand equally harsh conditions on a yacht," summarises Berryman based on previous experience.
The same applies a few steps higher for the open-air areas, which in the original design were to extend as a sun deck including an air-conditioned lounge up to the touch-and-go helipad above the bridge. The non-commercially certified landing area was retained on the "JAS", but the owner wanted a second, more luxurious floor with a bath, walk-in wardrobe and desk. From there, the stern leads to another al-fresco dining area, protected from the sun and wind. Compared to the first owner's suite on the main deck, number two is much more compact, but the frontal view from the bed over the helipad makes up for this. The subsequently added sleeping area does have one disadvantage: apart from a ladder for the crew, the intermediate aero tenders can only be boarded via this cabin. Without a heli on deck, the open space is ideal for sunbathing or yoga sessions.
The Observation Deck
There is also plenty of space for sport and relaxation on the newly created Observation Deck with Jacuzzi. Together with the two spa pools, there are a total of three, supplemented by eight cabins, now spread over five decks and 66 metres in length. "JAS" impresses with more than just numbers. The further development of "Life Saga" is the perfect yacht for her owner's family and possibly also for charter guests in the future, thanks to the interior by Mark Berryman, which does not need to be gimmicky and is outstanding in its harmonious totality. And it continues. The evolution of Admiral's successful series does not end with "JAS": GC-Force 73 "Primo" will be built with an interior by FM Architettura by 2027. 73 metres have already been sold.
Technical data
- Length over everything: 65,77 m
- Length (hull shape): 56,55 m
- Width: 11,38 m
- Depth: 3,20 m
- Interior volume: 1,318 Gross tonnes
- Material: Steel, aluminium
- Motors: 2 x CAT 3512C
- Engine power: 2 x 1,500 kW
- Speed (max.): 15.5 kn
- Speed (travelling): 14.5 kn
- Generators: 3 x 200 kW, 1 x 88 kW
- Fuel: 126.372 l
- Water: 32.086 l
- Construction: The Italian Sea Group (TISG)
- Exterior design: Centro Stile TISG
- Interior design: Mark Berryman Design
- Class: Lloyd's
- Shipyard: Admiral, 2024
