American Designer, Dutch Shipyard Introduce “Vision Line” 70-meter Megayacht
August 29, 2009 at 8:31 pm | In luxury living, superyachts, yacht design, yachting industry | Leave a CommentTags: Adriel Design, Icon Yachts, megayachts, Setzer Design Group
The ICON 70
August 29, 2009 (CARY, NC, USA) – Award-winning American yacht architect Ward Setzer, principal of Setzer Design Group, and Icon Yachts of Holland introduce the “VL-70,” a sleek, futuristic vessel loaded with all the special features of a world-class Super-Yacht within the “Build-Platform” of Icon Yachts. The introduction underscores Setzer’s standing as an international superyacht designer for the world market.
When challenged by Icon Yachts to submit a design for its now famously engineered “Build-Platform,” yacht architect Ward Setzer requested that he be allowed to present work with a prominent plumb bow and highly swept and stylized superstructure. To accomplish this, his studio worked closely with Icon to honor the existing Platform and yet develop a new bow section for the standard Icon hull form. From there out, the American studio had a blank canvas on which Setzer’s visions for the future of yachting have come to life in detail.
The VL-70 offers six (6) deck levels, from large, below-waterline holds and systems spaces to the top observation deck forward of the mast. With a beam of 11.3M and a draft of 3.4M, the design carries plenty of volume to accommodate large fuel and water stores as well as generous cabins for owners and guests on the multiple levels.
To assist with the massive task of filling out a 70 meter interior, Setzer turned to Adriel Design of Seattle. Prior to starting the project, Setzer felt that a collaborative approach would not only demonstrate the talents of the two distinctly different design firms, but it would also prove that collaboration is the key to the future for many areas of the marine industry. The resulting design offers a depth of detail rarely seen on projects of this scale that are created by one firm alone until well into the build processes. After months of collaboration between the two design studios, the “Vision Line” 70 meter emerged.
The vessel will be powered by conventional drive systems and capable of cruising speeds of 15 knots. The hull design has been refined to provide world travel capabilities in comfort and style. A twin tender garage sits within the bow and a full beam toy garage/cabana/spa with dockage doors deploying port and starboard add to vessel conveniences aft. There is a large swimming pool on the aft deck with flanking sun pads, all set with a sculpted aft deck. One level above, a hot tub overflow creates a waterfall landing in the main pool. A heli-pad is integrated into the tail section of the fourth level and a two-level observation lounge and viewing deck is forward and at the base of the mast structure. 
Within the vessel, a multi-level glass elevator is the central, defining feature, along with unique hull side windows and recessed balconies that offer dramatic views to the sea. There are six large guest cabins within the lower decks and one master with nearby office/den on the main deck. The vessel also features a theater space on the upper deck with seating for 16. For the crew, the VL-70 can accommodate 16 within private and shared cabins. The lowest level includes the typical crew lounge, galley and utility areas. This space spans beneath the guest staterooms and houses walk-in refrigeration units and a commercial laundry.
“The Icon Yachts ‘Build-Platform’ of both hull and engineering plant proved to be very capable of handling all the curves at least Adriel and I could throw at it, and the results show,” said Ward Setzer, who recently received his ninth design award in so many years, this time from the World Superyachts committee at the London ceremonies in May for the design of Marama, a full-displacement expedition yacht built by Delta Marine. “Both of our studios are not only proud of the ‘Vision Line’ 70m, but we’re also pleased to show that collaborative efforts can yield powerful results to the greater benefit of all.”
For more information, email setzerdesign@mindspring.com, or call Ward Setzer directly at 919-859-7014.
Setzser Design Group is available online at www.setzerdesign.com.
posted by blueplate pr
Setzer Design Group, Winter Custom Yachts Unveil “Express-60″ Collaboration
August 10, 2009 at 9:36 pm | In business, leisure activity, luxury living, news, yacht design, yachting industry | Leave a CommentTags: boat builders NC, business news NC, custom boats, custom yachts, yacht design
August 10, 2009 (CARY, NC) – Setzer Design Group in Cary, NC, known world-wide for its award-winning designs of super-yachts, had been developing the “Express-60” project over the past several months for a client in Florida. Meanwhile in Apex, NC, a small town nearby, Winter Custom Yachts had started building a 60’ hull. Yacht architect Ward Setzer discovered what owner Tim Winters was doing shortly after his Florida client backed out of the project. So the two firms decided to combine their efforts and Setzer is now integrating his design to fit Winter’s custom 60’ hull.
The Express-60
According to Setzer, Tim Winters loved the concept and has “jumped in with both feet” to help meld his own project with Setzer’s. Now, as the two firms look at the common traits of their respective hull lines, Setzer is amazed that they could be worlds apart considering the types of projects they create, yet just down the road from one another, thinking and drawing along the same lines.
“Our studio designs in great detail some of the most complex yachts in the world,” Setzer said, “yet I pride myself on having built numerous smaller boats, and I love the time I spend on shop floors. Tim is a roll-up-his-sleeves-and-get-in-there kind of boat builder, so this is just about perfect — not just for me, but also for buyers. They will get the technology and craftsmanship that will arise from our team approach. I’m sure Tim will keep my team grounded in the realities of the job he must get done, while we will be exposing him to new ideas and technology from our various projects, from 20’ to 200’, in all corners of the globe.”
The new Setzer/Winter vessel is as unique as it is practical. Its “Vista Cabin,” as Setzer calls it, features windows all around the lower salon and galley that afford constant views of the sea. Driven by triple Zeus Pod drives and powered by three of Cummins QSM 715’ HP diesel engines, the vessel is expected to have great speeds out of the hole and great handling, even at a cruising speed of 30+ kts. A 20 KW generator will accompany the primary drive units within their unusual standing-head-room engine space.
The new vessel also features an open helm zone amidship, including sleek instrument panels on center and riding seats port and starboard. There is ample wrap-around seating just aft of the helm, port, and starboard with high-low dining tables and rod storage below. There is also an aft mezzanine deck with aft-facing seating that includes tackle storage. Integrated boxes within the raised mezzanine hold freezers, refrigerator, sink, grill, tackle and other lockers. Along with ample fish boxes, fitted flush within the generous cockpit, is a large bait tank within the transom.
Half a flight of steps down from the helm deck is the salon with the galley to starboard. The galley includes a food-preparation island and a full complement of appliances under sleek stone tops and encased in modern cabinetry. To port is the lounge and TV viewing area with built in storage and library. The wrap-around windows illuminate the “Vista Cabin” with natural light, bringing an open, spacious ambience to the interior. Forward is a laundry room and pantry as well as a bow bunk cabin and head that can be offered as one or two cabins. Aft is a full-beam master suite under the helm deck with a queen-sized bed, built-in dressers, hanging locke, and large head.
The overall styling is typical of Setzer’s work: A bit of the past is referenced in key lines, such as the sheer and bow, along with hints of retro vessels and modern nuances for the deck house and windscreen. The Winter hull was almost a perfect match to the Setzer hull, the designer noted, but with a more “Carolina” flavor and the trademark Winter transom.
“The two will mesh quite well,” Setzer said. “And based on the performance of Tim’s recently launched 62’ ‘Galot3’ the design should be both a tournament angler’s favorite and a great cruising boat for long weekends in the islands. The efficiency of the Zeus Pod drives will offer even more advantages for longer trips and easy docking when in port.”
Overall this yacht is intended to be unique amongst a fleet of options, he stressed, and beautiful — both at rest and underway.
For more information on Setzer Design Group, visit www.setzerdesign.com. For more information on Winter Custom Yachts, visit www.wintercustomyachts.com.
posted by blueplate pr
Setzer Design Offers First Look at Monte-Fino Yachts New Series
July 23, 2009 at 9:14 pm | In superyachts, yacht design, yachting industry | Leave a CommentTags: Setzer Design Group, Ward Setzer, yacht design, yacht designers, yachting, yachts
July 22, 2009 (CARY, NC, USA) — Setzer Design Group has been working with Kha-Shing Shipyards in Taiwan on their Monte-Fino line of vessels. The first look at the new 19 and 34 meter designs reveal vessels that are both sleek and futuristic and loaded with all the special features of world-class Sport-Yachts.
Kha-Shing may be best known for its production of the Hargrave and Trader brands yachts. Kha-Shing has also been successfully producing the Monte-Fino line of vessels, predominately for the European market, over the course of many years. Now with the help of Setzer Design, the line-up has been completely remade for introduction to a world-wide audience with the timely inclusion of new hull forms and drive lines as well as all-new layouts and styling that address the tastes and needs of current yachting markets.
The all-new 19m (62’) Sport Yacht will provide speeds up to 35 kts. by using Pod-Drives. With a beam of 5.3m and a relatively shallow draft of 1.1m, the vessel still holds 3800ltrs. (1000gals) of fuel and offers a variety of cruising speeds and ranges based on the final power plant selection. The yacht includes three staterooms below, one of which is a full-beam master. The galley is half a level below the main deck and includes the salon and pilot area under a retracting sunroof. The aft deck includes a sunning pad and dining areas and access to a crew lounge and cabin below. The swim step is accessible from either side, and lifts to reveal a tender garage positioned above the engine space. A flybridge version will be offered as well.
The all-new 34m (112’) Sport Yacht addresses traditional yachting needs with new and refined style. With plenty of volume to accommodate large fuel and water stores, as well as generous cabins for owners and guests on the multiple levels, this new design offers up a fresh look complete with all the expected amenities. There are three guest staterooms and one master suite below while the crew cabins and lounge are still placed aft of the engine space. A galley and open lounge are forward on the main deck and a generous salon and dining area are aft of the pilothouse central zone. An oversized main aft deck is an important feature of the design with its large dining area, bar and sunning lounge. The flybridge is multi-level and includes seating, a bar, grill and hot tub amenities. With a beam of 6.9m (22’6”) and a draft of 1.9m (6’ 3”), this hull form will hold ample fuel stores for extended cruising and yield top speeds from 18 to 26 knots depending on selected powering options.
Setzer Design was tasked with taking the Monte-Fino line in new directions. These designs represent a departure from the yard’s past and the opening of a new chapter — for a series to come into its own place within the industry.
Ward Setzer, yacht architect, hopes that once again the creative spirit that he feels has permeated the studio for the past few years has spread successfully to Monte-Fino and taken shape in these unique, fresh and innovative designs.
For more information, visit www.setzerdesign.com or contact Ward Setzer directly at 919-859-7014; setzerdesign@mindspring.com.
posted by blueplate pr
Setzer Gets Projects Underway in Taiwan, Mainland China, Holland
April 30, 2009 at 1:22 am | In business, luxury living, superyachts, yacht design, yachting industry | Leave a CommentTags: superyacht designers, superyachts, yacht architect, yacht designers, yachts
April 30, 2009 (CARY, NC, USA) – Yacht architects Setzer Design Group has signed on with Monte-Fino Yachts in Taiwan to provide a series of new, ultra-modern products for its lines from 60 feet to 115 feet.
Monte-Fino is one of many lines produced by Kha-Shing Enterprises of Taiwan (www.taiwanyacht.com), who also produce the Hargrave Yachts.
The studio already has projects underway in mainland China at King Bay Yachts and has further work pending start up later this Summer.
Setzer is also preparing for the initial release of a 70-meter (230’) megayacht for Dutch builder Icon Yachts (www.iconyachts.eu). Unique conceptual work is already underway and will be released for review by late May.
Setzer has teamed up on the Icon Project with Adriel Rollins of Seattle, Washington (www.adrieldesign.net). Adriel is assisting with vessel interiors and other parts of visualization and industrial design to enhance the overall work. Both firms are determined to prove a highly innovative design will result from such open-minded, collaborative efforts.
“These projects to be exemplary of what can be achieved when U.S. designers work together on a global scale,” said yacht architect Ward Setzer.
Ward Setzer founded Setzer Design Group in Cary, North Carolina, n 1991. Before that, he served as staff designer for the late J.B. Hargrave and, later, manager of Hatteras Yachts Custom Division. The studio’s custom and production vessels have received numerous awards, including three Super Yacht Society awards, and have been featured in many international industry magazines and journals over the firm’s history.
For more information on Setzer Design Group, visit www.setzerdesign.com.
posted by blueplate pr, Raleigh, NC
Setzer Eyes Another World Superyacht Award
April 22, 2009 at 11:34 pm | In leisure activity, luxury living, superyachts, yacht design, yachting industry | Leave a CommentTags: megayacht design, naval architect, superyacht designer, yacht designer, yachts
Marama
April 21, 2009 (CARY, NC, USA) – Setzer Design Group’s Marama is a finalist for the 2010 World Superyachts Awards.
Marama – Fijan for “lady” – is a full-displacement expedition yacht built by Delta Marine in 2008. Marama was designed and built to an extreme seaworthy criterion permitting her to take on all the challenges of the South Pacific where she’s spent most of her time.
A robust and seaworthy superyacht, Marama features elegant styling with a mahogany interior reminiscent of classic sailing yachts. With her 23,600-gallon fuel capacity Marama’s range – 9,200 nautical miles — exceeds virtually any yachts of similar size, according to Delta Marine.
Winners of the World Superyachts Awards will be announced during a ceremony to be held May 16, 2009, at the historic Guildhall in London. For more information, go to www.worldsuperyachts.com.
Founded by yacht architect Ward Setzer in 1991, Setzer Design Group has received eight International Superyacht Society Design Awards and multiple Showboats Awards. For more information on Setzer Design Group, visit www.setzerdesign.com.
posted by blueplate pr
Setzer Unveils Ultra-Modern 67′ Motoryacht for Kingbay
March 20, 2009 at 12:23 am | In luxury living, superyachts, yacht design, yachting industry | Leave a CommentTags: Kingbay Yachts, Setzer Design Group
March 19, 2008 (CARY NC, USA) – Award-winning yacht architect Ward Setzer, principal of Setzer Design Group in Cary, North Carolina, has unveiled the model of the retro-modern, 67’ design for Kingbay Yacht Manufacturing Co. Ltd. in Ningbo, China.
This unique design is intended to be a blend of features from the designer’s larger projects yet within the easily maneuverable platform of a smaller cruising vessel. The three staterooms include a full beam master suite aft and optional fourth stateroom forward.
The vessel’s hull form is designed to allow for a variety of powering packages, including its standard CAT C12E engines that will provide a cruising speed of 18.5 knots and a top speed of 25 knots. Further powering options within the design’s stand-up engine space will provide speeds up to 32 knots.
The design also includes a generous galley, open salon and dining amidships, as well as a piloting area starboard with generous chart flats. The cockpit offers an oversized swim platform, built-in seating, tackle and general storage cabinets, and a sink/grilling zone. The aft coach house includes two exterior seating options along with the standard tender storage layout. An elevated fly-bridge steering station and adjacent lounge area give guests an uninterrupted view of the sea.
The overall design has been kept low, sleek and easily operable by its owners, and thus not requiring a professional crew. The result is a fast-passage-making cruiser with all the modern amenities of Setzer Design Group’s larger yachts. Further versions are planned to create a line of vessels in the form of sedan/cockpit and sun-roof express models.
Since the U.S. markets are the primary audience for this design, most of the marine products used to manufacture the vessels will be imported from the United States to allow for service and warranty from U.S. based vendors.
Kingbay Yachts was founded in 2005 and presently manufactures fiberglass production vessels up to 70’ feet in length within its state-of-the-art facilities in Ningbo, China, a medium-sized city approximately 100 miles south of Shanghai on the Pacific Ocean where fishing fleets have been established for centuries. Kingbay principals have visited major U.S. and European trade shows for the past few years, conducting research and interviewing designers such as Setzer. Sales of the vessels will be coordinated through a well-known dealership in South Florida.
The Setzer studio currently has multiple projects underway in Taiwan and further projects slated for Mainland China later this year. For more information on Ward Setzer and Setzer Design Group, visit http://www.setzerdesign.com.
For more information on Kingbay Yacht Manufacturing Company, visit http://www.kingbay.cc.
###
Posted by blueplate pr
Setzer Inks Two New Contracts
October 6, 2008 at 6:06 pm | In yacht design | Leave a CommentTags: megayachts, superyachts, yacht architect, yacht designer, yacht designers
October 6, 2008 (CARY, NC, USA) – Setzer Design Group, one of the world’s premiere yacht designers, has signed contracts with two new clients for two very different vessels.
A well-known boat builder in the sport fishing industry has asked Setzer to design a 92-foot/28-meter semi-custom sport fishing vessel that will embody the same refined, and high-end pedigree as Setzer’s larger vessels along with the Builder’s own reputation for its lines of luxury sport fishing yachts.
According to yacht architect Ward Setzer, principal of the award-winning studio, this yacht will serve as a “super-sized” tender for a far larger support vessel mega-yacht. The new hull form, with its grand, sweeping sheer line and clean open bow deck, will deliver 40 knots of top-end speed while offering up to three large guest and owner’s staterooms as well as both crew and captain’s staterooms. The bridge design will be an open style with later models offering a fully enclosed bridge. The cockpit will feature all the typical fishing amenities as well as a grill and refrigerator/freezer center and aft lanai deck with seating port and starboard. Under the lanai and outside the oversized engine room will be multi-purpose machinery and locker space for work areas, electric panels, scuba gear, and more. Overall the design will be a very refined and heavily detailed, mega-fishing machine, according to yacht architect Ward Setzer.
Setzer Design Group is also under contract with a Middle Eastern client to design a refined 210-foot/65-meter sister ship to Brazen Sea, the modern, futuristic flagship of the studio’s new Vision Line of superyachts, which Yacht-Premier magazine has praised as “intelligently conceived and skillfully designed, carefully studied down to the very last detail. [Brazen Sea] boasts technical installations and fittings among the best and most up-to-date currently available in the superyacht category.” The vessel should be presented for tendering purposes the first of November.
This new superyacht design is partially inspired by the industry’s recent experimentation with the classic plumb/Axe type of bow, according to Setzer. Following the lead of Brazen Sea and yet striving for an even sleeker, more refined look, the studio is working with the client to accommodate the family’s spatial needs and to create outdoor spaces that embrace the ocean environment in every aspect of the design. Within six levels of decks, the design will feature multiple guest cabins including VIP staterooms on the main deck, a fair-weather master suite on the upper-most deck, and a foul-weather master suite below decks.
Crew accommodations on Brazen Sea’s sister ship will include at least 16 cabins and large service spaces, such as a professional laundry, three galley spaces, walk-in refrigerators and freezers, bulk goods storage and more. A central stairwell and elevator will form a service core through the middle of the vessel running up through 5 deck levels. There will be a garage aft with space for two eight-meter tenders as well as multiple jet skis. There will be an infinity pool on the aft deck and a private owner’s pool on the top deck. The bow deck will feature another garage for a 6.5 meter crew tender and a helicopter landing zone.
Overall this represents an exciting new project for Setzer Design Group that will allow it to bring one of its latest Vision Line products to life, complete with innovations and details within the refined lines that have become the hallmark of the Cary, North Carolina-based studio.
These and other new Setzer superyacht designs will be featured in the studio’s display at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show on October 30. To follow updates to these projects and to see the complete Vision Line, visit the booth in the Designers/Builders Tent at Bahia Mar.
For more information on the Setzer studio, visit www.setzerdesign.com, or call Ward Setzer directly at 919-859-7014.
###
-
- Vision Line logo
Superyacht UK Tour Proves The Time Is Right For Setzer Design Group’s New “Vision”
May 17, 2008 at 1:09 am | In luxury living, yacht design | Leave a CommentTags: megayachts, Setzer Design Group, superyachts, yacht architect, yacht designer
May 15, 2008 (CARY, NC) – When superyacht architect Ward Setzer of Setzer Design Group joined the 2008 Superyacht United Kingdom Tour of Excellence in April, he was after more than a good look at Britain’s shipyards and updates on the UK supply chain. He was also looking for proof that a new series of futuristic vessels he’s been designing since the first of the year is both valid and timely.
He returned from the trip convinced that he’s right on target.
Setzer Design Group, headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, is well known worldwide for designing both modern and classic vessels of all sizes that boast sea-worthy hull forms, design innovations, and elegant refinement. For 17 years, the studio has turned out over 200 power and sailing vessels that, above all else, are thoroughly capable of being built and taken to sea.
With that experience, reputation, and pedigree as his foundation, and with the encouragement he received during the UK tour, Setzer is now preparing to introduce a new series of superyachts (130 ft. to 300 ft., or 40-100 meters). After attending numerous boat shows over the past year, he believes these vessels will “challenge the established tastes so ingrained in the yachting community, which, at its heart, wants to see change.” He calls it his “Vision Series.”
Ward Setzer was the only yacht designer and the only American on the tour. He spent his days in Britain surrounded by brokers and builders from around the globe, including China, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Finland, Monaco, and Russia. The group also toured large, prestigious shipyards such as Pendennis and Devonport.
“In some ways, this was a fact-finding mission. I’m always looking for quality shipyards, so any opportunity to tour yards and understand their various attributes is very valuable,” said Setzer, who has been on similar tours in New Zealand, Holland and Italy. “I also needed to gain a greater understanding of British superyacht services.”
But mostly he listened to what his peers in the industry were talking about and most excited by.
“This trip solidified and reinforced my focus on the new series,” he said. “The timing is not only right for us to step up to the new cutting edge of our Industry, but also to venture out upon its very tip, so to speak. If we fail to challenge popular, established tastes, we’re simply following the status quo. That’s not what made our studio a dominant player over the years and certainly not what will take us into 2010 and beyond.”
Setzer Design Studio will begin releasing images and details of the Vision Series this summer.
The British Marine Federation, the trade association for the British boating industry, sponsored the tour, which included stops in London; South Hampton; Falmouth, and Newquay. The group also toured the HMS Victory, built between 1759 and 1765, now in dry dock at Portsmouth’s Royal Naval Dockyard and used as a living museum to the Royal Navy.
Setzer is now planning similar tours of China and Taiwan in his on-going quest to gain as much insight as possible into the future of the superyacht industry.
Ward Setzer, former staff designer for the late J.B. Hargrave and, later, manager of Hatteras Yachts Custom Division, founded Setzer Design Group in 1991. The studio’s custom and production vessels have received numerous awards, including three Super Yacht Society awards, and have been in many industry magazines and journals. For more information, visit www.setzerdesign.com.
###
Blog at WordPress.com. | Theme: Pool by Borja Fernandez.
Entries and comments feeds.
