Simply Abu Dhabi XXXVI

2 0 6 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I Introduced to the owner by yacht broker and owner’s rep, Kurt Lehmann of Yacht Moments (whom Zucker + Partner have a long-standing working history with), Zucker and his team took on much of the technical specifications and quality control. “It’s easy to name and specify two main engines and three main generators, but how do you specify perfection?”, he says. “It’s a permanent communication between the shipyard, the build team and the owner. There is almost no day when the shipyard doesn’t come up with new sketches that need to be discussed and amended, from the owner’s bathroom, to the saloon, to the galley.” Metis’ strikingly modern interior has been architecturally designed by Bannenberg & Rowell, who were introduced to the project from the beginning. Bleached oak and polished steel are the main materials of choice, peppered with leather inlays and carbon fibre detailing. German designer Birgit Otte was later brought in on the project at the owner’s request to give the loose furnishings and fabric selection a more feminine touch, not to mention ensure the yacht (which is registered for private use) was designed with the foresight for charter should that be required in the future. “The owner is very experienced, and knew exactly what he wanted”, says Dickie Bannenberg. “We had to strike a balance between an interesting interior that had commercial viability, so not too safe or predictable, but with a point of difference.” On the upper deck resides a generous lounge area with a grand piano and bar, and more vast outdoor spaces for both relaxation and al fresco dining, including a seven-person jacuzzi. The midship section and stern, however, are entirely occupied by the 160sqm owner’s area, with a full beammaster suite that unusually features two double beds separated by a Jack and Jill en-suite. Equipped with large his and hers showers distinguished by Calacatta and coffee brown marble, one with sea view, sauna and shower, and the other with bathtub. The suite is almost entirely framed by full-height panoramic windows that flood the setting with light, while a vast external terrace with a touch and go helipad offers panoramic views and guaranteed privacy. Rather significantly, the interiors are rotated 30-degrees with respect to traditional configurations and offer some unusual and surprising vantage points. “This is something that we’re doing a lot more of on board yachts, and it just adds a little point of difference in terms of the vistas, not to mention more design articulation”, says Bannenberg. A children’s play area and double cabin with bathroom are located on the main deck opposite the mirror-image nanny cabin, while on the lower deck a further four guest cabins are located, enabling Metis to accommodate a total of thirteen guests. The stern beach club and cabana benefits from two extending side terraces, in addition to the stern platform, making this an original sea-view lounge of impressive proportions. On the water level at its very best, while watersports entertainment is catered for by way of a 7.5m tender and two jet skis. Propulsion is provided by two 1,380 KWMTU 12V engines delivering a top speed of 16 knots and a range of 5,000Nm at a cruising speed of 12 knots.