[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he newly rebranded Darnet Design firm breaks into the megayacht arena with this spectacular project currently in build in Italy at Viareggio SuperYachts and due for delivery in 2018. Franck Darnet, an avid sea-lover who merged his passion for sailing with the love of design, after sailing around the world, he trained in naval architecture, design and decorative arts as well as in upholstery, a family tradition. Darnet Design, founded in Nantes (France) in 1998, has been collaborating with leading production boat manufacturers such as Group Bénéteau, Privilège, Nautitech, Allures, Outremer… and nearly 1,800 pleasure boats around the world feature his interior design. Growing into the superyacht world, Darnet Design created the interior for two 45-metre yachts, “Africa” (2009) and “Atomic” (2014). The company now has a design office of 8 architects and designers and is expanding into superyacht exterior styling.
With delivery scheduled in less than 24 months Project VSY 003 integrates advanced technical solutions and enhanced engineering such as a dynamic positioning system with diesel-electric stern thruster. A Kongsberg integrated control system will provide seamless integration of navigation, propulsion control and ship automation functionality. The yacht will also integrate leading-edge environmental systems, an approach that is of particular interest to the owner who intends to cruise in a spirit of respect for the environment and for marine life.
The VSY 64 Project 003 is the third in a series with a timeless design by Espen Oeino that benefits from the success of her near sister ships M/Y SeaLyon (ex-Candyscape II) and M/Y RoMa. Designed as an ocean-going vessel, its anticipated programme will take her owners around the world to the ocean’s most exotic diving destinations. Every aspect of the yacht’s performance, systems and design is developed in view of extended stays on board in remote areas while making her owners feel at home.
“The yacht’s interior arrangement features six suites including a panoramic owner’s suite on a raised aft-deck forward with fixed exterior/interior terraces, a gym on the bridge deck, and a full-fledged professional diving centre for all 12 guests on the lower deck”, says Franck Darnet. The sky-lounge offers an unobstructed view aft thanks to minimal structural design. The sundeck accommodates a children’s lounge, a large infinity pool and bar area aft and an inviting and surprising fire pit forward. The owners’ interior design brief focused on a spirit of coziness and comfort rather than ostentation, with a timeless, elegant style best defined as “warm contemporary”.
The materials chosen combine quartersawn light walnut wood in the yacht’s main living spaces, a variety of textured leather panels, honed marble and high-gloss elm wood, highlighted with stainless steel inserts in a brushed nickel finish. A recurring theme throughout the yacht is derived from the owner’s passion for the undersea world: raised decorative panels and wood-floor metal inserts find their inspiration in the world of coral reefs.
Franck Darnet, founder of Darnet Design, commented:
“It is with great excitement that we undertake this project, the culmination of many years devoted to “the Art of Space at Sea” as we like to refer to our craft. Over the last twenty years, we have designed countless sailing yacht interiors in collaboration with international builders of both custom and production yachts, as well as interiors for two superyachts, the 45m sister ships “Africa” and “Atomic”. This time, we face the rewarding challenge of fulfilling the owners’ vision over nearly 500 m2 of interior space and taking the outcome around the world. I am quite pleased to collaborate on this project with Viareggio SuperYachts, a builder dedicated to the pursuit of excellence”.
