Flair Magazine What is better than a decadent custom-designed super yacht upon which to explore the seven seas in high style? Answer: an even bigger custom-designed super yacht providing a base for world wide ocean adventures, unforgettable sunsets, and quality times with loved ones. This is why the owners of fabulous super yacht Cloud 9 custom-designed their boat to be the epitome of lavish luxury on the sea, and why they let lucky guests charter it for their own maritime explorations.
Winch Design, the team behind the interiors, echoed the beach house feel of the original Cloud 9 in the new yacht, using sand tones, vibrant blues and a treasure trove of decorative shells, corals and agates placed inside multiple niches. Brushed Douglas fir and limed oak — two of some 50 surface materials used on board — also convey the idea of the beach house, but realised on a larger, more luxurious scale. Winch Design received carte blanche from Cloud 9’s owners to come up with an interior concept adapted to their family needs and future charter guests. The final result was kept a secret at the request of the husband to surprise his wife, although the 3D renderings produced at the onset are uncannily similar to the final result. The new Cloud 9 measures around 2,218 gross tonnes, which is about twice as many as the first one. This extra volume translates into generous dimensions, apportioned in comfortable spaces that flow neatly from one to the next.
Stairs flank a 10,000 litre superyacht spa pool with a glass bottom, which is at the heart of a recreation area on the main aft deck. Forward of the main saloon is a foyer with an eye catching central glass and steel superyacht elevator. Devoid of a conventional dining area at her owners’ request, the main saloon ambiance is open, casual and sunny. The main saloon encompasses one of two cinemas on board Cloud 9; the other is outdoors, at the aft end of the 400 square metre owners’ deck. Another element courtesy of the new yacht’s extra volume is a hair salon/massage room on the main deck, featuring oak décor with a woven effect and a folding hull door that creates a balcony. This yacht also has a spacious superyacht gym flooded with light. A 3D porcelain panel “cloud” by British artist Fenella Elms adds movement and depth to the central bulkhead along with two Vortex sculptures by Tim Royall.
A long, wide corridor leads to six cabins (including two staff cabins finished as guest cabins, which could be used for nannies or teachers). Each door has a nameplate engraved with the name of a Star Wars character. They are removable, in case the next guests are not fans of the films, and underneath are elegant numbers in stainless steel. The owners’ deck, which contains a magnificent suite with wraparound windows looking onto a private terrace and helicopter deck below. These owners don’t intend to use the helipad, so they decided to turn the vast open space into a grand entertaining platform instead.
Aft is Cloud 9’s beach club, which has an espresso bar complete with a professional machine and a seating area with wonderful views. Light streaming through the pool above bounces wave patterns all around. The owners so enjoy this space that they often like to dine al fresco here. The primary outdoor dining area is on the upper deck, protected from wind by sliding glass panels, adjacent to the main indoor dining area which is semi enclosed by glass doors. Both areas feature large circular wooden tables that can be expanded to accommodate more guests, or removed completely to make room for a dance floor or corporate event.
For a family getaway or a group part on the sea, we can’t think of a super yacht we would enjoy more than Cloud 9. The intricate and thoughtful details in the interiors, plush finishings, family-friendly amenities, and grand ambiance of beachside luxury are all that anyone could ask for—on land or at sea.
By Kate Dannies
