Friday, September 8, 2017

Delivered in May 2017, the spectacular custom-built 74 metres CRN CLOUD 9 is a powerful combination of engineering expertise and cutting-edge design, resulting from a close collaboration between CRN, Zuccon International Project and Winch Design. The technical aspects of the project were developed by the CRN engineering team and the sweeping lines of the yacht’s exterior styling are from the drawing board of Zuccon International Project. Winch Design was appointed to create the exterior guest areas, interior decoration and owner’s supply, resulting in excess of over 1,000sq metres of design elements being conceived across all decks.<br /><br />The New Construction division of Burgess served as owner’s representatives for the project and played a key role from the early stages, beginning with developing and agreeing the technical specification and technical aspects of the contract, and extending through the build to responsibility for technical review, inspection and acceptance, project management, on-site supervision and coordination of consultants (paint, interior installation, AVIT).<br /><br />With a length overall of 74 metres, a beam of 13.5 metres and five expansive decks plus a sub deck, CLOUD 9’s sleek profile is enhanced by subtle superstructural design details which, together with the elegant aesthetics of her guest areas, have resulted in a superyacht of world-class calibre.<br /><br />The design vision behind CLOUD 9 demonstrates an optimised balance between interior and exterior spaces, with impressive volume and a high degree of comfort, along with a free flowing layout for a relaxed indoor-outdoor living environment. Exceptional open-air areas, such as the private deck forward of the owner’s suite and the large beach club with extended platform at sea level, were conceived to offer maximum scope for both al fresco enjoyment and entertaining, as specified by the experienced owner. An unusual feature of the vessel is the forward living area located at the bow which allows guests to enjoy outdoor living in total privacy and includes a unique party space ideal for karaoke evenings.<br /><br />CLOUD 9 comfortably and luxuriously accommodates up to 16 guests (12 when chartering) across eight cabins, arranged as an owner’s suite, one VIP cabin and six doubles. In addition, accommodation is provided for 22 crew members plus a further two cabins for four staff members.<br /><br />Imaginative and carefully-chosen details can be found across all five decks, characterised by understated colour schemes and a varied use of oak in many different guises, juxtaposed with mother-of-pearl elements, marine-inspired artwork and unique bas-relief decorations, such as the bespoke piece in the owner’s suite.<br /><br />Main Deck<br />The main deck offers an unusual layout which includes a swimming pool lying athwartships on the aft deck. Indoors, the main saloon consists of harmonious symmetries and linear patterns, combined with precious materials and tactile textures, a trait repeated throughout all the yacht’s interior spaces. In the main saloon, bleached oak reigns supreme, cladding both the walls and deckheads, with one-direction grain converging precisely in an uninterrupted continuum of lines. The imposing lintels – bespoke single pieces - and the columns - true and proper sculptures - give an aristocratic appearance to the space, which is ideal for relaxing on the sofa and armchairs. Subtle and clear-cut steel profiles decorate the furniture and bar, while a glass sliding door separates the main saloon from the forward guest areas. The saloon can be transformed into a fully-fledged cinema by means of a large screen and projector which descend from the ceiling by domotic system.<br /><br />Next, on the main deck, is a spacious spa area equipped with a massage table, hair salon and a private bathroom. Picturesque views of the ocean and sea breezes can be enjoyed from the fold-down balcony.<br /><br />Immediately forward are the six guest cabins. Each features a similar style to the main saloon, including the oak wood, but applied in seven different finishes to embellish each room. The walls are panelled in bleached oak, contrasting with the natural wood used for the deck head profiles. The opulent leather effect behind the television is achieved through the use of hammered oak, while a striped effect has been chosen for the wardrobe doors, embellished with fully customised handles.<br /><br />In the guest cabins, where the AV system, lights and blinds are managed by a “Lutron” system controlled through iPads, the joinery between materials, edges and profiles has been kept to a bare minimum to create an atmosphere of harmonious and understated elegance. In the bathrooms, the pure white of the calacatta marble on the floor contrasts with the depth of the emperor black marble; unit doors are made in dark oak, engraved with a circular pattern that is repeated on the glass shower doors and on the shower gratings.<br /><br />Lower Deck<br />One of the embarkation points on CLOUD 9 is via the lower deck, where a boarding foyer awaits and an elevator connects this area with all other levels including the owner’s suite.<br /><br />Located forward of the foyer is the galley, one staff cabin and crew quarters, including a lounge, a crew mess, office and 12 crew cabins. Towards the stern, aft of the engine room, two garages which, although housing two tenders and several water toys, boast design solutions and materials that are in line with the elegant style of the yacht’s interior spaces. The portside garage allows access to the water and opens onto a 25sq metre sea-level platform. The large beach club comes complete with tables, sun loungers and a shower covering an area of over 60sq metres.<br /><br />Upper Deck<br />An internal stairwell leads to the upper deck which houses a stylish open-plan saloon/dining area filled with natural light, featuring a mural depicting a tranquil sky scene. The versatile dining room is designed to offer an indoor-outdoor experience and glass panels slide open by 120° for al fresco dining options. Once the large circular table is removed, the space also easily converts into an open-air party deck in conjunction with the aft deck.<br /><br />Immediately forward to port is the fully-equipped gym and to starboard is the VIP suite with marble bathroom and sliding floor to ceiling windows which open directly onto the deck. Every detail has been designed to ensure maximum comfort and the decorative finishings create a leitmotiv found throughout the yacht, such as the leather inserts and piping on the double bed matching the owner’s suite.<br /><br />The forwardmost area on the upper deck hosts the captain’s cabin and office, next to the wheelhouse, equipped with five interchangeable screens on glass panels.<br /><br />Owner’s Deck<br />The private access to the owner’s deck – consisting of approximately 400sq metres of reserved space – leads directly into the media room. Designed as a private space for the family to relax in, it boasts a spacious sofa and large TV with a sliding door opening directly onto the aft deck transforming this space into a fully-fledged private outdoor cinema. A particular design detail that is found here and across the owner’s level is the mixed white wool and silk carpet: a custom-made bespoke single piece, with no joins. The mother-of-pearl details on the units create an interesting contrast against the pale oak, while the finish on the interior unit doors adds character to the room.<br /><br />In the forward area, after the spacious walk-in wardrobes, is the owner’s suite, with its centreline king-size bed. The suite is a refined oasis of privacy, decorated with fine details, such as the dark resin back-lit feature lights that create an intimate atmosphere and the marine-themed artwork selected by Winch Design. Of special note is the bas-relief decoration on the wall, with its leaf pattern engraved into the wood: a true work of art, made by a Veneto-based craftsman and woodworker.<br /><br />Her bathroom stands out for its particular choice of marbles, different from all others on the yacht: the classic and semi-classic botticino on the walls are combined with the bush-hammered botticino on the floor, while the washbasin is notable for its dark and velvety shade of cappuccino marble. On the opposite side, his bathroom is sophisticated but practical and as in all bathrooms aboard CLOUD 9, design details are perfectly harmonised to optimise the uniqueness of the overall finish.<br />Sun Deck<br />The sun deck is an area where guests can relax and have fun, soaking up the rays while reclining on the loungers, slipping into the jacuzzi or shooting down the water slide from a height of over 13 metres above sea level. Casual dining and moments of convivial entertainment can be spent around the large round table or at the bar, which is fully-equipped for Teppanyaki-style cooking.<br /><br />CLOUD 9 is powered by two Caterpillar 3516C-Chd 2000 kW@1600 rpm engines, delivering a maximum speed of 16.5 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots.<br /><br />The yacht will be chartering in the Caribbean this winter, represented by Burgess as Worldwide Central Agents, with weekly rates from US$875,000.<br /><br />Already lauded as one of the most impressive new superyachts to hit the water this year, CLOUD 9 is the culmination of the expertise of a team of perfectionists energised by the vision and enthusiasm of a knowledgeable owner.<br /><br />CRN CLOUD 9 will be making her debut at the Monaco Yacht Show later this month.