THE

BEAUTIFUL

AND THE BOLD

The artistry of over 50 yachts

condensed into one formidable design

In a different league

After having found the right ship, the problem was to find the right designers for conceptualizing her exterior and reimagining the interior.

You can’t just tear down the existing structure and start fresh. The skill lies in preserving the character of the ship; in Ocean Ness’ case, her fortress-like bow and uncompromising lines needed to be preserved, but at the same time she needed a new streamlined exterior. We were looking for consummate technical expertise and radical creativity. We didn’t have to look far since a name kept on cropping up. Espen Øino, the cosmopolitan Norwegian naval architect who established himself on the Cote d’Azur and has left an enduring mark on modern superyacht design.

Espen’s story starts in 1986 when he was hired by the Martin Francis studio to work on the design of the iconic Eco (now Zeus) delivered by Blohm and Voss in 1991. It was an inspired hire, and Espen went on to design some masterpieces of his own including the slightly menacing Skat and the legendary Octopus, one of the largest and most complex explorer yachts to have ever been built.

Espen was immediately drawn to Project MASTER; the tantalizing challenge of seamlessly melding the rugged exterior with an attractive, graceful and functional interior had its own appeal.

“When I saw

her for the first time, the original vessel, I thought yes, I love it. It’s something about her geometry. She looks purposeful and elegant at the same time”

The project was on. All good yachts are designed from the inside out. And no vessel designed for long distance cruising in extreme latitudes can afford not to be.

The first step entails looking at the available structure to see what can be preserved and/or repurposed. The yacht’s specifications must be clear so the technical spaces can be laid out correctly providing good access and support efficient operations. The ability to be self-sufficient must be in-built into the project.

The entire forward section of MASTER was stripped and the existing layout redesigned to include a spa and gym area, a guest office, the galley, crew mess and crew accommodations in addition to storage, lots of it, and large fridges, lots of them, and freezers and a refrigerated garbage unit.

Download the GA

0008 (1) EH-low_res-scale-2_00x-gigapixel_WP.jpg

Finally, the superstructure spread across three decks, was designed for daytime and night time guest accommodations, including a private deck with the owners’ apartment. The new superstructure adds an extra 1000gross tons to the original volume of the yacht.

Opening onto the large commercial heli deck which tops the superstructure, the bridge’s original layout has not been altered. Spacious and commanding, over 12m (39’) above the water with 360-degree views, it is emblematic of MASTER’s expeditionary character.

Built for in-door/out-door living, weather permitting, MASTER has excellent and versatile deck spaces. The main deck is partly covered by the superstructure and doubles as a beach club in warmer climates and as an expeditionary area in extreme latitudes. The 4m (13’) extension is intentionally lower than the main deck so access to the water or to the tenders is safe and easy.

The Entertainment Deck is one deck up. It’s all about ocean living. There is a pool for kids or for cooling off underway, al fresco dining, a bar and conversation areas. The owner’s apartment is on the deck above with its own private outside area aft.

The crowning achievement

is Espen’s redesign of MASTER’s exterior

which embraces and enhances her powerful bow and the angular geometry of the bridge. The bow has been lifted, and the sheer line continues aft past the bridge where it sharply turns downwards outlining the structure of the deck below. The original tender bays have been preserved amidships but appear to have been almost carved out of the ship, sheltered between the bow and superstructure. A satisfying and elegant design where the concave and convex areas are perfectly balanced.

“The most important

consideration when designing an explorer yacht is figuring out exactly where the yacht is going to go.”

We told Espen “To the ends of the world” and he obliged, with a sturdy, functional and versatile layout wrapped in one of the most formidable exteriors he has ever designed!

View the Brochure

The strong commitment to delivering a unique product

is in itself a defining characteristic of Winch Design

A yacht for all seasons

A yacht for all seasons isn’t an easy ask, even for a top designer. Living on board for a limited number of weeks in the Mediterranean summer bears no resemblance to planning a multi-week expedition to an arctic, or merely to a very remote region.

Operationally, it’s an obvious challenge, the stores, food, the gear, medical supplies, and spare parts. The interior presents an equally tough challenge, certainly not a life-and-death matter, but the difference between an extraordinary voyage of a lifetime and an awful trip, memorable for all the wrong reasons.

“A project is about

creating a new home, one that fits like a glove. We usually succeed.”

Winch Design

Unique among designers, Winch Design has the necessary knowledge, experience and sophistication to fulfil the brief.

Winch Design’s founder, Andrew Winch, himself a sailor, was strong-armed into going to sea by his long-time mentor, the legendary Jon Bannenberg. The insights he gained were invaluable. Winch understands not only how a yacht needs to look and feel, but also how it must be put together in order to function well for the crew as well as guests.

Just one example. Competent, experienced crew can make or break a program and are critical to the success and safety of long-term voyages. Comfortable crew accommodation plays a key role in attracting and retaining professionals. MASTER is designed accordingly.

The guest areas are beautifully designed for comfort, not only for show. The fabrics, materials and décor are chosen to create a welcoming, “cashmere cream” environment, where one can kick off one’s shoes and relax.

Download the GA

As a nod to MASTER’s green credentials and far-flung cruising capability, Winch decided that the Ocean Zones, from the sunlight zone to the dark midnight zone, was the perfect theme for the yacht’s decoration. The studio put together a mood board of inspiring soft blues, variations of beige and ecru, and natural materials and named it “A Journey Through the Depths”. Detailed as ever, the neutral feel and uncluttered spaces also provided the ideal background onto which a future owner could impress his or her own style and personality.

A Journey

though the Depths

Jim Dixon for Winch Design explains in his own words:

“At the top of the yacht, the Owner’s Deck draws inspiration from the ocean’s surface, characterized by tranquil light and refractions on shallow waters. A sense of calm is felt, with soft blue and sandy accents, reminiscent of beachy shorelines.

As the sun’s rays penetrate into the sunlight zone, the Entertainment Deck emphasizes vibrant tones and natural textures. Colorful layers mimic the playful interaction of light and water, creating an inviting and energetic ambience, perfect for social gathering and reliving the day’s adventures.

The Wellness Deck is a serene escape themed around the twilight zone, where sunlight fades into a dim glow in the cooler waters. Deeper hues and softer lighting offer a restful environment to maximize relaxation. Elegant textures inspired by coral and marine life add a touch of elegance and sophistication.

Evoking the midnight zone’s mysterious depths, the Main Deck uses darker tones and dramatic lighting to create an intimate and introspective atmosphere. Distinct color and textures replicate the sparse light found at these extreme depths, providing a cozy setting for a personal retreat”.

Entertainment deck salon

Main Saloon & Dining Visual_intV2_edited.jpg

Entertainment deck salon and dining

Main Saloon & Dining Visual_int2V2_edited.png

Master suite apartment

Master suite bathroom

Master suite bedroom

View the areas in the GA

OCEANIC LAYERS, a journey of light, texture and depth

When big names come together…
Thanks to the yard’s in-depth understanding of long-distance cruising, ICON Yachts was able to provide valuable input.
Good headroom provides a sense of space, so the guest areas have 2.50m or 8 foot plus headroom. In the areas where the yacht has been repurposed, the headroom is slightly lower at 2.10m or 6’11”. There is a private study and library for guests in addition to the owners’ apartment with his and her bathrooms, dressing rooms and a private sitting room. Guest cabins are spacious and located on the main deck which gives more light and better views since the windows are large and well above the waterline. Insignificant details at a first glance, but details that make a huge difference, especially on long voyages.