CRUISE CONTROL

With the proliferation of superlatives in the yacht scene, what does it take for one to truly leave a mark? From groundbreaking concepts to top-of-the-line releases, here is a quintet of vessels that stand out from the crowd.

- Joel Chua

AHEAD OF ITS TIME

Named Motor Yacht of the Year at Boat International’s 2021 World Superyacht Awards and selected for Robb Report’s Best of the Best the year before, Artefact isn’t so much a relic of the past as she is the embodiment of the future – incorporating both visually appealing and eco-conscious qualities in dramatic fashion.

In fact, she’s one of the few superyachts to meet the International Maritime Organization’s Tier III emissions standards thanks to a directcurrent-based diesel-electric propulsion system (also known as DC Grid), which is a yachting first.

Leveraging on the seamless integration of ample solar panels, variable-speed generators and battery banks capable of storing surplus energy, the 80m superyacht reduces energy consumption by a significant 30 per cent. Befitting a yacht that’s future-proofed – in accordance with her owner’s aspirations – the DC Grid’s modular design affords Artefact the flexibility of upgrading to new technologies such as fuel cells.

Artefact is a dazzling sight to behold on the water, with a multi-storey glass wall rising from her midsection, jigsaw puzzle-like windows lining the lower hull, and frameless glass windows that wrap around the main and upper decks.