The Sea Swan
Of course, we all know that swans don’t traverse the seas, they are particular to lakes and reservoirs. But if I had to name this yacht something, that’s what I would call it: a sea swan. The concept by Italian designer Lazzarini, however, is called AVANGUARDIA which, if you haven’t guessed, translates into “avant-garde”. Of all of the yachts I have seen, few have come close to the sheer power and elegance this one exudes as it sits docked calmly upon the waters.
My only complaint with the 137-meter AVANGUARDIA is that’s it is not yet a reality. These are simply concept images prepared by the designer, though word going around the Cigar Room at Villa Cora implies that Lazzarini would be more than willing to make it happen for a cool $500,000,000. Before you balk at the price tag, how about taking a look at all of the wonderful features aboard her decks, starting with the obvious: the bridge.
As you can see in the photographs above, the neck raises then lowers itself to the surface of the water whereupon the 16-meter boat (or the ‘head’, if you will) is released. Once the smaller vessel has been launched, the neck returns to its nest and the top of the yacht serves as auxiliary control.
Propulsion of the Avanguardia is handled by an MTU Rolls Royce engine, propelling the yacht up to 18 knots, with two auxiliary electric engines at the rear port that double as detachable jet capsules.
It isn’t a yacht if there’s limited or no accommodations for guests and this gorgeous boat more than delivers the goods, in that regard. We’re talking about five decks, room for sixty on-board passengers, twenty-four guests, twelve staff, and ten crewmembers. There’s even a garage on the starboard side that appears to be able to contain several automobiles and two helicopter hangars up top.
The more I look at this fabulous vessel, the more I think I should do something about my fear of sailing out into the ocean. In fact, I might just have one made for me. No. No, that’s not happening. I’m only rich in theory. But if you’re interested, there’s one in black too.
You can find more information about the AVANGUARDIA and check out Lazzarini’s other fine concepts.
