Dutch shipyard Icon Yachts has appointed British studio Winch Design as the interior designer for the 70-metre Project Master. The announcement was made at this year's Monaco Yacht Show.
The shipyard is in the process of converting the Kleven-built offshore rescue and support ship Ocean Ness into one of "the world's most capable explorer yachts", with delivery anticipated for this year. First announced at the 2021 Monaco Yacht Show, the red-hulled vessel arrived at Icon Yachts' drydock facility in Harlingen in 2022.
Since then, various parts of the vessel have been demolished and the old interiors have been ripped out to be replaced, leaving a blank canvas for the Winch Design team to work with. The conversion is the first of its kind to be undertaken by Icon since the delivery of 68.2-metre Ragnar in 2020.
The project has also been designed in collaboration with Espen Øino and will see Ocean Ness undergo a four-metre extension, bringing her total length to 70 metres while retaining 95 per cent of the ship's original platform and superstructure.
"Project Master is the ultimate exploration vessel, and we are delighted to be working with Icon Yachts to offer a platform for discovering uncharted territories," said Jim Dixon of Winch Design. "At the heart of the design is a constant connection with the surrounding seascape, and an ambience of social relaxation and adventurous episodes. Each layer of the interior tells a story, taking guests on a journey of discovery through the depths of the ocean."
The studio will also be utilising "eco-friendly" materials and suppliers.
Accommodation is for 12 guests across six en suite cabins including a 140-square-metre owner's suite. On the upper deck, guests will find the main saloon with floor-to-ceiling windows, with the remaining guest accommodation positioned on the main deck, comprising two VIP cabins and three twin cabins. Once complete, Project Master will sleep an additional 19 crew.
The project was sold to an experienced superyacht owner looking to travel further afield. "The owner was initially playing with the idea of a new build but after talking to us and seeing the benefits of a conversion project he was convinced," said Stephan Vitus, head of project development at Icon Yachts. "We spent a long time with the family trying to identify a vessel for the conversion and this is exactly what they were looking for in terms of the facilities and the platform."
The owners brief called for a "family-orientated" vessel capable of tackling extended voyages while remaining suitable for charter. Project Master's explorer credentials will include a large toy store, a 42-square-metre expedition area and two 11.5-metre cranes that can be altered to launch and recover submarines and other guest tenders. On the top deck lies a fully certified helicopter deck that can double as a space for entertaining, providing more than 200 square metres of additional outdoor space.
The owner also requested a Jacuzzi, spa, sauna and gym to be incorporated into the design.
Yacht management firm JMS Yachting is working alongside Icon on the project, having removed all the equipment from the wheelhouse to be recycled or reused. The team will also give Project Master all-new technology to ensure she is "ready for the next 20 years and significantly more comfortable".
Project Master will feature hybrid thrusters to allow for near-silent cruising at 10 knots. The configuration of the propulsion will also allow for the installation of a full diesel-electric system at a later stage, offering her owner future-proof possibilities. Once complete, Project Master will have a top speed of 14 knots and a range of more than 6,000 nautical miles.
For those attending the Monaco Yacht Show, visit Stand DS103 to say hello to the BOAT International team.