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Rainsford Mann Design unveils 170m
"The appointment of Rainsford Mann Design to design a truly spectacular new yacht for a corporate syndicate has resulted in one of the most incredible projects in the marine environment today.

Conceived in 2003, the 170m length and 24m beam of this vessel will make her the largest private superyacht on the planet when she is launched. Her 30m height will dominate her surroundings, but with an elegance that is to be expected in this sector of the market.

Striking styling defies the sheer scale of this yacht. Within fine lines normally attributed to vessels a fraction of the size, Rainsford Mann Design have laid out seven decks to provide living quarters on a phenomenal scale. A central atrium serviced by two full height glass lifts will connect the decks, allowing easy movement between accommodation and living areas.

Accommodation
Guests will be accommodated in a number of ways, starting with 40m2 cabins which make up a number of the uniquely decorated berths, and culminating in the mind-boggling 180m2 owner’s suite forward. A personal glass lift from a private drive-in garage at the waterline will allow immediate access directly to the sanctuary while elsewhere, split-level suites will offer incredible views and spacious floor plans more usually seen in central city apartments.

The owner’s suite, which will occupy an entire deck, comprises four bedrooms, all with en suite his-and-hers bathrooms, as well as five walk-in wardrobes, two offices, a dining room and a private owner’s gymnasium. In addition to this, the guest accommodation will cater for up to 35 guests.

Great care and attention has been lavished on the design of the opulent interior, with provision for every conceivable luxury. Amongst the exceptional open spaces will nestle a cinema, a private spa and sports centre, which will include an indoor swimming pool capable of draining its 120m3 of water in ten minutes prior to the vessel raising anchor. The yacht’s communication suite will allow international business to be conducted on board (if absolutely necessary), allowing guests long periods aboard without having to head back to the office.

Crew accommodation on the two lower decks will allow for 45 crew with a capacity for up to 65 for special events. The crew quarters will be well considered, with firsthand experience playing a vital role in its design. A private officer’s mess with en suite cabins and a crew bathing platform have all been carefully detailed to ensure the smooth running of the yacht and a positive working atmosphere on board. Crew will have access to a separate gymnasium allowing fitness levels to be maintained while a separate crew galley supplying provisions around the clock will allow efficient rotation of crew watches while the owner is in residence or the yacht is on passage. The crew will also have their own dedicated Internet suite, allowing them to keep in touch with the outside world in their spare time.

Entertainment
The sixth and highest deck will provide a sumptuous horizon lounge and sundeck with three bars, while the foredeck will sport a 15m jet-stream pool as well as a spa pool that will seat up to ten people at a time.

Diving is seen to be an essential part of the relaxation process and several different areas will be dedicated to this pleasure. The main dining room can be used for formal occasions, or opened up to the aft deck for a more relaxed approach, and guests can also choose from a number of more secluded open and covered areas that encompass a piano bar and themed zones. A special request was made for the provision of a walk-in humidor that will allow guests to smoke some of the finest cigars available. There will also be a cellar stocked with the finest vintages by a personal supplier. This, along with a galley area that will have some of the most modern appliances in the world, and cater for nearly every style of cuisine available will ensure that the gastronomic experience is of the highest quality. It is the owner’s wish to invite aboard guest chefs from the places the yacht will visit to prepare food for the guests, so the specification for this area had to be second to none.

Other entertainment facilities include a dance floor, a virtual golf range modelled on one of 20 courses worldwide, a wet and dry spa and a fully stocked library with over 1,000 books and other media to encourage quieter relaxation.

The massive tender garage will combine a drive-in flooded dock with dry storage to accommodate up to five tenders as well as a mini submarine.

Four side opening garage doors provide quick access for water toys such as jet-skis and two ski boats.

The helipad forward will enable quests to arrive by private helicopter while still allowing the owner’s helicopter to disappear into a concealed hangar with access directly adjoining the owner’s private quarters.

Systems
The provision systems on board are designed to offer comfortable trans-global cruising in all conditions with static positioning systems ensuring reliable zero speed stability. The ability to remain positioned in one location without the use of anchors will allow the yacht to rest in areas where the sea bed is of a sensitive nature, for example, near coral reefs, where guests can take advantage of fantastic diving opportunities.

Propulsion systems are being developed in association with one of the world’s major manufacturers, and will combine diesel and gas power plants with pod style drives, allowing excellent manoeuvrability, economy and cruising flexibility. This design will also allow efficient use of internal space.

Energy efficiency goals will ensure a low heat signature and carbon rating which, along with a ‘Clean Seas’ policy that utilises the latest technology for reduction of emissions and waste products, will reduce the environmental impact of this phenomenal vessel. The yacht is also designed to comply fully with SOLAS regulations.

Rainsford Mann Design are currently carrying out conceptual design studies defining a variety of alternative use options for the interior, including corporate considerations. Plans are for the first steel for the keel to be laid in mid-2006.

Watch this space…"

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