Each week, we place a spotlight on one of the world’s finest yachts for charter. This week, BOAT takes a look at 90-metre DAR, Oceanco's shark-inspired superyacht with an extraordinary use of glass…
When it comes to design, using glass as a core feature is vastly impressive. Not only does heavy usage of glass present technical challenges during the build but functional ones too, requiring clever approaches to things like privacy, upkeep and maintenance. Despite all this, DAR successfully hit the water in 2018 with a 360-square-metre glass-sided superstructure - clearing the various challenges that come with such a feature. The vastly impressive, seemingly uninterrupted glass superstructure comprises 186 panels, 28 of which are double curved architectural glass, one of naval architecture's classic challenges.
Despite the complexity of the design, DAR was built true to Luiz de Basto’s mind-bending concept, which he began formulating eight years before its completion. The idea was to let the outside world pour into the yacht – a popular approach, but taken to new heights with flush glass panelling that has created an unparalleled connection with the water.
It isn’t, however, the use of glass alone that makes DAR a sensational charter yacht. Her powerful shark-like design, elegant interiors by Nuvolari Lenard and artistic features by DKT Artworks present her as one of the finest yachts on the charter market.
Key Features
LOA: 90m
Builder: Oceanco
Year: 2018
Guests: 12
Crew: 30
As you step on board DAR, a wide central staircase will encourage you up to the upper deck, where lies an oval six-metre pool with a waterfall cascading from the owner’s deck above. The space is huge with sun loungers and serpentine side sofas neatly positioned around the pool as well as a dining table beyond. Where the exteriors end and interiors begin isn’t entirely obvious here as the table – which is protected with glass panels – feeds into the interior bar area and TV saloon beyond.
In keeping with the vast windows and natural surroundings, the interior palette is neutral, but purposeful with light-hued timbers, linen and of course glass. Texture is everywhere, and while it doesn’t leap out at you, the detailing keeps the space interesting so that guests will still notice new elements until the last second of their charter. Brass table-tops resemble bubbly coral, while fish motifs are etched into the walls – the effect is an abundance of texture that is not cluttered or overcrowded.
Motifs can be found dotted throughout the interiors with fish, olive leaves, waves and blossoms in the panels. This is ramped up significantly when you reach the staircase that wraps around the antiquated bronze lift. Finished in Venetian plaster, a school of fish protrude from the wall, swimming up alongside.
There are actually 120 different fabrics and more than 20 saddle leathers on board DAR, a mighty design achievement that remains effortless and elegant in her aesthetic. Linens have been used as joinery on doors, many fabrics are embroidered and sycamore, maple and ash are used throughout.
Accommodation on board DAR is for up to 12 guests split across seven cabins. This includes an upper deck owner’s suite complete with a private terrace that looks out over the bow with its own spa pool. In fact, the owner (or principal charter guest), will have an entire deck to themselves like their own 135-square-metre apartment. The space has its own large deck, and an outdoor cinema 15 metres above sea level.
Life on board DAR
Catering for all kinds of lifestyles DAR could be a family haven, a wellness centre, a ballroom or all the above. Should guests wish to keep up with the fitness regime, a fully equipped 70-square-metre gym and with floor-to-ceiling windows can be found on the main deck aft (behind the Tiger Theatre). Following a tough workout in the gym – or out on DAR’s inflatables – guests can unwind in the spa. Here, there is a hammam, a walk-in rain shower, a sauna, a massage and a beauty salon.
The spa menu includes Elemis deep cleansing facials to detoxify the skin, hot stone massages, full body exfoliation, reflexology massages and lash treatments among much else.
In the galley, chef Mads Thomsen can prepare meals in the style of Modern French, Mediterranean, Scandinavian and Asian Fusion cuisine. His menus include playful takes on Nordic cuisine, intricate lunches inspired by the French Riviera and decadent beach barbeques.
Meanwhile, chef Conor Dempsey, DAR’s other chef who trained in some of the finest three Michelin-starred establishments on the planet can impress guests with a range of exciting dishes that he has been inspired by from the many years around the world as a chef. On Dempsey’s menus, guests can expect to find poached king crab and avocado ravioli, sushi platters and lightly smoked Japanese Hamachi.
There are also a multitude of skill sets among the crew that go beyond the call of duty including hairdressing deckhands and an international surf instructor. The chef is also a drone pilot and photographer, while the chief stewardess is a fully qualified yoga instructor.
Where will DAR be cruising?
DAR is available to charter with Large Yacht Corp for a weekly rate of €1,400,000 this summer season. She will be cruising the Mediterranean in the summer months.