AVIVA: A Superyacht Turned the Ultimate Live-Work Space at Sea
At 98.4 metres long and with an interior volume of 4,966 gross tonnes, AVIVA is not simply a superyacht, but an architectural and engineering marvel that proves the possibilities of a life at sea. Delivered by Abeking & Rasmussen in 2017, AVIVA seamlessly blends the functionalities of a luxury residence, a high-performance yacht, and a state-of-the-art mobile office.
While many yachts boast extravagance, AVIVA’s true innovation lies in her purpose. Her owner envisioned a vessel that could serve as a global headquarters, a full-time home, and a daily training ground. The centrepiece of this ambition is a full-size indoor padel tennis court, ingeniously built into the heart of the yacht, 20 metres long, 10 metres wide, and with 6.5 metres of headroom. It's a design challenge that fundamentally shaped the entire structure.
AVIVA’s design is revolutionary not just in layout, but in concept. Her bridge deck office supports a businessman's need for connectivity and control, with the infrastructure in place to operate globally.
That spirit of working and living with equal ease is carried through every space. The upper saloon, with full-height sliding windows, functions as a bright, informal family room. The master suite offers unmatched comfort and stability, located forward on the main deck, and features a remarkably spacious wardrobe. Meanwhile, rather than grand dining halls, AVIVA features intimate ‘bistros’, reflecting how real life is lived, casually, comfortably, and surrounded by family.
But luxury hasn’t been sacrificed for functionality. The interior design, directed by Reymond Langton, eschews traditional symmetry and wood in favour of bold, organic forms. Every surface has texture, richness and tactility, from leather-clad window frames to resin art panels. The result is an atmosphere that feels tailored, refined, and utterly personal.
Engineering excellence underpins this elegance. AVIVA’s patented hull shape reduces rolling for maximum comfort, a feature critical not only for onboard padel matches, but for ensuring a seamless working environment in motion. She cruises efficiently at 16.5 knots, with supplementary electric motors enabling silent night-time travel at 11 knots.
Ultimately, AVIVA is the embodiment of a modern owner's priorities; not just where you go, but how you live while getting there. With her innovative design, robust performance, and unique integration of home, sport, and business, AVIVA is proof that a superyacht can be far more than a boat but a truly global lifestyle platform.
Read indepth magazine