British studio Winch Design has teamed up with brokerage firm Burgess to unveil a yacht concept named Project Ace. Dubbed 'the perfect superyacht', this 72-metre vessel is the result of extensive feedback from yacht owners, crew, and shipyards across northern Europe, Italy, and Turkey. The outcome is a semi-custom platform designed to appeal to both charter and resale markets, featuring several luxurious amenities such as a private owner's deck, an office that doubles as a nail bar, and a 100-square-metre beach club and spa.
BOAT delves deeper into the concept, noting that 'at a smaller size, there are numerous series or semi-custom build options available, which dominate the market in that sector. At larger sizes, we find that our clients often wish to be more involved in the development of the entire concept for the project. This approach fits nicely into a sweet spot where customization is key.' (Crispin Baynes, partner and sales broker at Burgess)
'72 metres is the ideal size to incorporate the features and square metres requested by most clients. It’s also a manageable tonnage in terms of regulatory complexity, allowing shipyards to offer a competitive build time and a high level of customization at an attractive price – all crucial factors in today’s market.' (Jim Dixon, managing partner and creative director at Winch Design)
The exterior and interior design of Winch yachts have always been distinctive, making them instantly recognizable. Project Ace continues this tradition with a pure, balanced, and beautifully proportioned design, featuring a 'blade' signature along its long aft superstructure lines, enabling personalized exterior options with various materials and colors. Winch Design hopes this will attract not just one, but multiple owners.
The design was discussed with several shipyards, including those from northern Europe, Italy, and Turkey, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback. The design and technical platform proposed were deemed feasible and aligned with their design philosophies. Some shipyards suggested a slightly larger version of the same design, which Winch Design is currently exploring.
Project Ace was developed in close collaboration with the Burgess Management team, which includes former yacht crew members. The focus was on creating a yacht with an excellent operational setup to enhance the guest experience. Key considerations included appropriate crew numbers, efficient flow of crew and provisions, and functional storage distributed throughout the yacht.
The design was shared with experienced clients who have chartered, owned, and built multiple yachts. Insights gained from active yachting, such as window heights for seated views and smart floor lighting, were incorporated into the design. Additional features include a ship’s office that converts to a nail bar, flower fridges, beer taps, and larger galleys for chef’s table or ‘kitchen party’ options.
The layout of Project Ace prioritizes the principal guest with a forward-facing master suite offering 180-degree panoramic views. The 100-square-metre waterside beach club and spa, along with the 5.2-metre deck pool, are central to the charter experience. The aft area of the yacht is dedicated to relaxation and socializing, with a central elevator connecting the main deck to the sundeck for easy access.
Project Ace is positioned to achieve a high volume of charters while maintaining an attractive charter rate versus annual running costs. The design offers a fantastic edge without being radical, featuring top-notch functionality suitable for a yacht of this size. Winch Design ensured global appeal by avoiding a skewed design towards any specific market.
Project Ace is not just visually appealing; it comes with unique industry IP, ensuring it will perform well. This yacht is designed to be thoroughly enjoyed by both guests and crew.
