Mazu

For over 25 years Matt Trustam has been involved in the design and production of over 50 yachts. As a former director and senior designer at Terence Disdale Design, Trustam has worked on a diverse range of projects, from the contemporary minimalist design of 90m Ice to 115m Pelorus. Here Trustam tells us about his latest 120m concept.

This vessel was developed purely as a concept to investigate the styling parameters of an ‘explorer’ type yacht. There are many designs out there, my own included, which encompass some aggressively radical designs. The term ‘explorer’ generally applies to vessels whose funnels/engine exhaust are forward of the vessel’s overall length, making it difficult to create the more general swept back silhouette of the typical yacht. I wanted to create something that was proportional, elegant and instantly recognisable without being radical, alienating or aggressive. I wanted it to be

a safe haven in which to venture to remote places and therefore the name Mazu seemed appropriate — Chinese for sea goddess, protector of seafarers and fisherman.

First, the general arrangement was developed to include all the elements that you would normally find on a yacht of this size. The lower deck comprises an aft lounge facing on to the swim platform, a full spa, beauty treatment room, a gym with its own fold-down platform and bar lounge, also with a fold-down platform. The main deck has a vast aft exterior deck space with a sunken pool. Forward of that is the full-width main salon and dining area, with six well apportioned guest suites ahead of this.

The aft area of the upper deck houses four more large guest suites and an aft lounge for guest use. The forward area comprises part of the owners suite, as it contains a private dining/ meeting area, office and observation lounge, all of which are connected by a private staircase up to the owner’s deck above. The owners deck comprises a forward-facing stateroom with panoramic views, His and Hers dressing and bathrooms behind, plus a large private lounge aft. This deck also accommodates a 12m-long lifeboat/tender.

The bridge deck is made up of the wheelhouse, ship's office, captain’s office, meeting room and captain’s cabin, as well as a helipad aft. Having developed a working general arrangement, it seemed obvious that the front of the boat should have a solid, simple, almost workmanlike aesthetic, with the ability to face any sea. While the rear superstructure, the most viewed area from the deck by the owner and guests, should take on a more elegant, sophisticated sculptural form. It was then a simple question of marrying the two together.

The plan lines of the forward superstructure have a purity in their simple half-circular design, while the hull has a reversed knuckle line giving the forward bow a reinforced appearance.
The double shoulder of the owner and bridge decks afforded me the space needed to accommodate the lifeboat/tender, which is neatly tucked away behind the side bulwarks. They also added a kind of muscle to the design, which seemed appropriate. These combings then run seamlessly aft, integrating the simplicity of the forward superstructure with the elegance of the aft decks.

The rear of the vessel has an added
design feature in the striking stainless steel ’shark teeth’, which support the extended tips of the outboard deck combings and add a touch of drama to the aft decks. These wide open spaces could be optimised
 for the outdoor enjoyment of whale watching, sunbathing, entertaining
and al fresco dining — everything you would expect from an explorer vessel.