Feadship Project 826 was launched recently

Feadship

After pondering and probing for just the right words (for a lusciously long and satisfying chunk of time), all I really can say about the striking new Feadship that was launched recently is: In my opinion, the lines, proportions, and overall exterior aesthetics of Feadship’s Project 826 are…peaceful and powerful. Now why did it take so long to land on two simple words to describe this new yacht you ask? Because I believe a design like this deserves to be savored. And less is always more when it comes design aesthetics.

Then again, I’m not surprised this design made such a profound impact on me. Malcolm McKeon and his UK-based design team have a well-earned reputation for creating elegant sailing yachts. And as sailor, I have a soft spot for yachts with low freeboard, long purposeful bows, and graceful aft decks.

And unlike some 262-foot-long yachts that can appear, ahem, a bit like a wedding cake, Project 826’s silver superstructure and two well-proportioned, glass-sheathed decks that float above the main deck seem to be inspired by low-slung sailing yachts. And of course, that’s no accident. McKeon and his team draw from their specialist knowledge of high-performance sailing yachts. In addition to striking good looks, the sharp bow and hull that slowly widens aft reduces drag.

“This yacht represents a new design chapter in the Feadship story, and the look is proving popular,” said Feadship Director Jan-Bart Verkuyl. "Achieving a profile this clean whilst accommodating the technical complexity of the stern architecture and the scale of the beach club openings demanded a high level of engineering innovation. McKeon's brief challenged us in the best possible way, and the response from the market suggests we have delivered something the industry has been waiting for."

Like many yachts in this range, the focus of the design is maintaining a connection with the sea. As a result the main and upper decks provide seamless access to the bow and stern. And there is super comfy lounge aft that’s centered around a large glass bottom pool.

But I’m pretty sure the beach club will be the real star of the show. Measuring in at 1,776 square feet, the two-level beach club features a recessed and cozy, low-slung lounge with casual seating and a bar. While the wide perimeter level features massive, teak-covered hatches that fold out to become larges terraces over the sea. The beach club’s 180-degree view is almost seamless due to the lack of bulky hull structure framing the doors.

Now this is a design that I really want to see for myself. Stay tuned.