In the realm of maritime opulence, Roberto Curtó of RC Designs has forged a new frontier with the unveiling of his latest gigayacht concept, the Mauna Kea. This 331-foot vessel draws inspiration from the eponymous volcano in Hawaii, translating the awe-inspiring essence of the nearly 14,000-foot-tall peak into a floating masterpiece.
Volcanic Elegance: Design Beyond Boundaries Named after the Hawaiian volcano, the Mauna Kea exhibits a breathtaking stern that mirrors a lava flow cascading down the volcanic mountain’s side. In a unique twist, Curtó transforms this fiery spectacle into a multi-deck water slide, flanked by sets of stairs on both sides, gracefully culminating in a spacious swimming pool. The design ingeniously captures the dynamic and organic beauty of nature, making the vessel not just a yacht but a work of maritime art.
Sophistication Redefined: Architecture and Aesthetics In contrast to traditional gigayachts, the Mauna Kea exudes a simple yet elegant aesthetic. Curtó’s tiered superstructure adopts a modern architectural look, departing from the stacked wedding-cake design prevalent in the industry. The fore and aft decks boast expansive open spaces, creating an atmosphere of unbridled luxury and tranquility on the high seas. Fincantieri, the renowned Italian shipyard, has expressed interest in being the builder of choice, a fitting choice given its track record of launching landmark gigayachts.
Practical Luxury: Thoughtful Design for Seafaring Comfort Roberto Curtó, renowned for his award-winning designs in smaller yachts, brings a touch of practical luxury to superyacht projects. The Mauna Kea features a helipad on the foredeck, seamlessly integrated into the vessel’s balanced design, with stairs ascending to join the aft staircase. The gigayacht’s pièce de résistance is the 46-foot-wide master apartment, epitomizing a harmonious blend of comfort and sophistication. Mauna Kea stands as a testament to Curtó’s ability to marry aesthetics with practicality, creating an extraordinary vessel worthy of attention once an owner is secured.
Transoceanic Mastery: Engineering Marvel for Global Exploration Teaming up with naval architect Mario Grassi of Navirex, Curtó has meticulously crafted Mauna Kea’s steel hull for transoceanic voyages. With an estimated top speed of 16.5 knots and a 6,000-mile range at 12 knots, the yacht promises unparalleled performance on the open waters. Boasting a draft of 16 feet, Mauna Kea can gracefully navigate the world’s most picturesque harbors. Accommodating 12 guests and a crew of 22, the interior design mirrors the vessel’s grandeur, ensuring a seafaring experience that surpasses all expectations.
As the maritime world eagerly anticipates the realization of the Mauna Kea, Roberto Curtó’s gigayacht concept emerges as a sublime fusion of nature-inspired design, engineering prowess, and unparalleled luxury, setting a new standard for opulence on the high seas.
