The sea trial was pubblished on Superyacht 60 – Winter 2019
Among the top yachts exhibited at the latest Monaco Yacht Show there’s CRN’s 50 metre an overall work of art: as a recreational/leisure ship, for the interior architecture involved and as a reference point in terms of craftsmanship and finally as an example of how well the almost timeless taste from the ‘Twenties can be flanked by ground breaking technology.
“Latona” from CRN one of the most appreciated world premiered superyachts at the latest MYS is now very much a reality. Zuccon International Project worked closely with the yard’s technical team based in Ancona Italy. Hull and historic lines imported from Super Conero’s from the ‘Sixties inspired the overall design project following the owner’s specific requests. From an architectural view point the 50 metre hull not only sports elegant lines where the bow stem head and stern run geometrically parallel to one another but also in the superstructure above which ends with two long decks enhancing a sense of lightness to the ensemble. This feature is certainly beyond – and perhaps even above ephemeral trends where the sole concession is to be found in enchanting aesthetic audacity represented by the turquoise livery of thehull above the waterline and topsides, and by colour changing hues of the same according to the light reflecting off the contouring water.
The outdoor areas feature loads of details beginning from the Mediterranean style sun deck to the bow lounge in which to enjoy relaxing moments and more specially the cockpit area situated along the main deck which sports pale blue hues and turquoise in which you will find comfortable seating facing the swimming pool suitably enriched by theme mosaics, which blend gold like details with the a turquoise base while natural light filters through to the astonishing tender bay situated on the lower deck which can double as an open air lounge flanking the beach club via the solarium, gym, Turkish bath and sea water indoor pool- perfect for guests of any age and an ideal spot in which to tie up the tender inside the yacht when underway.
The yard’s knowledgeable and refined craftsmanship and that of suppliers is best expressed in the interiors oozing with 1920’s liberty styling which is present everywhere starting with the flooring enriched by decorations and carefully selected by the owner just like the dark brown embroidery along every deck: representing a sinuous “motif” which is also on the marble flooring, the carpeting, as well as along the dark oak handrail along the winding indoor staircase contrasting silver like dotted oak joinery and fine fabric inserts and mirrors which line the bulkheads. Decorative handcrafted elements from lacquered doors to Murano glass and metal table lamps with some of nature’s inspiring themes in the shapes of floral bunches and clumps of leaves – typical of Art Nouveau.
But let’s proceed in orderly fashion beginning from the main deck where we find an elegant round walnut table with silver decorative elements enriched by contouring chairs sporting floral designs which seem to be almost framed into the Emperor Dark embroidery over the flooring flanked by floor to ceiling window like panels which flood the area with loads of natural light. The view from here extends beyond the two lateral terraces to the surrounding panorama. Behind this internal dining area we come to a fully equipped professional galley with a useful dumb waiter which is totally hidden from view when not deployed.
The same ‘Twenties floral designs along the corridor and on doors decorate the interior layout amidships up to the lobby – where you can choose to take the lift which connects the fours decks to one another or make use of an elegant winding staircase – which also leads to the owner’s sumptuous quarters situated further forward towards the bows which are made up of a living room with a sofa to port situated in a balcony which deploys as a smoking room. Forward of this we come to the owner’s cabin proper, detailed with precious embellishments such as a wonderful dark walnut headboard, the face of which is lined in blue velvet at the top end. A pair of lamps made of blown glass are placed on both sides of the bed. White wool and silk carpeting on the floor with the recurring dark brown embroidery displaying artful floral design work made up of long stemmed flowers with five petals complete the picture, created by the exceptional ability of master cabinet makers. The starboard side boasts an ample private terrace. Two separate accesses lead to the his /her areas of a large elegant bathroom in shiny white Carrara marble which reflects Emperor dark shades of two spectacular wash basins. A round shaped and large hydro-massage tub and shower unit are installed at centre. Processed glass doors and their bas-reliefs harmonize well with the taps and fittings in the bathroom.
The lower aft section of the lower deck in proximity of the stern, houses Latona’s wellness area where we find an ample beach club area with an integrated lounge totalling 70 square metres, in which to spend convivial moments inside and out, a Turkish bath decorated with fine mosaics and a fitness sector in which to work out is situated near several water toys. Furthermore the indoor sea water filled pool and tender docking bay offers children a wonderful opportunity to amuse themselves in total safety once the yacht’s tender has been launched.
Four guest cabins are situated along this same deck, two VIP cabins further aft are decorated with fine fabric, lacquered panels and mirrors with carpeting which thanks to wavy motifs recall the sea. Forward of these two twins with private bathrooms decked out with precious marbles and large shower units with seating space, are much like the one in the owner’s quarters. One of these is dedicated to children and sports bunk beds plus a foldaway single for a nanny perhaps. The second twin can convert into a double and also has a single foldaway bed. The bow area along the same deck houses the crew’s quarters for up to eight excluding the captain. This area has a separate entrance.
The upper deck offers a spacious saloon with plenty of natural light from a skylight and ample glass panels and a great view guests can enjoy. It is furnished with a grand piano lacquered in white. A “liberty” atmosphere typical of the Twenties prevails in this area as well where we find a lyre, a musical instrument which is typical of the period’s iconography. Lalique lighting delivers a pleasant welcoming atmosphere. The entire area aft, towards the stern is taken up by the external dining area furnished with a teak table, a bar corner, a tea room and two comfortable sunbathing spots. Forward towards the bow we come to the captain’s lodgings made up of an office and comfortable cabin which precede a wonderful helm controls station embellished by the same dark brown decor, which is widely used throughout. Another lounge and solarium are to be found along this deck as well, which also houses a rescue boat which is normally hidden from view and two jet skis. On one side of the topsides there’s an inflatable wall for the amusement of the younger group which has been specially devised to allow climbing exercises with no danger whatsoever.
So onwards and upwards to the sundeck which offers three diverse areas which merge into one space. Starting from the stern: another sun bathing spot with four ergonomic sun beds, a dining area with an oval shaped table, wet bar, barbeque, a nebuliser plant, a Jacuzzi hydro-massage tub while an inflatable slide which is a favourite toy to the owner’s family is installed laterally aft towards the stern area.
In a nutshell we can say that in those 50 metres, Latona offers her guests – a maximum of ten – a very high level of undisputed comfort by way of an efficient noise dampening plant and stabilisers flanked by latest generation domotics. Thanks to a pair of Caterpillar C32 engines with an output of 1,081 KW each which is equal to 1,470 HP, Latona can reach a top speed of 16 knots with a recommended cruising speed of 14. At 11 knots the yacht’s range is 3,600 nautical miles.
by Lamberto Ballerini
For further information: CRN Yacht
The sea trial was pubblished in Superyacht 60 – Winter 2019