Monday, September 3, 2007

The first hull of the new CRN 43 displacement line, "Emerald Star", launched last May, is the largest vessel ever produced by the CRN shipyard in composite materials. The mega-yacht presents a one-of-its-kind external layout, together with a masterful arrangement of the internal spaces. <br /><br />A joint effort of the CRN technical staff and the Zuccon International Project Firm, which handled the design of the internal and external lines, this 43-metre maxi-yacht has three decks and a bulbous hull. <br /><br />An ideal ship for long, comfort-filled cruises, "Emerald Star" can accomodate 10 passengers and 9 crew members. <br /><br />The external spaces feature large volumes and extensive open-air spaces, all designed to allow the shipowner and guests to regain a more direct contact with the sea. <br /><br />This is the point of the installation, on the aft portion of the lower deck, of a fitness room equipped with the most advanced Technogym equipment available, entered from the outside by means of an open-air stairway made of steel and teak, and from the inside along a passageway that connects it directly to the main lounge. The CRN 43-metre expresses a new philosophy of life at sea. Now cruising on a mega-yacht provides not only an occasion for discovering exotic paradises, but also a chance to take care of one’s body and soul. Another distinguishing feature of this ship is the area created by opening the stern hatch, which transforms itself into a beach platform perched over the water, connected with the fitness area and designed to bring guests as close to the sea as possible. <br /><br />While the external areas of "Emerald Star" stress its distinctive personality, thanks in no small part to the colours of the fabrics, selected in striking hues of emerald green and blue, all the interior settings are decorated in a more formal style. The undying allure of the classic, expression of a mature, refined taste on the part of a shipowner who is not influenced by passing fads, but searches for motifs whose elegance and value remain unchanged over time. <br /><br />Exquisite panelling in natural cherry wood is found on all four decks of the maxi-yacht, interrupted only at its juncture points (hallways and lobbies) by sumptuous inlays of tobacco-colour, antiqued leather. The decorative effect of the wall linings simulates the classic capitonnè upholstery of the eighteenth century. The warm colours of the wood, combined with the sinuous lines of the furniture, make "Emerald Star" a striking mix of beautiful forms and colours in the classic style. And the harmony and balance of the ship’s decorative elements are further showcased by the large quantity of light that enters through its extensive windowed areas. <br /><br />The spaces on all the decks are designed with large windows that give light a leading role onboard. <br /><br />Set in the majestic white hull of the "Emerald Star" is the roomy well area of the main deck, outfitted with comfortable sofas, in what makes for an exclusive shaded area for conversation and relaxation. <br /><br />A sliding door leads to the main lounge, which is combined with the dining room for twelve, in a space measuring more than 60 m2. <br /><br />A balance of forms and volumes, set off by a touch of originality, are the dominant themes in the refined drawing room, where two colours, white and gold, are skilfully mixed and matched in the fabrics of the soft couches, cushions and curtains, all rendered even more appealing by exclusive fixtures. Even the coffee table between the two sofas is made with a special mirror-polished surface that reflects the white light of the table lamp decorated with gold leaf. <br /><br />A special interpretation of the Fabergé style provides the inspiration for the skilful design of the drawing room, rendering the space as pure and precious as the works of art of the celebrated goldsmith. <br /><br />Select materials, master craftsmanship and painstaking attention to even the smallest details bring to mind the flair and sensibility of the Tsar’s jeweller, capable of installing rich, luxuriant features with a natural touch. The main lounge is also equipped with a corner bar and a 42" plasma TV screen that folds up into the bureau found in front of the conversation area. Completing the day area is the dining room, where the dual chromatic theme is reprised on the base of the glass table and the chairs, with white fabric adorned with motifs in gold. <br /><br />Moving towards the bow, one passes through the lounge, decorated, as in the case of the upper-deck lounge, with a marble floor. A large stairway connects this point with all the decks of the "Emerald Star", while the kitchen, found on the left, is made entirely of steel and corian by Ernestomeda. The effect is spare and technical, but with all the equipment needed to produce haute cuisine. <br /><br />The shipowner’s suite, preceded by a private studio, faces out onto the sea, thanks to an exclusive terrace that is a special feature of this ship. The resulting space is furnished with comfortable upholstered chairs and a coffee table, allowing the shipowner to enjoy a very private view of the ocean. The dominant decorative element in his cabin, which includes a relaxation area with a chaise-lounge and a vanity table, is the massive headboard of the bed, done in antiqued, tobacco-coloured leather, while the bedspread echoes the various shades of ivory and brown. Completing this area is an elegant bathroom, equipped with a double entrance, two sets of toilet facilities and a large central shower, all decorated with gold calacatta and Istria stone marble. <br /><br />The layout of "Emerald Star" includes a lower deck that where the night area for the guests and the crew is situated. The sailors have use of a dinette and four cabins, while the Captain’s cabin is found behind the bridge, on the upper deck. <br /><br />In the 4 guest cabins, three with double beds and one with twin beds, the headboards are once again the dominant motif. In decorating these suites, which comes with a wardrobe closet and separate bathroom, the shipowner chose headboards handmade from single pieces of material. Faced with leather or fabric, this decorative element has been elaborated in soft, moulded forms closely tied to the style of each setting. In fact, the various rooms display different styles: a floral atmosphere of the Liberty school, oriental patterns, nineteenth-century draping and geometric designs are all framed by the light, which once again provides the scenic effect. Unlike other ships, the cabins on the lower deck of "Emerald Star" have a large panoramic window that runs for almost 2 metres in length, facing out onto the sea. <br /><br />In the stern portion of the lower deck is the engine room, where two CATERPILLAR C32-C engines power the vessel at a maximum speed of 15.5 knots and a cruising speed of 13 knots: levels of performance that provide the crowning touch for a vessel which stresses the pleasure of navigation and life onboard, thanks in large part to the installation of 7 MITSUBISHI ARG MSM-5000 stabilisers. The garage on the lower deck holds a CASTOLDI 21 JET tender, while a second, ARIMAR 360 tender is kept in a special covered housing in the forward portion of the main deck, opened with an electronically controlled hydraulic mechanism. <br /><br />The upper deck is reached by taking the lobby stairway, which leads guests directly to the panoramic lounge of the upper deck. <br /><br />Covering an area of 40 m2, the sky lounge is equipped with a corner bar and a 42" plasma-screen TV that disappears into its cabinet, with the outside, covered well area, outfitted with a dining room table and comfortable, built-in couches, representing its natural continuation. <br /><br />While the main lounge constitutes the focal point of onboard hospitality, adorned in a classically luxuriant style, the relaxation area on the upper deck follows an entirely different theme: that of travelling and discovery, with exploration of faraway, mysterious settings. Natural fabrics, including those of the ochre-coloured couches and pillows decorated with animals of the savannah, plus the camel-colour drapes and the comfortable stuffed leather chairs, reinforce this approach. In place of a coffee table there is a full-fledged Colonial style trunk, while the two lamps that adorn this lounge are ethnic in style, being made from twisted wood decorated with carvings of primitive symbols. <br /><br />The simplicity with which "Emerald Star" goes from a rigorous, classic style to a more informal scheme brings to light its cosmopolitan spirit: the passion for exclusivity and the zest for travel that are deep-rooted qualities of the shipowner, an expert when it comes to making design choices. <br /><br />Heading towards the forward portion of the upper deck, we reach the wheelhouse, equipped with all the latest onboard instrumentation, as well as a small, elevated couch for taking in the navigation from an unusual, privileged viewpoint. <br /><br />Another one-of-its-kind feature is the large sundeck, whose forward portion is equipped with a Jacuzzi whirlpool surrounded by roomy cushioning, while the stern portion comes with a barbecue, sun loungers, a pair of motor-scooters and a bar protected by a roll-bar. Thanks to the mainmast, built large enough to hold toilet facilities, plus a shower and storage space, guests are provided with every imaginable comfort on the sundeck. <br /><br />Photo Credit: Maurizio Paradisi