Designer Insight into 107m Superyacht Project OI

OI's trailer paints a picture straight out of a Bond movie, depicting a personality that is coming to define a new and growing trend of superyachts. These designs have shaken off their traditional bonds for something altogether different. Gritty, edgy and formidable, OI is a superyacht designed for the future.

Q. What is the design inspiration behind OI?

A. Our inspiration behind the OI concept was to create something unseen. Something that is beautiful, a step away from the explorer and military yacht look style developed during recent years. OI is an homage to the elegant ocean liners of the 1920’s. We wanted to create a superyacht in which modernity and technology merges with heritage, quality and uniqueness. 

Q. Were there any challenges in designing to this size? How were they overcome?

A. A challenge was definitely to find the right proportions. Spaces have to be human, positive and happy. On superyachts, spaces are often large with low ceilings, giving the feeling of being cramped even though you are on a superyacht. We took special attention to this, and gave OI a higher ceiling height than most, if not any superyacht.

Q. What are the most exceptional features of OI? 

A. First would definitely be her sunken glass helicopter garage, which effectively makes the helicopter a piece of art visible through a full width glass front from the indoor pool. The indoor pool itself is pretty remarkable, and opens out on both sides. Then there is the dedicated Owner’s deck, entirely private and positioned above the main and upper deck to give the best views available onboard. 

Q. What kind of Owner is the superyacht geared towards?

A. We are aiming for owners with the desire of a yacht that is truly special and unique. A yacht that is not only beautifully sexy, timeless and classic, but also technically on the highest niveau.

Project OI boasts an exceptional three swimming pools, accommodation for 20 guests in 10 cabins and remarkable indoor ceilings up to 2.7m in height. Christoph Kuhnert collaborated with Ludes on the naval architecture of the yacht, while Christian Ekeberg of IYC is the yacht broker for the Central Agency. Depending on interior customisations and choice of shipyard, OI will cost between €250 - €350million to build.