A Life Aquatic
Against a backdrop of pastels cast by the morning sun, the shadowy figure of a yacht appears on the horizon. The surf laps alongside the vessel while rays of light dance across its deck.
It’s a wake-up call emblematic of the lifestyle embraced by yachters seeking an ultraluxury experience off and on the water. Today’s yachts are more than beautifully adorned vessels that shuttle from point A to point B; they are sleek, graceful masterpieces that deliver all the comforts of home—at sea.
“New motor yacht models reflect a growing trend toward high-end finishes and features that are more in line with a luxury residence,” said Greg Sinks, general manager of California Recreation Company, which oversees four marinas and an electric-duffy boat-rental service in Newport Beach. “Floor plans and layouts are replicating residential designs, in that spaces are more open to allow visibility and togetherness. The goal is to create the perfect combination of recreation and entertaining.
“More and more,” he added, “the comforts and amenities of home are being offered on boats: limestone on stairwell walls, sleek faucet fixtures, Sub-Zero® refrigerators, modern sink designs and his-and-her bathrooms.”
A focus on residential living is key for contemporary yacht owners. The latest trends in home design paired with the freedom to explore the world offer a heightened level of sophistication and practicality at sea.