The Bremen shipyard has handed over the mega yacht "Boardwalk" to its owner. At 117 metres in length and 5,602 gross registered tonnes, she is one of the largest yachts ever built. Frank Woll is responsible for the exterior design and worked with Amy Halffman, Suzanne Glover and Teresa Francis on the interior.
The owner himself was heavily involved in the development process and refined various elements down to the smallest detail. Frank Woll: "The starting point for "Boardwalk" was the flowing and streamlined geometry of agile sea creatures, moulded by the water."
I believe that nature is one of the best architects."
A ship disguises itself as a yacht
The fine lines of the profile, the sculptural bulwark and the traditional architecture conceal a steel and aluminium construction to the highest technical standards. The rather delicate appearance of the yacht conceals an immense volume, with the surfaces moulded to catch the light and create the impression of constant movement. The launch of "Boardwalk"
High-gloss polished mahogany burl wood, stainless steel with a mirror finish and complex, double-curved shapes characterise the interior. Light plays a central role in the design; the lighting emphasises the mix of natural materials and brings movement into the interior. 110 metres from Lürssen.
Eleven guest suites and private terraces
"Boardwalk" offers eleven spacious guest cabins, including a VIP suite in the bow area with onyx bathroom and private outdoor lounge with panoramic views over the bow. The other suites have direct access to the wide side deck. A highlight is the spacious aft deck, where the large pool and whirlpool have been recessed flush into the Tesumo deck.
Lürssen presents an innovation here: a retractable deck section above the staircase connects the main deck and the beach club. When closed, it is hermetically sealed. The mechanism was inspired by a technology that was first used on "Hadar" (ex "Flying Fox") in 2019. In "Boardwalk", a sliding structural panel now reveals a staircase, with the upper steps extending automatically.
Glass catwalk through the engine compartment
Like the retractable exterior stairs, various innovations are hidden on board. "Boardwalk" has around 3,000 exterior lighting points - around a third more than is usual for a yacht of this size. Inside, the corridors have been designed extra wide to maximise the volume. Behind walls and ceilings, in insulated cavities, pipes, cables and technical systems are packed into a very small space.
A kind of glass catwalk transforms the engine room into a technology gallery. Three twelve-metre-long Hodgdon tenders, an amphibious tender, SUVs and other land-based vehicles are parked in the large tender garage. Other amenities include a cinema, a spa and fitness area, a putting green and two helipads.
Clear communication as a success factor
"Our only task is to translate a vision into an operational ship," says Peter Lürssen.
We want to exceed expectations. We can only achieve this through clear and precise dialogue. The communication during this construction project was exceptionally clear. I am incredibly grateful for that. I think the results speak for themselves."
Technical data Lürssen "Boardwalk":
- Overall length: 117 metres
- Overall width: 18.55 metres
- Gross tonnage: 5,602 GT
- Exterior design: Frank Woll
- Interior: Frank Woll, Amy Halffman, Suzanne Glover, Teresa Francis
- Construction: Lürssen
- Guest cabins: 11
- Tender: 3 Hodgdon tenders (12 m)
- Heliports: 2
Uske Berndt
Editor News & Panorama
