The Dutch design studio Vripack has established itself as a leader in reshaping yacht design, crafting everything from global exploration vessels to sustainable sailing yachts and innovative sportfishers. When Oceanco, the renowned Dutch shipyard known for iconic projects like Black Pearl and H3, approached Vripack for its second next-generation Beyond Custom yacht, the collaboration promised to blend creativity and functionality seamlessly.The result is Lily, a stunning 101-meter catamaran that is as much a multi-dimensional work of art as it is a yacht. With its asymmetrical, split-level architecture, Lily optimizes sight lines, airflow, and the overall experience for its owners and guests. This design doesn’t just challenge conventional boundaries; it razes them entirely.“The fundamental requirement from Oceanco was to create a yacht for change-makers who wish to leave a lasting legacy,” explains Marnix Hoekstra, co-creative director of Vripack. “Lily perfectly encapsulates the balance between visionary design and practical buildability, which is the essence of the Beyond Custom series.”Inspired by the water lily – symbolizing purity, resurrection, and enlightenment –Lily's exterior features curved, cocoon-like wraparounds. The innovative bow layout includes a unique starboard walkway and a helicopter landing pad on the port side, coupled with ample storage for four tenders and a helicopter.Constructed with a sleek steel hull and aluminum superstructure, Lily resembles a sailing yacht with its uninterrupted lines. The absence of side walkways creates a smooth, seamless appearance while the specially designed one-way glass windows allow guests to maintain a strong connection with the ocean, all from the comfort of the interior.“Many younger yacht owners prioritize shaded areas for comfort, so we ensured Lily offers more sun protection than traditional designs,” adds Hoekstra.Inside, the cleverly designed overlapping decks mimic the petals of a water lily, creating intriguing patterns of light and shadow. The main deck, or “leisure deck,” features an impressive 4-meter-high ceiling, an expansive wellness area with a waterside swimming pool, gym, and a space for watersports, all complemented by a lounge and balcony overlooking the aft deck.Hoekstra notes, “The overlapping petals of a lily inspired the structure of the decks, which are layered for enhanced visual connections.”As guests explore deeper, they move through glass mezzanines and stairways connecting to nine luxurious double guest cabins, an open-plan cinema, and a cozy children’s play area accessed via a thrilling suspension bridge. The split-level configuration enhances sight lines throughout, supplemented by a virtual bridge.The top deck offers 450 square meters of private owner’s quarters, ensuring optimal privacy with the bedroom positioned on a lower half-deck. This level also features a vast private sundeck and a serene interior lily pond that draws fresh air, marrying nature with luxury in a unique aesthetic.Dedicated crew areas are efficiently designed to ensure impeccable service while discreetly hidden access routes keep operations separate from guest spaces.As part of the Beyond Custom Yachts by Oceanco, Lily incorporates Lateral Naval Architects' Energy Transition Platform (ETP) and hybrid Dynafin propulsion combined with fuel cell technology.“In the Beyond Custom framework, we aim to create projects that are unparalleled in our industry, and Lily exemplifies that vision,” concludes Hoekstra. “This boundaryless onboard experience echoes the vastness of the ocean, offering owners the freedom to enjoy every aspect of their yacht. It is in the uniqueness of such concepts that we find true value for future owners.”Oceanco was founded in 1987. Right now it is a world-class builder of custom superyachts up to the 140 meters range. Oceanco works with world-known designers such as Terence Disdale, Nuvolari-Lenard, Espen Oeino, Sam Sorgiovanni, Igor Lobanov, Tim Heywood and Andrew Winch to create some of the timeless and award-winning yachts afloat today.Credit: Oceanco
February 19, 2025