The Bremen shipyard has handed over the mega-yacht “Boardwalk” to its owner. Measuring 117 metres in length and with an interior volume of 5,602 gross tonnes, it is one of the largest yachts ever built. Frank Woll was 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 design process and refined various elements down to the smallest detail. Frank Woll: “The starting point for ‘Boardwalk’ was the flowing, streamlined geometry of agile marine creatures, shaped by the water.”
"I believe nature is one of the finest architects."
A ship disguises itself as a yacht
Beneath the yacht’s delicate lines, sculptural bulwark and traditional architecture lies a steel-aluminium structure built to the highest technical standards. The yacht’s rather delicate appearance conceals an immense volume, whilst the surfaces are shaped to capture the light and create the impression of constant movement. The launch of “Boardwalk”
High-gloss polished mahogany burl, mirror-finished stainless steel and intricate, double-curved forms define the interior. Light plays a central role in the design; the lighting highlights the blend of natural materials and brings a sense of movement to the interior spaces. 110 metres from Lürssen.
Eleven guest suites and private terraces
“Boardwalk” offers eleven spacious guest cabins, including a VIP suite in the bow with an onyx bathroom and a private outdoor lounge offering 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 swimming pool and hot tub have been flush-mounted into the Tesumo deck.
Here, Lürssen presents an innovation: 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 first used in 2019 on the “Hadar” (formerly “Flying Fox”). On the “Boardwalk”, a sliding structural panel now reveals a stairwell, with the upper steps extending automatically.
A glass walkway through the engine compartment
Just like the retractable external staircases, a range of innovations are hidden away on board. “Boardwalk” features around 3,000 external light points – roughly a third more than is usual for a yacht of this size. Inside, the corridors have been designed to be extra wide to maximise the sense of space. Behind walls and ceilings, in insulated cavities, pipes, cables and technical systems are crammed into the tightest of spaces.
A sort of glass walkway transforms the engine room into a technical gallery. The large tender garage houses three twelve-metre-long Hodgdon tenders, an amphibious tender, as well as SUVs and other land-based vehicles. Other amenities include a cinema, a spa and fitness area, a putting green and two helipads.
Clear communication as a key to success
“Our sole task is to turn a vision into a seaworthy ship,” says Peter Lürssen.
"We want to exceed expectations. We can only achieve this through clear and precise discussions. Communication throughout this construction project was exceptionally clear. I am incredibly grateful for that. I believe the results speak for themselves."
Technical specifications for the Lürssen “Boardwalk”:
- Length overall: 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
- Design: Lürssen
- Guest cabins: 11
- Tender: 3 Hodgdon tenders (12 m)
- Helipads: 2
Uske Berndt
Editor News & Panorama
