Rolls-Royce Collaborates In Designing a Spectacular Superyacht

Fresh off unveiling the most expensive car ever created in their history, Rolls-Royce shifted gears and showcased their work in a different motor world: superyachts. The traditional automakers revealed their concept in London on Thursday at an event at the Saatchi Gallery.

The partnership between Rolls-Royce and Claydon Reeves is not a new one. In fact, their latest design is an evolution of a previous model the two designed in 2013 called Aeroboat V12. With the new model, dubbed Aeroboat S6, the team kept the same performance-focused mind-set by including the Rolls-Royce V12 Merlin engine (which has been marinized to withstand oceanic environments). For their latest design, however, the duo tapped the British-based naval architecture firm BMT Nigel Gee. With their expertise, the team was able to design a custom feature that can extend the swim platform, rising to meet with the passerelle or lower below the waves for easy access to the water. What this means for everyday use is that, from the superyacht, guests have the option to enjoy al fresco dining in the cockpit amidships with sun loungers located on either side of the wide passageway leading aft to the passerelle. Below deck, there is a day cabin forward with large windows that can transform into a master suite should the owner wish to stay aboard overnight. There is also a shower room, day head and galley. The main passageway provides access to a second cabin and a tender garage that can house a 3.8m tender, or a couple of Jet Skis.

Rolls-Royce is not the only major luxury maker dipping their toes into the world of superyachts. Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, and others have also spent the last few years teaming with various industry-leading designers to create their own iterations.