HomeYachtsIntroducing the Ludicrous Glass-encased Catamaran

Introducing the Ludicrous Glass-encased Catamaran

Tecnomar’s groundbreaking 143-foot catamaran, known as “This Is It,” has taken the yachting world by storm. Its futuristic silver design stole the spotlight during the recent Monaco Yacht Show, and Robb Report was among the first to explore its intriguing features. With nearly 6,500 square feet of floor-to-ceiling glass windows and an innovative asymmetric interior inspired by both marine life and the automotive industry, This Is It has become one of the most captivating and polarizing yacht launches of the year.

This Is It presents a design that is unlike any other yacht. From the side, a sweeping arch encircles a bank of clear glass, featuring a long side balcony exclusively for the owner on the upper deck. The rear of the yacht boasts stepped access leading to a generously sized asymmetric open-plan aft deck, offering the most unobstructed space on the vessel. Above, the upper deck balcony provides stunning views of a central pool and spacious sunpads that stretch across the yacht’s impressive 48-foot beam.

This vessel is more akin to a floating island than a traditional catamaran, featuring an optimized hull designed for hydrodynamic efficiency and reduced fuel consumption. For owner Tasos Papanastasiou, a self-made Cypriot, it was love at first sight. According to Signe Putna, marketing specialist at The Italian Sea Group, Papanastasiou was initially considering building another yacht. However, when he saw the designs for this catamaran, he pointed to it and exclaimed, “This is it!” It was not only his dream boat but also the yacht’s namesake.

The main aft deck seamlessly blends with the interior living space, creating a single open area that can be exposed to the elements or enclosed by large floor-to-ceiling doors in inclement weather. Inside the main salon, a striking backlit crystal chandelier hangs above a curved cocktail bar. The layout emphasizes social areas defined by shapes rather than traditional walls. For instance, a starboard seating nook features an elongated sofa and an oversized TV, creating an indoor cinema ambiance. On the opposite side, a formal dining area accommodates up to 12 guests.

This Is It” was conceived not as a conceptual study but as a yacht meant to be built, according to Papanastasiou. Consequently, feasibility was a key consideration in the yacht’s design, despite its novel content and style. The intricate, curved shape of the aluminum superstructure pushed the Italian builder to its limits. Weight management was a critical engineering factor, given the extensive use of glass in the project. Even a slight change in displacement could significantly impact drag, trim, and speed.

The design’s standout feature is the extensive use of onboard glass, including floor-to-ceiling windows and strategically positioned skylights. Despite this, the interior can feel dark and maze-like, a sensation alleviated by ample backlighting and LED strip lighting in stairwells and alcoves.

One of the largest skylights is located 11 feet above the bed in the light-filled master suite. The king-sized bed is positioned in the center of the room, offering unobstructed views of the sea. A private forward balcony with glass balustrades ensures clear lines of sight. A vertical garden spans two decks, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a coastal villa. Hidden behind the bed’s headboard is a desk, a separate vanity station, and a mirrored walk-in wardrobe.

The spaceship-inspired design carries into the master bathroom, which features a substantial checkered skylight, and the spacious galley equipped with polarized glass for hosting culinary demonstrations and show cooking.

This Is It accommodates a total of 12 guests in five guest cabins, each with en suite facilities. The yacht also provides space for a crew of 12, along with a day head on every level.

The upper deck features a spa with a dedicated treatment area, sauna, and sensorial shower. Adjacent to the spa is a children’s playroom that can be converted into an additional cabin when extra guest accommodations are needed. According to Putna, the owner didn’t initially seek a multi-hull yacht but fell in love with the design.

The interior, designed by Mattia Piro and Gian Marco Campanino of the Italian Sea Group, incorporates leather, Alcantara suede, oak, and gray marble accents. Silk panels adorn the walls, while the ceilings are painted with metallic finishes in bronze, platinum, and gold. The yacht’s character is defined by a blend of “sinuous shapes” and “decisive geometric cuts,” according to the shipyard, a modest description of its truly unique design.

“This Is It” truly shines at night. Neon blue lights trace the arch of the superstructure, while white downlights and LED strip lights accentuate every contour.

After making its debut at the Monaco Yacht Show, “This Is It,” which was sold and project-managed by IYC, returned to the shipyard for final adjustments. It is scheduled for delivery early next year and will be available for charter through IYC, becoming the world’s largest charter catamaran.

Tecnomar has made several noteworthy launches in recent years, including the highly popular Lamborghini 63 by Tecnomar, showcasing the brand’s ability to craft yachts of varying sizes and styles.

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