#Product Trends
A Group presents new superyacht designs in time for the Monaco yacht show
Presenting the global yacht that could accommodate a head of state
The A group is one of the oldest ‘new’ names in yachting. Established in 1985 by architect Richard Hein, the design firm created more than 18 yachts more than 50 meters in length either independently or as part of Oceanco. The brand has been dormant since Hein stepped down as president of Oceanco in 2004 – until now.The A group was born when there was a need to change the direction of design. We evolved the way yachts were being built by starting large projects, on spec with top technology and the Dutch approach to building,’ says Hein.
Today, The A group designs are notable for incorporating construction knowledge. With his design for Vegayachts V853 nearing completion in Germany, Hein’s team has three very different projects capable of PYC certification in development.
The superyacht A400 specifically exploits the Caribbean lifestyle with a vessel that’s ‘not too deep, not too fast and something with unbelievable lines, plenty of outdoor living and an arrangement that guarantees great usability.’ With traditional diesel engines and twin shafts, this steel-hull, aluminium superstructure, the 100-metre superyacht will cruise at around 18 to 20 knots while offering a 6,000nm range for easy repositioning. It is expected to measure at 3,800 GT.
The A420 superyacht, at 115 metres is the group’s bridge-size yacht in the lineup. She has diesel-electric power supplying speeds in the 16- to 18-knot range. The accommodation suits 22 guests, four personal staff and 38 crew. There is much more volume on its 59-foot beam and as a result gross tonnage would be about 6,600. Rather than a beach club aft, the lower deck features an arrivals deck with several options for boarding and stowage for numerous water craft.
Finally, the A410 superyacht, at 135m, is a go-anywhere diesel-electric vessel, a global yacht that could accommodate a head of state, more than one aircraft and neatly matches Hein’s dictum that each boat should have a trademark element. As he says, ’It offers the best of cruising without any limit both in terms of design and navigation.’
