Ricky Smith Designs’ Era 80 “ignores convention”

Ricky Smith Designs has collaborated with Stuart Friezer Marine Architects to create a new 80m-explorer yacht concept that “ignores convention”.

The Era 80 is an 80m superyacht with aerodynamic styling. With the design, Smith said he wanted to show that “an explorer yacht doesn’t need to look like a commercial ship” following advice from brokers to “stop trying to please naval architects by presenting conservative concepts. I was advised to show something progressive and innovative.”

The explorer yacht has a distinctive covered bow, designed to reduce drag. Her hull shape has been tank tested at Shanghai University, and the results have shown that, due to the aluminium hull and azipod propulsion, giving her a theoretical top speed of 25 knots.

Smith explained, “I wanted to develop a smooth, moulded, non-faceted superstructure, and also to shift the beach club to midships for additional stability, as well as taking advantage of the space and privacy when toys and sea craft are deployed.”

Initial renderings illustrate an innovative design that Smith said focuses on “maximising the on board comfort and options of the owners and guests. This is illustrated by guests having facilities on all levels for dining, socialising and private relaxation.”

She features a pool deep enough to dive into, and a 13m beam that allows for a Bell 427 or Eurocopter EC145 helicopter to land.

Renderings of the Era 80 show the owner’s suite on the upper deck, with a VIP and four guests’ suites on the lower deck, providing accommodation for up to 20 guests and 24 crew members.

According to the designer, Era’s owner’s stateroom is open plan and full beam, with a dedicated salon, theatre and dining areas, and a private cocktail bar and a bistro-style café servicing the secluded aft deck. A private staircase from runs from the deck and helipad directly to the main salon.

For more information, visit Ricky Smith Designs.