BEHIND THE SCENES: HELPING AN OWNER CHOOSE INTERIOR MATERIALS FOR THEIR SUPERYACHT

Within this article, we look into a respectively unknown part of the superyacht creation process: the production of samples. Usually done in close cooperation with architects and owners, samples become the owner’s first real experience with the materials that will feature onboard their brand-new yacht.

To achieve an outstanding design, the devil is in the detail, and these details are refined flawlessly thanks to the work of the project’s expert interior specialists, craftsmen and architects. From the grain of the wood and veneer, the structure of special lacquered finishes to the gloss level of the clear lacquer top coating – everything is carefully sourced and considered. After all, the time, capital and dedication that is spent on building a custom superyacht, it deserves to be perfect.

According to interior experts Struik & Hamerslag, a sample is more than just a small part of the interior, it is an opportunity for the owner to gauge how their dream project will feel, look and work. Many superyachts afloat today have hidden treasures on board – whether it be the specially-sourced wood veneer inlaid with an eccentric pattern or hand-carved glasswork, these details will have been first created as a small sample that was inspected by the entire owner’s team and those behind the build.

Similar to fabricating a perfect painting, making a sample is done by applying the materials onto small-sized panels with the exact finishes to create the beautiful art-like pieces to show to the owner. This way, the owner can choose to refine and change the materials until they are ready to be fitted onboard. For example, the 68-metre Feadship yacht for sale Lady Christine, unknowingly to some features a stairway spanning five decks, one deck of which was created with a secret masterpiece. A handmade display of marquetry – a craft which applies pieces of veneer to a patterned structure – portrays the seven wonders of the world, one being Lady Christine herself at the request of her owner. Before taken on board, this selection of wood was seen and approved by the owner as a sample.

Having worked on over 200 superyachts and counting, Struik & Hamerslag is well-known for its bespoke furniture and delivery of consistently fine interior details. The team strives to be as transparent as possible throughout the supply processes, but having to respect strict NDA’s means that the final end-results cannot always be shown. Their craftsmanship, however, never fails to attract new clients to the yachting industry.