20 YEARS OF DARNET DESIGN – by Franck Darnet

20 years have passed. Time is the only universal equality: there are 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for everyone. But everything goes so fast. Fortunately we are lucky to be able see the projects we work on sailing all the oceans of the world, long after their creation.

More than fifty projects have been realised, giving birth to nearly 2,500 boats, and as many benchmarks that allow us to measure the progress made. Production sailboat, luxury mega yacht, sailing or motor catamaran, land or marine project, the eclectic nature of our achievements is a reflection of our passion for design. The art of space is, and will remain, our mantra. And it is one which we have had the pleasure of sharing with so many enthusiasts.

Because beyond the projects produced, the necessary realisations of our creative work, there remains also, and especially, over these twenty years, meetings and bonds woven with exceptional women and men. Owners, naval architects, builders, shipyard managers, fellow designers, all over the world, we have had the chance to work with the best, and their trust always, their friendship even sometimes, is very dear to us.

I say ‘we’ because around me, over the years, a team, like a family, has formed. Talented, human, powerful, they are also the mark of the evolution of Darnet Design and of this, I am very proud. More skills, more benefits and always the same passion for the sea and design. To them, to you who are reading, thank you for these first twenty years of Darnet Design, because this is just the beginning of our story. The proof is in all the projects and all the achievements that we present to you below.

Sincerely yours,

MOTOR YACHT 64 M – The yacht par excellence

What more beautiful recognition, for the twentieth anniversary of the agency, than to be able to collaborate with the famous VSY yard, and to design the layout of a 64m mega yacht? What’s more, a ship designed by one of the most talented naval architects in this extremely demanding market: Espen Oeino, designer, among others, of Dilbar (156M) or Cloudbreak (72M).

During frequent trips to Italy to follow the build, we are particularly proud, seeing her take shape before our eyes, of the work of these past few months. Drawing nearly 500 square metres of space where, according to the wishes of the owners, comfort will rival well-being, in a sleek design with timeless elegance, is simply fascinating.

Natural oak, leather and stainless steel create an atmosphere as contemporary as it is warm, where references to the underwater world, a passion of the owner, are omnipresent. VSY 64, her code name, will reveal to the world her name to be christened, and will be in her element, in Spring 2019: an event that we won’t miss sharing with you.

LONG ISLAND 78 Power – The definition of luxury

While the second Long Island 85 unit, NDS Evolution, which launched less than a year ago, is taking advantage of the Indian summer in the Cyclades archipelago, it is another Long Island that is keeping the Darnet Design team busy in the autumn of 2018.

The elegance, the high level of performance and comfort offered on the second 85 foot unit, has now attracted a new owner, this time for a 78-foot power version. JFA for the construction, Marc Lombard with the naval architecture, and Darnet Design for the layout, are coming together as a team to design a multihull optimizing the possibilities offered by the length. The construction has begun, for a launch in 2019.

A rare offering of a long, luxury cruising catamaran, aboard which the possibilities seem endless. Here, the areas are vast, light abounds, and the view outside is always generous. Inside and out combine to form one and the same space. Including a forward cockpit, which is reached directly, in just a few steps, from the saloon.

The forms of the light oak joinery offer a classic, timeless modern feel. In keeping with the philosophy and quality of all JFA yachts, this boat is also being built closely taking into account the wishes of the owner. Thus the enclosed helm station on the flybridge, not just for helming in shelter in the cold or the sun, but also for reading, resting and eating. An exciting challenge for the Darnet Design team to group together so many functions in an often-limited space.

PRIVILEGE SIGNATURE 510 and 580 – Confidence renewed

With the support of its main shareholder Aurelius, which also owns Hanse Yachts, Privilege Marine is launching two major innovations in this 2018 sailing season. Two sailing catamarans of respectively 51 and 58 feet, thus the Power cat Euphorie 5 recently successfully tested, whose interiors are signed by Darnet Design. A renewed confidence in our team, and evidence that the work undertaken since 2013 on the original range has been much appreciated by customers.

This new collection, named “Signature”, offers the most upscale services that can be found on a so-called production catamaran. Whatever the degree of customization, the furnishings of the two vessels compete in elegance, the nobility of the materials used bringing the touch of luxury expected at this level of performance.

While the 510 continues Privilège’s traditional design, with the central nacelle being home to the vast owner’s suite, the 580 innovates by offering direct access from here to the forward cockpit. A little revolution that our designers took the greatest pleasure in developing.

SUPPORT VESSEL 27 M – Another dimension

In the world of superyachts, the Netherlands is home to some of the most renowned shipyards. So it is a particularly important recognition for Darnet Design, to have been chosen by the Dutch shipyard LYNX, to develop the next YXT24.

Behind the acronym for Yacht eXtended Tender, stands a 27M support ship. Beyond its functional mission of transporting the tenders to the superyacht mothership, whether sailing or powered, nautical or terrestrial, the facilities on the YXT 24 need to meet a high level of requirement and provide a rare modularity.

Two luxurious additional guest cabins, lounge, dining room, and galley, as well as two comfortable crew cabins will have to be designed by the Darnet Design team. All this without forgetting the outdoor spaces that can accommodate an evening event or an afternoon cocktail party or beach activities.

A new project that continues to confirm the international credibility of Darnet Design in the market of Yachts over 24m.

OUTREMER 51 – Ultimate evolution

The new version of the Outremer 51 was presented at the International Multihull Show at La Grande Motte, in the South of France, last April.  Attempting to improve on the already best-selling catamaran in its class is a tricky business. Quality of materials, ergonomics of the galley, area and aesthetics of the chart table: perfection is hidden in the details.

Meticulous work, also carried out on the exterior, was rewarded by winning Multihull of the Year 2018 by Voile Magazine.

LICIA C 24 M – Exploration and comfort

Our first collaboration with Licia Yachts reflects the increasingly international reputation of Darnet Design. On the turquoise coast of Turkey, day after day, an owner’s dream to explore the world is taking shape. Aboard his 24m catamaran, capable of covering 3,200 nautical miles in total autonomy, luxury will meet the seamanship of 30 years of the Antalya shipyard.

And its launch won’t fail to attract attention because the layout is particularly innovative. No doubt, the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces will never have been so blurred. Full height windows, curved, sliding, and canopy: light is everywhere. The excellence of panoramic vision transports you to the environment around you. The sublime impression of space is everywhere.

RENDEZ-VOUS…

Cannes Yachting Festival from 11th to 16th September

The realisations of Darnet Design will be on display by Outremer Yachting, Privilège Marine and Neel trimarans … Please feel free to contact us to meet onboard.

Monaco Yacht Show from 26th to 29th September – Designers Gallery DG8

We will be glad to welcome you at the Designers Gallery, stand DG8.