‘Feadship Royale’ Revealed
Feadship has revealed its new Future Concept at the Monaco Yacht Show 2013. Feadship Royale is a spectacular testimony to the art of glass. As is customary for this annual prototype, Feadship Royale super yacht has been created with the next generation of superyacht owners in mind. In this case the draughtsmen have given full rein to their imagination on the potential requirements of two specific hypothetical owners. To mark the year of the King’s coronation, mega yacht concept Feadship Royale theorises on how King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima – and the country, which they serve – might use a Feadship.
Majestic and modest; glamorous yet practically minded. These fascinating contrasts are the hallmarks of the modern Dutch royal family. And they are also key characteristics of the new Future Concept Feadship Royale yacht, which serves two distinct purposes: a home-away-from-home for the royal family and a way of showcasing Dutch industry via hosting trade missions around the globe. Willem-Alexander has long been an ambassador for the Netherlands in many areas of sport and business. In facilitating this part of his work as King, Feadship Royale will be the pride of the Dutch people too.
“Feadship Royale is not an official gift for their majesties, although we do hope they have fun exploring our thinking on their behalf,” comments Farouk Nefzi, marketing & brand director at Feadship. “Feadship has built a number of stately super yachts for sovereigns from around the world. We also designed Piet Hein, a gift from the Dutch people to King Willem- Alexander’s grandmother Princess Juliana on the occasion of her marriage in 1937. It is fair to say that we are rather proud of this royal heritage.”
“While recent builds such as Venus have already established our leading position in this highly specialised area, Feadship Royale deploys glass to an unprecedented degree,” explains Tanno Weeda, one of the design team responsible. “Having a full-height glass superstructure is a challenging concept but we are convinced that it is now technically possible. As more and more glass is used on land-based projects, our sophisticated clients have the right to expect the same on their superyacht. Ovens of the size required to bend giant glass panels are now available, and Feadship has the design and construction expertise to ensure total safety at sea.”
The King and Queen can also be easily seen by the people on the low open aft deck, which allows guests to be received in style. Once onboard Feadship Royale they will experience a genuine thrill as they come into the grand entrance to the atrium and main staircase. This area can be deployed as an exhibition area across all three storeys to promote Dutch industry. An extra floor can be created to expand floor space and the open aft deck has a wraparound swim platform where private tenders can moor alongside for public shows and entertainment. The Holland Lounge situated below the aft deck is a great place for guests to network in a convivial atmosphere.
Another major section of the meticulous layout is the private owners’ apartment forward on the main deck, featuring a lounge and four staterooms. When the royal couple have time for themselves they can snuggle down in their very own all-glass three-storey hideout in the bow. A royal yacht should respect the environment. On superyacht Feadship Royale electrical power comes from two medium-speed 2000kW diesel generators. She would already meet the IMO Tier III and EPA Tier 4i regulations – due to come into force in 2020 – without requiring after-gas treatment.
“Every bespoke Feadship reflects the challenging and inspiring demands of our clients,” concludes Nefzi. “In the case of Feadship Royale we have balanced two widely differing requirements in a single design. With its lavish use of glass the yacht has the ‘wow’ factor one would expect from a vessel that will entertain dignitaries from around the world, while at the same time she reflects the transparent approach to life taken by the Dutch royal family.”
