Italian shipyard Wider Yachts and Dutch designer Phathom Studio have introduced a new, 72-metre superyacht concept known as Aetherius. According to the shipyard, the design was created for a new generation of owners, with multi-functional, informal spaces catering to a "tech-savvy, sustainability-conscious" clientele.
Drawing inspiration from architecture and the automotive industry, renderings reveal a masculine silhouette with lengthy glazing stretching from bow to stern.
The concept's "Club Beach" is a reimagining of the traditional beach club, aiming to foster a closer connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces. It features a fold-out beach platform decked with simulated sand and openable cabana balconies with pergolas on the port and starboard sides. There is also a gym, Hammam, sauna and indoor-outdoor pool, while lighting panels mimic the sky outside to further blur the lines between the inside and out.
"Open-air spaces characterise many of the areas, designed for multi-functional use, inspired by adventure and connection with the surrounding environment," said Sean Bekeschus, yacht designer and managing partner at Phathom Studio. "We want to fulfil the desires of a new generation of yacht owners who, in a concept like Aetherius, can experience sensations that go beyond mere ownership."
Raquel H. Grijota, yacht designer and managing partner of Phathom Studio, continued: "Connection is the key; each level of the yacht is connected to the adjacent ones in a seamless flow with no sensory, spatial, or visual boundaries. People and nature can touch and experience one another without limits, both outside and inside the vessel, thanks also to the use of completely natural materials."
Inside are plenty of social areas for lounging and relaxing, with outward-facing seating and large windows providing natural light and panoramic views. Sustainability was a key consideration in the design process, with eco-minded materials used throughout, including leather made from leaves and recycled natural fibres.
The upper deck offers further spaces for entertaining with a cinema room where an immersive screen extends to the ceiling. Guests can also enjoy the versatility of the upper deck bar, which also transforms into a disco area.
The owner’s suite provides extra exclusivity with its private owner’s foredeck, complete with a drop-down bulwark to reveal an infinity pool. A further six guest staterooms mean that the yacht can accommodate a total of 14 guests, with further quarters for a crew of 21.
Built on the same technical platform found on other Wider models, Aetherius features hybrid propulsion with its two variable-speed generators and battery bank.
Marcello Maggi, president of W-Fin Sarl, the holding company of Wider, said: "Aetherius is a true technological masterpiece on the sea thanks to our cutting-edge hybrid propulsion system. We are confident that this yacht will mark a new era in the design and construction of superyachts, further raising the standards of the industry."
Jacob Van de Haar, commercial director at Phathom Studio, added: "In collaboration with Wider, we brought to life a vision that merges technical innovation with a design that celebrates both beauty and functionality. We are thrilled with how every detail, from sustainable materials to multifunctional spaces, contributes to offering a unique and unparalleled experience for anyone who steps aboard."
According to BOATPro, Wider has three yachts currently under construction, all belonging to the WiderCat92 series. The first unit in the series, Acali, made her global debut at this year's Cannes Yachting Festival.