SimplyAbuDhabi XXXIII

to the sundeck via the yacht’s central spiral staircase, allowing “flickering water- filtered light to cascade all the way down to the lower deck”, says Peder Eidsgaard. Life is made easy with a well-stocked bar, dayhead and shower all neatly integrated into the free-flowing design, as well as a retractable sun screen for those hotter days on board. but it’s the design elements that aren’t instantly noticeable that make life not just easy, but comfortable. When you sit at the bar, you’ll find there is just the right distance between your stool and the seating area pool sides to prop up your feet if required. Whether relaxing by the pool or lounging on the sun pads forward, sight lines to an unforgettable horizon have been guaranteed every time. in fact, this rule applies throughout the yacht, from the raised bed in the master suite, to the private owner’s deck, to the large floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in the flexible living areas; it has all been devised to ensure optimum vistas. There’s little question as to the best view on board, though. Elandess’ sub- waterline neptune Lounge—only the second in existence—gives spectacular access to life above and below the water. dark blue double-tiered seating allows for an underwater theatre display through the huge 3m tall and 100mm thick glass windows. When underway the views are dramatic and special underwater lighting heightens the seascape experience at night. Working closely alongside Harrison Eidsgaard, who also designed the interior, the experienced owner’s ideas (such as a 10m drive-in tender garage) and design preferences have been artfully integrated into her contemporary and flexible layout. Guest accommodation is split across six staterooms, which provide the rare option to be converted into three larger suites. The owner’s cabin on the main deck is equipped with a large office, en-suite with central bath, private deck area and his and hers wardrobes. The use of Cipollini verde marble in the master bathroom showers is beautifully complemented by the addition of a bespoke dressing table by nature Squared, inlaid with mother of pearl. The family’s personality is reflected in the bold and colourful artwork that abounds, from Murano glass sculptures to mother of pearl and plaster walls by dKT Artworks to hand-laid straw marquetry. The owner’s vision was detailed from the start, and incorporated each room. Unusually, Elandess incorporates no less than four lounges. The 2.8m high sky lounge is where the family spend most of their time, and has a relaxed new England feel to it. The observation lounge features richer materials, to give it a more “clubby” feel, while the neptune lounge is a fun area. The main lounge provides a more formal space for entertaining. “no two spaces are the same,” says nicholas Houghton of Harrison Eidsgaard. “it’s not a copy and paste throughout the yacht, every space has a slight quirk, a slight difference. That’s one of the key qualities of Elandess, and i think it adds a lot of drama and unexpected joy.” The location of the wheelhouse is a quirk in itself. it sits nestled between the upper deck and the sun deck, and is essentially a raised pilot house. To achieve this, the wheelhouse is half a deck below the sun deck positioned underneath the swimming pool sun pads, and half a deck above the upper deck in the forward section. “it’s a hidden level which has allowed us to create a sleek exterior profile,” says Houghton. “it also means that the observation lounge takes pride of place on the foredeck, rather than the traditional wheelhouse location, allowing for a huge private foredeck with hidden from view seating areas.” Elandess’ unique naval architecture was developed by Abeking & rasmussen’s in-house team, while burgess Technical Services acted as the owner’s representatives. “The clients gave us clear direction, but they also challenged us and asked us to be bold with our design, colours and textures,” says Houghton. “Elandess is not for charter, it’s a very personal yacht, and they wanted their personality to shine through.”