UK, London. At the 2012 Monaco Yacht Show, Silver Arrows Marine (SAM) revealed a new 14m concept in collaboration with the design team behind the successful German car manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz. The project, which took six years to develop, and has been named by its creators as the Granturismo of the seas, is scheduled to be launched in 2013 and delivered in 2014.



SAM, a UK-based company with offices in London and Monaco, approached two of the most accomplished designers in the industry Martin Francis and Tommaso Spadolini, along with the designers at Mercedes-Benz Style to create their first luxury yacht. “Mercedes-Benz is admired the world over for many of the most wonderful cars ever made. Martin and Tommaso have between them created many of the world’s most exquisite and capable yachts,” explained the chairman of SAM, Ron Gibbs. “Together they have interpreted SAM’s ideas and research, and come up with designs for a 14m luxury motoryacht that is more stylish, innovative and useable than anything currently in its class.”

The new concept is a blend of marine and automotive design, incorporating German styling with engineering from the two renowned marine architects. The yacht features a long foredeck that leads the eye to a raked-back windscreen and its arcing roofline that runs aft and connects to a short tail, mimicking the design cues found on ultra luxury cars with long bonnets and aerodynamic profiles. “Mercedes-Benz has always been very primal and pure, but also exciting and appealing,” explained head of Mercedes-Benz Design, Gorden Wagner, during an interview at the press conference. “Our task was to explore how to apply the Mercedes-Benz design language to the particular proportions and specific requirements of a boat. We wanted to create something special and what we have come up with is indeed unique. The ‘Silver Arrow of the seas’ embodies pure emotion and stands for luxury, style and pleasure.”



The interior offers an open-plan space with carefully considered solutions to maximise usability for 12 guests. This is achieved by incorporating materials and control systems inspired by the automotive industry to help reduce weight but ensure high performance. These materials will also allow for the large windows on the superstructure to open upward like a bird’s wing, and for the roof to fold back to expose the salon to the elements. Forward of the salon is a multifunctional area that can either provide dining for six guests or be converted to sleep two.



Another interesting feature of the yacht is found towards the stern when moored, whereby two sections of the superstructure fold out to the level of the sea. When deployed, a 15sqm swim platform provides easy access to the water for swimming and other water sport activities. However, when this platform is closed, two VM MR706 LX engines—producing 257kW—achieve a top speed of 42 knots and a cruising speed of 36 knots.

“This is a new class of motoryacht for a new class of owner,” said chief executive officer of Silver Arrows Marine, Jacopo Spadolini. “It is not just for seasoned sailors but also for people new to luxury yachts that are unwilling to accept traditional compromises.”



Although the new features of the boat, such as the folding windows and extending rear platform, are still under development and at the prototype stage, SAM has revealed that the first hull is already under construction.

Related Links:
Silver Arrows Marine - company website
Mercedes-Benz Style - company website
Francis Design - company profile
Design Studio Spadolini - company profile

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