Designing a luxury yacht involves meticulous planning and execution. From selecting the right cabling and flooring to deciding on the installation of a pool or a home theater, countless hours go into crafting this magnificent floating abode. Once the structural decisions are made, the task of choosing art and décor can feel somewhat trivial. “After years of painstaking work and endless questions, by the time you get to the point of deciding what to place on the table, you’re simply worn out,” notes renowned art dealer and collector Adrian Sassoon. “Often, clients pay more attention to the yacht itself, leading to a selection of art that is somewhat generic.”
Nonetheless, a well-designed yacht should evoke the feeling of a luxurious mansion afloat, implying that every element—from the furnishings to the artworks—deserves thoughtful consideration. Bringing valuable art onboard a vessel constantly rocked by the sea can be a substantial challenge, making the guidance of an expert indispensable.
The Art of Yacht Installation
Eugene Layton, the operations leader at Gander & White, has overseen the installation of art on numerous yachts throughout his 20 years in the logistics field. Each project presents its own challenges, making every endeavor unique. “No two installations are identical regarding logistics or art loading methods,” he explains. “Issues can arise with access, insurance, and marina conditions.”
The installation process begins with a thorough site visit to measure every detail of the yacht. Depending on complexity, the team may spend a day or more gathering necessary data. Afterward, Layton devises a tailored plan to securely load the artwork onto the vessel. This often involves employing cranes to transport art from a truck to a barge and finally to the yacht. The artwork is uncrated and installed, before the crate is returned from the barge to the truck.
See also: What It’s Like On Board the Orient Express Corinthian, The ‘World’s Largest Sailing Yacht’
Meticulous Care for All Installations
A key component of the logistics process is to ensure that no traces are left behind. “Yachts are extremely high-end and delicate,” Layton emphasizes. “Our focus is on protecting the flooring and establishing a staging area.” Every tool used, including drill bits for hanging art, must be brand new to prevent any potential damage. The attention to detail is paramount, whether for significant projects or smaller tasks. One project involved such a sizable yacht in Marseilles that the team had to utilize walkie-talkies to communicate effectively across multiple floors and rooms.
Working with Art Consultants
While having a logistics specialist for installations is crucial, engaging an art consultant early in the yacht design process can significantly elevate the overall aesthetic. “This plays a vital role in the initial layout,” explains Guillaume Rolland, principal designer at Liaigre. “The process resembles filmmaking.” Beyond technical logistics, Rolland sees the art selection for a yacht as analogous to designing for a hotel or a private residence. “As architects, we believe that everything is governed by architecture.”
The firm’s creations often enhance the surrounding marine environment, providing a sense of adventure without detracting from the breathtaking views outside. For instance, in a recent endeavor, a vast blue mirror covered a wall, mimicking the appearance of a window. The installation of five seascape photographs by Hiroshi Sugimoto complemented this effect, allowing the reflections of the horizon to interplay with the artwork: “It captures the enchantment and poetry of the moment,” he notes.
Protecting Art in a Marine Environment
While the presence of art onboard comes with natural concerns due to proximity to the elements, Sassoon suggests an uncomplicated solution: “If you’re sitting comfortably in a room, neither too hot nor too cold, then most artworks will fare well too. You wouldn’t place a drawing in direct sunlight, just as you wouldn’t sit there yourself.”
The use of stabilizer systems ensures ships remain relatively motionless, yet Gander & White employs a unique locking mechanism for securing artworks. This system guarantees that paintings and photographs stay in place, with release requiring a special wrench kept with the captain for emergencies. However, height limitations often restrict large-scale murals due to many yachts’ compact ceilings.
This endeavor also allows for the opportunity to feature captivating pieces from personal collections in a fresh and inspiring setting. “If someone possesses art that is currently in storage while they’re building a yacht, we explore how to incorporate these into the design,” reveals Sassoon. “They appreciate these works but haven’t had a suitable space for them.” Moreover, artworks can transition among various residences, making the yacht a fitting location for coastal-themed paintings or sculptures that resonate with the natural surroundings.
Ultimately, while art may seem like a minor detail in the extensive yacht design journey, investing in skilled curation can breathe new life into existing collections and unveil opportunities to explore new artists whose works harmonize with the unique yacht ambiance. “These are like mobile homes,” Sassoon adds. “So why should a yacht be styled in a manner that diverges from a traditional home?”
