Working With the Owner
The owners previously owned a 64m Lürssen before they made a decision on the creation of Solandge, Aileen Rodriguez was also part of the refit of the previous yachts interior, where she was able to better reflect the owners personable style. He wanted to upgrade from something spectacular to something nearly miraculous. From the beginning, the design team knew that they had to create a self-sufficient 85-meter yacht that could travel long distances while keeping the owner's family and guests comfortable.
Rodriguez says that the owner's initial requests didn't seem out of the ordinary. Many owners want yachts that meet these specifications. Since Rodriguez had worked with the owner before, though, she wanted to push his team towards something unprecedented. She saw this as an opportunity to push his design skills to new heights.
The client's approval wouldn't be enough for anyone working on the Solandge project. The team wouldn't reach its goal unless the owner was truly amazed by what he saw.
Every Inch of Solandge is Special
Making every aspect of an 85-meter yacht special is not an easy task, but the team took to it with gusto. It's hard for words to do their work justice.
The owner knew that he wanted a luxurious main salon. He got that and more. The main salon has two walls of back-lit amethyst that turns it into a magical place. A Bechstein piano gives it a touch of elegance while also providing a source of entertainment. The main slaon's starboard side has a Venetian console with a large mirror. No matter which way guests turn, they find something uniquely beautiful: the perfect blend of classic style and contemporary innovation.
The beauty doesn't end there. Early in the design phase, the owner had asked for something special that would run the entire height of Solandge. Moving from the main salon into the lobby reveals an original piece of artwork that could stand against those housed in the world's greatest museums. The lobby holds "The Tree of Life," a lighted sculpture that stretches 50 feet high and has over 1,200 points of light. This is an expertly crafted piece of artwork unlike anything else in the world.
Guests who look upon it might feel that they've been transported to another world, or, at the very least, that this fabulous piece of art is a visitor from a more beautiful realm.
These are highlights of Solandge, but guests don't have to look at the focal points to see her careful luxury. The wooden floors have borders made of honey onyx stone. The ceilings are covered in gold leaf. Schonbek, chandeliers hang with amethyst rose quartz crystals.
Truly, every inch of this yacht is something to celebrate.
Staying Aboard Solandge
Careful attention to detail doesn't end at Solandge's communal areas. The owner's suite occupies its own deck, and includes all the luxuries (and necessities of home). The owners get to enjoy a private office, an opulent bathroom, and his-and-her dressing rooms. The owner's stateroom provides a full view overlooking the bow.
These are special design elements, but they're available in many luxury yachts. The design team had to take things a few steps further by adding a private dining area, custom drawers, and a desk that features a leather inlayed top. Not surprisingly, there's even a private Jacuzzi for the owner's enjoyment.
Solandge has enough room for the two owners, 12 guests, and a crew of up to 29 people staying in 15 cabins. The guest cabins are nearly as painstakingly beautiful as the owner's stateroom. Even the crew get to live in extremely comfortable conditions. No one has to suffer anything less than world class luxury while staying aboard Solandge. Guests even have access to a guest office, which comes in handy during long journeys when they may need to take care of business remotely.
Guests also get to enjoy cuisine prepared by one of the world's most highly trained chefs. The chef creates unique, mouthwatering dishes using the best ingredients possible. Imagine having a three-star Michelin chef ready to prepare meals and snacks throughout the day.
Moving from deck to deck is an extraordinary experience. The staircase area is adorned with Venetian mirrors and hand-carved art glass. If guests choose to take the elevator, they get to enjoy custom leather panels with various textures and colors. The panels look like the world's most sophisticated jigsaw puzzle.
Solandge's Exterior Areas
Don't think for a second that the design team stopped after building a wonderful interior. Solandge's exterior areas are just as outstanding.
The outside aft deck has a six-meter swimming pool with jets. Sun beds and chairs surround the pool for guests who prefer to lounge in the ocean air. Of course, there's a nearby bar where guests can receive refreshments throughout the day.
This aft deck is a wonderful place to spend time. When it comes time to socialize with more people, though, guests should move to the top deck, where they will find a pleasant area with large lounges, a Jacuzzi, and more places to lounge in the sun.
At night, the top deck can become a nightclub full of activity. The Jacuzzi easily transforms into a dance floor surrounded by the kind of professional lighting that one would expect to find at an urban nightclub. The area even has a built-in DJ console and large screen. This lets the owner play music videos while entertaining. Guests can also choose to use the screen to play popular video games.
Since not everyone likes to "party," there is also an area reserved for those who prefer intimate socializing. It even has drapes that can turn it into a romantic setting. Overstuffed cushions and a star light panel add to the romance.
Guests who want to get some exercise or enjoy the ultimate in relaxation will love Solandge's gym and spa areas. The state-of-the-art gym features a range of exercise equipment to meet any fitness needs. It also has two saunas: one wet and one dry. No matter how guests like to relax after a workout, Solandge can accommodate their desires. This area even has a complete hairdresser room that can compete with those at the world's greatest spa-salons.
Guests who are more interested in fun than working out or relaxing in a sauna will want to experience Solandge's wide range of entertainment options and toys. She has an on board professional cinema for those who want to watch movies in ultimate comfort. She also has a range of jet skis, paddle boards, jet boats, and diving equipment. Guests can even take diving lessons from a certified instructor.
At this point, Solandge has moved beyond the realm of luxury hotels. It's almost like a city unto itself.
Technical Specifications of Solandge
So much beauty and luxury can make one forget that 85-meter motor yachts rely on sophisticated technology. To be sure, there are numerous systems working quietly to keep everyone safe and comfortable.
Lürssen installed two CAT 3516 main engines that offer 2,000 kw at 1,600 rpm. She can reach a maximum speed of 17 knots. When traveling at 12 knots, she has a range of 6,000 nautical miles.
Two Piening fix pitched propellers with five blades move the yacht forward with a little help from a Brunvoll bow thruster. Quantum XT fin blade OC 2400 XT stabilizers keep Solandge on track.
Water is always an issue when traveling the world by ocean. Lürssen solves this issue with a 35,500-liter fresh water tank. As water leaves the tank, it is replenished by an HEM Duplex Freshwater Producer 48/600. No one ever has to worry about running out of clean water.
Lürssen and its team of designers have outdone themselves. Solandge is more than a luxury yacht. It's an art museum; a luxury hotel; a business center; and a night club. With its large size and careful design, it can fulfill practically any need. That's what makes it one of the greatest boats traveling the world today.
MY Solandge is offered for charter by MASTER YACHTS
