In a realm where four- and five-deck-high megayachts make the headlines, one that’s two and a half decks high somehow seems small. Then consider that those same headline-grabbers measure 300 feet or more. Suddenly, Como, delivered by Feadship earlier this year, seems even smaller, at nearly 152 feet. She’s of a size that’s been abandoned by some custom shipyards and increasingly dominated by semi-custom ones.
Even with a 333-footer in build, though, Feadship hasn’t left this “smaller” length behind. Indeed, at Como’s launch, Feadship director Henk de Vries said, “Feadship is not only about very large superyachts: We also pride ourselves on creating exceptionally well-honed objects on a more human scale.” Como is not only that; she’s also exceptionally customized.
Como has a look distinctly her own, the result of her owner’s quite specific instructions to Dubois Naval Architects. He’s Neville Crichton, a New Zealand native who has commissioned and helmed a number of racing yachts, plus owns luxury-automobile dealerships. Crichton wanted to impart some racecar-like looks to Como, and succeeded.Note her vertical bow, whaleback sheer, and mast. Further significant: some of the largest glass panes you’ll see in a hull. “The exceptionally large windows in the hull go way behind what is permissible from a regulation point of view,” says Bram Jongepier, manager of knowledge development at Feadship.”We proved to Lloyd’s that we were able to make windows suitable for that location and size, and that the glass laminate would hold.”The superstructure glass received special treatment, too. It’s atop the aluminum (paired with a steel hull), not set into it. Each pane is more than 23 feet wide. The execution gives the impression that Como has one long continuous window to each side. It allows for great views from inside.Crichton had quite specific ideas for the interior. He wanted this seating area in the saloon to be movable—and we’re not talking about pushing the settees around. At the press of a button, compressed air feeds beneath the circular carpeted area. A gentle push of an armrest is all that’s needed to change the view.Crichton hired Redman Whiteley Dixon for the interior. There’s an abundance of light, and light-reflective, surfaces. Unlike many other custom yachts, Crichton himself was involved in all the decor decisions. He’s also responsible for the rake of the superstructure, an effect you can see best forward to starboard in the window areas.Recall the earlier mention of how Como has quite large windows. They particularly make an impact in the master suite. While you can’t really tell from this angle, the yacht has high outer bulwarks, but they’re fitted with glass insets at the master. Imagine waking up and taking in the views without ever getting out of bed.Crichton didn’t leave his guests out of that equation, of course. Aboard Como, the guest stateroom beds are slightly raised and face the large hull windows. In the background, you’ll see what appears to be a wide metal strip running the width of the overhead. It’s actually reflective paint.The upper deck is really the primary deck area aboard Como. This is as true of the helm, fully forward, as it is the relaxation areas. The helm is highly stylized, with monitors set against a teak-laid, curving backdrop. The windows rimming the deck can all lower at the press of a button, too.Because the upper-deck helm is the most used driving station aboard Como, the enclosed wheelhouse is more compact than you might expect of a nearly 152-footer. It is, however, efficiently laid out. Overall, it’s also slightly recessed into the structure, underscoring the streamlined styling.
Crichton closely followed the construction of Como throughout her build. It’s not surprising, given his experience in commissioning racing yachts. He’s also commissioned some solely pleasure yachts, and was a founder of the famed New Zealand yacht builder Alloy Yachts. All of this could make him quite a tough customer to please. Instead, it made him what Feadship says is an exceptional customer.
Diane M. Byrne is the founder and editor of the daily updated website Megayacht News. A longtime yachting writer, she also contributes to Yachts International, Boat Exclusive, and other magazines. She is additionally a member of the International Superyacht Society Board of Directors and Vice Chair of the U.S. Superyacht Association.
