Art Deco, a design movement known for its enduring appeal, has left an indelible mark on various aspects of culture, from the iconic Empire State Building in New York City to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s literary masterpiece, “The Great Gatsby.” Its distinctive attributes, characterized by bold colors and precise geometric forms, have found a captivating resonance in the world of yachting, exemplified by vessels like Phoenix 2, Sycara IV, and the classic yacht Malahne.
However, yacht designer Christian Leyk’s visionary concept, the Steamer 888, pushes the boundaries of Art Deco influence to new horizons. He poses a question that sparks imagination: “What if you were to turn the Chrysler Building horizontally and set it afloat?” In Leyk’s vision, this concept embodies an era profoundly influenced by nautical themes and characterized by the harmonious convergence of elegance and innovation.
Leyk explains his fascination with the Chrysler Building, hailing it as the most exquisitely designed skyscraper in history. He notes the unique allure stemming from the seamless blend of elegance and innovation that defined that era.
The Steamer 888 derives its name from the steam trains of the 1930s, drawing inspiration from the design elements of that era. Notably, the yacht features a chrome “radiator” on the sundeck’s cocktail bar and a gracefully curved chrome handrail on the floating staircase, paying homage to the aesthetics of steam locomotives, particularly the Henry Dreyfuss-designed New York Central Hudson 4-6-4 steam locomotive.
The yacht incorporates other Art Deco elements, including a curved, elevated swimming pool on the main deck aft, reminiscent of British public bathhouses. Adorned with white ceramic tiles and looped step handles, it serves both functional and decorative purposes. The pool design incorporates high walls, ensuring practicality and aesthetics, in contrast to traditional infinity pools.
Leyk sought inspiration from the lines of the Lockheed Super Constellation aircraft and employed triangular shapes throughout the yacht’s design language, visible in the flooring, transom, and Sat domes. An innovative storage box, positioned beneath the mast, mirrors the chrome design of a 1950s classic Dualite toaster, complete with air ribs for ventilation.
While Art Deco has a prominent presence in yachting, Leyk believes that its execution often falls short of authenticity. He aimed to create a concept that not only exudes beauty but also adheres faithfully to the principles of Art Deco design.
Despite its vintage appearance, this tri-deck yacht incorporates modern amenities seamlessly. Glass balustrades and a frosted glass floor on the sundeck illuminate the deck below. The yacht also offers two spacious salons, a full-beam owner’s suite, a beach club with a gym, and a touch-and-go helipad.
Efficiency for long-distance cruising is achieved through a sleek and narrow fast displacement hull, making the 289-foot yacht feel more akin to a 200-foot vessel. Leyk believes that owners are willing to make this compromise to avoid overloading the yacht with excess volume or excessive decks.
The yacht’s monochrome exterior is complemented by a cinematic interior meticulously designed by French design studio Silvia Iraghi Interiors. The interior features rounded furniture and soft shapes that harmonize with the exterior’s decorative elements. Marble and wood flooring, along with a backlit resin ceiling composed of individual panels, create a dynamic and luxurious environment, enhancing the overall guest experience.
Steamer 888 marks the inaugural collaboration between Iraghi and Leyk. As a designer who honed his skills working with renowned figures such as Evan Marshall and Ken Freivokh, Leyk places great importance on crafting concepts that reflect the unique identity of each owner. With his own studio, coquine![design], Leyk enjoys the creative freedom to explore uncharted territory and ignite the imaginations of future yacht owners.
He believes that there are prospective owners who have yet to encounter a concept that truly resonates with their passions. By extending an invitation for owners to become part of the creative journey, Leyk aims to unlock the magic of design and bring their dreams to life.
