There is no question that Gulf Craft plays in the premier league when it comes to GRP series construction. With the 55.10 metre Majesty 175, the shipyard from the emirate of Umm al-Qaiwain north of Dubai, which was founded in 1982, is even in pole position in the global race for the largest composite motor yacht (issue 3/22). While Cristiano Gatto also designed the exterior of the new Majesty 160 in addition to the 175, Dutch studio Phathom is responsible for the Majesty 111. The young team led by designers Raquel H Grijota, Sean Bekeschus and Fabian Henke approached shipyard founder Mohammed Hussein Alshaali back in 2019 to look for potential projects and collaborations. As a result, they were able to prove themselves with the interior of the Majesty 72 and with exterior revisions for Gulf Craft's second product line, the Nomad 70 SUV and the Nomad 101 yacht. The successful dress rehearsal was followed by their biggest order to date. "As a young start-up, we were thrilled when Gulf Craft offered us the opportunity to design a completely new model," says Sean Bekeschus, looking back on the initial phase of the project. It was not only intended to slot in between the successful Majesty 100 (issue 1/18) and 120 models, but also to establish a new line within Gulf Craft's "Superyacht Collection" and appeal to other target groups.
Majesty 111: Modern triplane for western tastes
"Gulf Craft has always been a big player in the Middle East, but the design of the Majesty 111 shows that Gulf Craft is no longer focussing solely on the Asian market, but is increasingly responding to the needs of our customers in Europe and America," explains Matthias Ebert from ME Yachting from a dealer's perspective, adding: "In the new design, Gulf Craft is focusing on many modern elements such as multifunctional outdoor areas, transparent side walls and the beach club in the stern. These special features were previously reserved exclusively for the larger models." In fact, such features were already at the top of the shipyard's catalogue of requirements for the Studio Phathom. One priority was to maximise the open spaces through the flexibility of loose furniture instead of fixed seating. The seamless connection between the outside and inside, an optimised foredeck and a contemporary stern area were also required. It was also a challenge to offer an even more spacious interior in the segment up to 300 gross tonnes. Lush glass surfaces offer breathtaking views and flood the interior with natural light. All of this was to result in a charter-friendly model with six cabins, which was still called the Majesty 110 in the early stages.
First the analysis - then the concept
In order to be able to offer the most customised solutions for the expectations of western and fundamentally younger owners, Phathom began with a thorough competitive analysis of the market and compared numerous models from other competitors in this size segment. The aim was to find out where and how the living experience on board could be improved. One realisation - albeit not a new one - was that more and more time is being spent outdoors, with the outdoor area becoming an extension of the living space. This led to conclusions as to how outdoor areas can best be designed with more cosiness, convenience and comfort. For example, design elements of the wall panelling and ceiling lighting from the main salon were transferred outside to create a smooth transition. It was also important that the aft cockpit provides a view outwards instead of inwards. To achieve this, the designers implemented rear glazing, a flush teak deck with a throw rug, freely movable sofas and tables as well as accessories originally intended for the interior. Thanks to their modularity, flexible reconfiguration is effortless.
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Versatile furniture
"The new outdoor concept has been very well received. Not least because our customers can create their own personal ambience and the deck can be customised for any occasion. The convertible seating on board makes the Majesty 111 ideal for both private use and charter," says Matthias Ebert, assessing its potential and giving the example of the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monaco: "For the weekend, the deck and the fly can be completely emptied to provide space for spectators. Then on Monday, the crew clear the lounge furniture from the beach club back on deck and the yacht is ready for a week's charter or the owner." In conjunction with the 1.60 metre wide bathing platform, it is indeed possible to create an impressive beach club. A tender the size of a 4.15 metre Williams, diving equipment, kayaks and surfboards can also be stored under the hydraulic hatch with integrated bench seat. A passerelle specially designed for the Majesty 111 serves as a crane that can easily lift a three-seater jet ski with a capacity of one tonne. An additional stowage compartment for Seabobs and inflatable water toys is located in the bow area. There, next to the actual working area with anchor winch, a seating area is located at the front and a few steps higher, surrounded by sunbathing areas, is the 2.50 metre long jacuzzi with a glass floor.
The Emirates set themselves high standards
Firstly, the tour leads along two tables for the U-shaped outdoor sofa with storage space to the enclosed helm station behind. It is entered from the port side through the watertight door and offers a very good view, at least to the front, thanks to the negatively inclined windows. Cameras and three large Garmin touchscreens take care of the rest. Electric Humphrey stabilisers are now standard on all new Gulf Craft yachts and are as quiet as they are efficient. The two MAN V12-1900 engines with 1397 kilowatts of power each, which accelerate the 140-tonne semi-glider to a top speed of up to 20 knots, are quiet and low-vibration. At twelve knots, the 20,190 litres of fuel should enable a range of 1,300 nautical miles. The options list includes two 1489-kilowatt C32B engines from CAT. Although there is no cabin for the captain behind the wheelhouse, there is at least a day toilet. The mess room and all three crew cabins of significant size and to MLC standards occupy the lower deck amidships and have their own access from the outside. The stairwell adjoins the helm station on the upper deck and is lit by daylight from above. Thanks to the open design, it takes up comparatively little space and forms an architectural highlight thanks to the floating steps; backlit natural stone panelling has a moisture-reducing effect.
Upper deck of the Majesty 111 with asymmetrical layout
The design team from Studio Phathom took a close look at the walkways on board and came to the conclusion that a passageway was sufficient to connect the foredeck with the upper aft deck. As a result, they developed an asymmetrical upper deck with a companionway to starboard and additional width on the same side for the resulting 56 square metre Sky Lounge. Most viewers will only notice the visual imbalance from the outside, if at all, at second glance. On the other hand, the bar dominating the interior with its integrated 65-inch TV deliberately attracts attention. The 270-degree view and the L-shaped sofa for more than eight guests are at least as appealing. As in the saloon on the main deck, most of the free-moving furniture on board has been individually designed by Phathom to "combine opulence with aesthetic lightness" without obstructing the view to the outside. Light cream and earthy colours match the airy character, as do matt oak and walnut wood with Amara ebony accents. Brushed metal details and Calacatta marble also blend harmoniously into the elegant yet calm overall look with rounded sideboards and cabinets.
Modern and classic at the same time
The interior concept of the Majesty 111 is in turn the result of a competitive analysis of current design trends carried out by Phathom. "The aim was not to imitate the existing, but to understand the development of interior trends and develop a very attractive style that subtly sets itself apart from the competition," summarises Sean Bekeschus, adding: "Our team was fascinated by the numerous gentle allusions to the popular mid-century modern style, in which form follows function." And according to Matthias Ebert, there are hardly any limits to the possibilities for customisation despite the series production: "We offer our customers a wide range of options. For example, Gulf Craft has built an Experience Centre in Port Rashid in Dubai, where the yachts can be experienced up close in various designs and all the fabrics, woods and marble variants on offer." This will be appreciated not only, but especially by "next generation owners" who, according to Phathom, are becoming younger and more casual, are curious about new materials and are pursuing a more sustainable agenda. Natural fabrics from ecologically friendly production are just as suitable for this as technical solutions to increase efficiency.
The glass Jacuzzi floor illuminates the owner's suite on board the Majesty 111
The galley with its stainless steel fronts radiates uncompromising professionalism. The crew benefits from the generous storage space and the galley with plenty of room for preparation and service. Opposite on starboard is another day toilet, after which you enter the owner's cabin, which has a few surprises in store: Immediately after entering, the walk-in wardrobe must be passed through sliding doors to reach the bathroom with XL shower on the port side. This leaves the actual sleeping area free of wide doors and provides space for a 75-inch television, which Gulf Craft has elegantly integrated into the wall opposite the bed. There is no provision for a fold-down balcony. Fixed glass surfaces on the sides and, above all, the skylight measuring more than one square metre in the shape of the Jacuzzi floor give the cabin an airy character. A retractable screen provides privacy and darkening.
Five guest cabins on the lower deck
At the end of our tour of the Majesty 111, it is worth taking a closer look at the lower deck. Several cupboards for bed linen and luggage have been cleverly concealed behind the wall panels. The two double cabins amidships as well as the two cabins with single beds along the corridor leading to the sixth cabin at the very front benefit from pleasant headroom and well-sized showers. In this 15 square metre VIP suite, there are only portholes, but an adequate double bed. With these five instead of the usual four cabins below deck, the maximum of twelve overnight guests on board is achieved without folding Pullman beds. The six-cabin layout, which is surprising for her size, the western-style interior design, the flexible outdoor areas and the starting price of €10.9 million make the Majesty 111 an attractive charter and family yacht. With her, Gulf Craft is setting new standards for future models and creating the basis for a broader international market presence.
Technical data
- Length over everything: 34,10 m
- Length (hull shape): 30,34 m
- Width: 7,22 m
- Depth: 1,72 m
- Displacement (empty): 140 t
- Gross tonnage: 240 Gross Tons
- Material: GRP
- Motors: 2 x MAN V12-1900
- Engine power: 2 x 1397 kW
- Speed (max.): 20 kn
- Speed (travelling): 12 kn
- Generators: 2 x 55 kW
- Fuel: 20 190 l
- Water: 6170 l
- Construction: Gulf Craft
- Exterior design: Studio Phathom
- Interior design: Studio Phathom
- Class: Bureau Veritas
- Shipyard: Gulf Craft, 2023
- Starting price: from 10.9 million euros
- Dealer: ME Yachting
