Inspiring Perfection

Burgess Fulfills Dreams From Design to Delivery

By Georgia R. Byrd

Shown (here and below) are an artist’s impression and a model of the new 197-foot (60-meter) Slipstream, due for delivery Spring 2009. Renderings courtesy of CMN Shipyard

The Burgess lineage of success continues with a new superyacht nearing completion.

One of the world’s most highly anticipated charter yachts is evolving in a French shipyard as a team of maritime professionals from Burgess orchestrates hundreds of details behind the scenes, transforming one owner’s vision into reality.

Driven by the owner’s desire for a larger yacht, the Burgess team formulated plans for a new yacht at the right price — a move up from an existing 144-foot (44-meter) vessel, Slipstream. Boasting superior charter credentials as one of Burgess’ most successful charter yachts, Slipstream was already a proven asset.

The Burgess team set out to create a much larger, new-generation superyacht that, by virtue of her pedigree, design and impeccable facilities, would once again become one of the world’s most admired and favored yachts. The result is an attractive build schedule for a new vessel that will imminently cast her aura on grand ports and alluring seas of the world. Burgess’ role in constructing the new Slipstream mirrors the company’s other new-build projects under way. The Slipstream project is just one of many examples illustrating the benefits of working with a company that has a highly skilled new construction team — one of the most experienced in the yachting industry. It’s a role that offers smooth sailing for Burgess clients.

“To illustrate what we do, think of two pictures: On the one hand, there is the owner’s vision in CAD drawings and renditions and designers’ sketches and style boards that capture the imagination. On the other, there are the construction-site realities of steel, aluminum, piping, cabling and scaffolding. Connecting the two is the Burgess task,” says Sean Bianchi, a naval architect with the Burgess New Construction division who has been intimately involved in the new Slipstream project.

The New Slipstream: Nearing Completion

This summer, the distinctive black hull and gleaming silver accents that are characteristics of the original Slipstream will debut in the brand-new, latest-generation yacht, capturing the fancies of prospective charter clients in an elegant and racy 197-foot (60-meter) silhouette.

“We worked closely with the yard on the hull form and interior layout,” says Bianchi. “Our aim was to optimize crew operations, guest comfort, storage capacity and safety features. We also focused on separating working and luxury spaces, which is always important, particularly in a charter context. The best available technology — whether stabilizers or audiovisual equipment — was researched and selected for all departments of the vessel.”

Reserve Your Charter Aboard Slipstream
Carrying on the tradition of the original Slipstream, the next-generation vessel is highly anticipated by charter clients worldwide. As the successor and namesake of the highly touted original yacht, the new Slipstream evokes her predecessor with exterior colors of black and silver, but boasts an exhilarating and distinctive new profile. The original Slipstream can still be experienced, however, and is offered for both charter and sale.

With an interior designed by world-renowned talent Andrew Winch, the latest Slipstream demonstrates his flare for superb arrangement, planning and interior design. Warm, earthy palettes lend a relaxing ambiance to the oversized living spaces aboard. The enormous master suite is one of Slipstream’s most striking features. It offers spacious rooms surrounded by windows with captivating views. With an attached observation lounge, guests can enjoy privacy and outdoor surroundings from their own quarters.

A VIP cabin on the bridge deck offers its own private balcony, while four guest cabins on the lower deck offer every conceivable comfort. Alfresco living areas are equally spacious, and the upper deck boasts an indoor/outdoor dining area and an inviting sundeck. Other details include a state-of-the-art audiovisual system and cinema, a gym and an inventory of water toys that includes two 22-foot (7-meter) tenders and two personal watercrafts.

Bookings are being accepted for summer charters in the Mediterranean with rates starting at €315,000 ($405,000) per week (excluding operating expenses).

Elandess, available for charter during all seasons in the Mediterranean, offers a variety of water toys for her guests. Photo courtesy of Burgess

Another recent launch to join the Burgess charter fleet is the beautifully designed contemporary Elandess. Built by Heesen Yachts in The Netherlands, the 154-foot (47-meter) Elandess has sleek exterior lines and a dramatic dark blue hull. A superb Bannenberg interior features a palette of four striking woods, suede wall panels, stainless steel trim and marbles from Italy. Accommodations for ten guests include four beautifully appointed guest suites on the lower deck and a full-width master suite on the main deck. While enjoying such superb comforts, guests can take in all the sights while cruising the seas at an average speed of 14 knots.

Elandess will be available for charter in the Mediterranean this summer at rates starting at €224,000 ($288,999) per week (excluding operating expenses). She is also for sale through Burgess and represents a turnkey purchase opportunity with very few engine hours to date. Please inquire for further details.

Burgess’ New Yacht Construction Chartering Success
Despite the global financial climate, superyacht building continues at a quietly confident pace. The Burgess New Construction division is busily charting new builds from initial design consulting through delivery, with more than 20 new yachts currently under construction.
Astonishing sums have been ventured on breathtaking yachts against the background of a rising market. Now, in more cautious times, those looking to engage in new-build projects are turning to the most experienced team to enhance and protect their investment, both during their ownership and beyond. Today, the process is as important as the finished product, and owners evidently want to work with a company that really understands that process.

New Yachts Are Growing in Size
The Burgess New Construction division continues to flourish in its characteristically discreet way, thanks to commercially savvy and technically innovative ways of delivering both semi-custom and fully custom vessels — a practice the company applies to all new-build projects.

The Burgess team is capable of managing the new construction of yachts in a range of sizes, from 164 feet (50 meters) to 492 feet (150 meters), and is continually adding to its fleet of managed projects. A staff of more than 15 Burgess naval architects, marine engineers and technical managers oversees each project, including shipyard and designer selection, drafting of specifications, contract negotiations, advice on technical issues, MCA and SOLAS classifications, technical supervision and warranty period control for some of the world’s most impressive new builds.

Burgess credentials include a strong track record of past projects and returning owners. “Our many repeat clients know that we will make the process enjoyable for them as well as delivering what they want,” says Bianchi.

Burgess: An Industry Leader
Founded in 1975 with offices across Europe and North America, Burgess is indeed a global superyacht industry leader, uniquely specializing in yachts over 130 feet (40 meters).

Renowned for its professional yachting services, the company leverages its expertise to guide clients through every aspect of the yachting experience, including sale and purchase, new construction, charter and operational management. Burgess has been involved in the sale of many of the world’s most significant yachts, while its New Construction division is currently supervising more new-build superyachts than any other firm.

In addition, Burgess’ first-class charter service offers a portfolio of the finest yachts in the most stunning destinations. The company’s highly qualified operational yacht managers have extensive seagoing experience and can take care of every aspect of managing a large yacht. The superyacht credentials of Burgess ensure that clients enjoy the highest levels of customer service.

Request a copy of the magnificent 2009 Burgess charter book. Call +1 (212) 223-0410, or visit www.burgessyachts.com.