Lady Kathrin V

The sea trial was pubblished on Superyacht 34 – Autumn 2012

There are many yachts containing the word “lady” with which to make up their names and so it is in this case too, but setting aside for a moment the reasons for which the owner has chosen to use it, the name given to this yacht seems particularly appropriate because this ship oozes with deserving elegance like a real lady of the sea.

Lady Kathryn V’s owners have put many years of yachting experience under their belts and they’re crossed every ocean. This relevant point is what was conducive to a close working relationship between the project designers involved, the ship yard and the owners in order to come up with the final result we are presenting herewith. We wish to point out we’re not talking about a very recent launching since Lady Kathryn V was first off the chocks in July of the preceding year but we can talk about her only now.

Owner and family were very much involved in the development of the whole project, with almost constant contacts with the design team and the yard which were assisted by Mr. Chris Ramos the ship’s trusted captain. This intensive work soon developed into a concrete project providing the owner with all they felt was necessary in the changeover from a smaller to a larger yacht. Espen Øeino Naval Architects were responsible for the exterior and the Adam Lay Studio developed the interiors while decorative embellishments and accessories were handled by Jack Fhillips.

The German shipyard Lürssen, as on Solemates and Arkley, built Lady Kathryn V with many of the same ample volumes, streamlined profile and rounded curves already seen in some of their previously built yachts. Interior designer Adam Lay artfully deployed a combination of essences to match the colouring of the decorative elements present creating welcoming areas which were made cosier and more comfortable by numerous pieces of furniture and decorative elements carefully chosen for every corner by Jack Fhillips.

The interiors recall a classic and at the same time a sophisticated style where marine life colours like blue, white and cream prevail. Much attention has also been given to the interior lighting system which underscores the project’s inspirational highlights as a whole. The actual interior layout started from a basis that’s been tested and fine tuned times over in other similarly sized ships built by Lürssen.

The interior’s design has been somewhat modified in relationship to the ones found in preceding models as per the owners’ instructions which called for smaller more private areas. One of the more substantial changes that catches the eye when examining Lady Kathryn’s layout is provided by the extent of the attention these discerning owners have given to the crew quarters which are made up of 16 berths, but also with ample space in which to relax during a cruise. This very fact is indicative as to how much the owners cares for crew comfort and more so on a yacht of the size in question, perhaps the owners are well acquainted with the following old saying: “ happy crew happy cruise”.

This is the reason why the second lower deck houses a generously sized crew’s mess/dining area beyond the galley, laundry, and technical areas.

The first lower deck at amidships houses four double guest cabins with large private bathrooms en suite. The bow area instead is entirely dedicated to the crew’s accommodation which contains seven double cabins each with dedicated bathroom, wardrobes and desks. The main deck is reserved for the owners and their guests with large open air spaces where the stern area hosts an “al fresco” dining zone which extends to the laterally situated steps leading to the beach platform situated below.

The main living room is on this deck, it is linked to the stern area just mentioned and is furnished with sofas, armchairs, and piano while another access leading to the dining area and living room passes through a lobby connecting the lateral entry access by which to board the ship to a living room and dining area which is delimited by furniture on one side and sliding doors facing the lobby itself and the living area in the stern.

The entire bow section contains the owners’ suite which is made up of a library, private saloon, cabin, double bathroom with walk in dressing room, beach club built into the topsides which opens outwards forming a large square shaped balcony onto which there’s room enough for a chaise longue and armchairs. Again the discerning owners’ requests regarding what’s needed while cruising are well defined in this instance too.

As often happens the external bow area of this deck is dedicated to manoeuvring and also to stow away one of the RIBs deployed as tender which is launched and recovered by means of a davit. The first upper deck’s aft section in the stern area as already mentioned for the main deck boasts continuity between external and interior areas specially where the “al fresco” dining area is totally sheltered skywards from the extension of the sun deck which is linked by a large semicircular cut glass door to an internal round shaped saloon where we find a wet bar, sofas and armchairs with coffee table and a double access to the saloon/theatre situated amidships.

Proceeding forward towards the bow we come to a VIP cabin with double bed and dedicated bathroom opposite the captain’s cabin which connects to the bridge and helm/controls station. A noteworthy feature is that the entire deck has lateral passages in the open, leading with no interruption to the bridge.

The second upper deck is also generously sized in terms of surface area and is practically all dedicated to relaxation, the external open air areas in the stern are equipped with semicircular divans, coffee tables, chaise longues, and a dining area which can be protected from the sun with appropriate made to measure awnings. The interiors instead are made up of a gym, a games room, and access to an open air area in the bow where there’s a drinks cabinet with seats, divans, semicircular coffee tables and a Jacuzzi tub all looking out to a surely enchanting ocean view.

Last but not least about decks there’s a further upper deck which is naturally smaller with a bar, seats, armchairs small tables and space enough to host a private party, this deck too can be covered by made to measure awnings. And to conclude we wish to mention the large stern garage which opens out on each side too and houses two generously sized motor boats to explore the coastline with plus two jet skis, and two Sea Bobs and space for a beach club which connects to the stern bathing platform.

Everything that’s been described till now clearly shows the owners’ experience on one side and the designers’ competence on the other in knowing how to interpret and transform the owners’ requirements into tangible reality. The data concerning this ship took a long time in coming our way, but the long wait has been amply surpassed by the satisfaction felt in describing a superyacht which sports such high technical and stylistic values.

by Angelo Colombo

For further information: Lursen Yachts

The sea trial was pubblished on Superyacht 34 – Autumn 2012