Lynx Yachts recently presented a new 95-foot (29-meter) crossover yacht Orion— conceived in collaboration with a new design studio — Dragoni Design Lab. Design principal Michele Dragoni is veteran innovative designer. “Orion is the result of extensive and lengthy market research and analysis carried out together with Lynx Yachts’ management and President. This project reflects twenty-plus years of my experience within the world of yachting, witnessing the demands and needs of customers,” says Sales & Marketing manager at Lynx Yachts, Filippo Rossi.
This research has focused Lynx Yachts’ attention to life at sea and more specifically the various scenarios in which guests experience a typical day onboard. At the heart of this project is the “theatre” on the sea created towards the stern. It is a feature that has never been developed in this way before and the Dutch shipyard team is confident that, once built, it will become a reference point for the yachting community.
The design and name for the project were inspired by the constellation of Orion — a hunter in Greek mythology. It is one of the most conspicuous and recognisable constellations in the night sky and has been an important guide for mariners throughout history, thanks in part to its visibility even during a full moon.
“The constellation takes the form of two trapeziums, which are joined along one side to create an evocative play of shapes.” Says, Michele Dragoni “It is this form that inspired me for the design of the superstructure and in particular, the connection between the hull and the wheelhouse, the latter of which is completely separate from the upper deck saloon.”
The proportions of the profile ensure large open spaces and generous visibility towards the stern, while the design is modern and embraces a typical Mediterranean style. The general arrangement reveals the play between smooth surfaces and sharp edges, to create a look that is dynamic and elegant at the same time. While the spaces within the yacht are open and offer an unobstructed connection between the various areas of the crossover Orion, from the beach club platform right the way through to the forward lounge. To put it into perspective, the interior offers an open living area the equivalent length of a tennis court.
There is a 20-foot (six-meter) tender is housed on the aft platform housing the tender instead of the main deck. To ensure guests can still enjoy the view when the tender is on board, the interlocking of volumes between the main deck and beach platform at the staircase has been perfected, to avoid a visual obstacle.
“This approach has allowed for the inclusion of what could be described as a theatre facing the sea,” says Dragoni “which is intended as a playful area for convivial functions when the tender has been deployed.“ Access to the sea from the beach platform is guaranteed by a large transformer.
The davit to maneuver the tender is accessed within the structure, aft of the hull —integrated into the sharp design of the superstructure. The careful position of the davit ensures that none of the main furnishings need to be moved or stored during the launch and retrieval of the tender — a useful feature for guests and crew alike.
The main saloon is designed to ensure a wide and bright view from the inside to the outside, thanks in part to the use of full-height glass doors and windows and also in the positioning of the stairs and relative volumes towards the bow. The internal and external areas of the main deck, strongly connected to each other, have been conceived for informal and convivial use and are furnished with loose furniture, which are customizable.
The upper deck houses a large functional wheelhouse, equipped with external wing stations and offers direct access to the forward areas for crew operations. Aft there is a panoramic dining area, which can be set up for either outdoor or indoor use thanks to large sliding windows that can be maneuvered into position depending on the desired dining setting. Additional light is provided with the inclusion of a large skylight.
Aft of the dining room is an exterior area that includes a bar and can be accessed via an external staircase. The incorporation of a walk around configuration on the upper deck allows guests to easily access the bow and a panoramic seating area.
On the lower deck are four guest cabins — two twin suites, a VIP suite and a full beam master suite.
The galley is located forward on the main deck on the port side and has a dedicated crew entrance, in-line with the characteristics of larger boats. While crew quarters are located aft of the engine room, accessible via a hatch in the aft staircase and include two cabins for a total of four crew. This area also includes a laundry room.
