Design Unlimited - Pink Shadow
Damen Yachting’s SeaXplorer 58, Pink Shadow, is a yachting masterpiece that combines a robust exterior profile with world-cruising capabilities and an interior that will take guests on a journey of its own.
The owner of 58m superyacht Pink Shadow is a repeat client of Design Unlimited, and he tasked the UK-based studio with bringing his stylistic vision to life.
“The brief from the owner was defined around exploring in a more sociable way, based on his wish to entertain in different parts of the world and be to aboard for longer periods,” begins Mark Tucker, Creative Director at Design Unlimited. “This was to be an interior that went far beyond traditional explorer yachts. The owner has specified a theme based on the film ‘Fitzcarraldo’, where a vintage steamboat embarks on a journey down the Amazon River, which reflected the owner’s love for South America.”
This distinctive vision presented Tucker and his team with a new and exciting challenge.
They began by adapting the arrangement plan of the 58-metre platform to create a wide variety of different social spaces and settings, which would work for both the day-to-day onboard lifestyle and for entertaining. “If you are going to be on a boat for a longer period of time, whether you prefer solitude, socialising, or something in between, having versatile spaces that you won’t tire of is really important,” explains Sophie Porteous, Senior Designer at Design Unlimited.
A highlight of the design is the beach club. This eclectic space embraces rich textures and features bamboo walls with naturally weathered, painted woods - as if collected on a walk along the beach. Colours flow harmoniously throughout the space, and the statement bar counter is framed by a mosaic ceiling. To aft is an infinity-edged Jacuzzi tub. Balconies with cleverly designed chairs extend from the boat's side to offer connectivity to the water. As you move through the beach club towards the central lobby, you encounter the Pink Shadow ‘boutique’ where guests will find all the accessories they may need for the day’s activities, along with refreshments they can help themselves to.
The Fitzcarraldo lounge draws inspiration from the 1982 German film of the same name. “We took design cues from the film's colours and patterns, and its profound connection with nature,” comments Porteous. “One of the statement pieces is a rug that showcases the Fitzcarraldo boat sailing down the Amazon.” As the lounge spills onto the exterior deck, a rustic boat bar captures the idea of a new lease on life. Embracing an unconventional mix of textures, from beautiful velvet to leathers, and incorporating outdoor materials indoors, a captivating and dynamic combination is achieved. “The use of these premium materials blur the lines between the indoor and outdoor living spaces, adding a touch of extravagance,” Porteous explains. “Screens were used in the lounge to break up the space and by creating these divisions, we evoked a cozy environment for the guests to enjoy.”
The Havana lounge resides forward on the upper deck and in contrast, this is a cigar bar that’s all about late night drinks and conversation. It’s a purposefully more enclosed and intimate setting, with doors that lead through to a small deck space with views over the bow and seating under the shade of a canopy.
The bridge also adopts the same high-end interior finishes, with a huge sofa for the owner and guests to come and join the bridge team for a view of the boat’s operation and manoeuvres. Styled to be reminiscent of a rainforest’s tree tops and canopy, here you sit amongst tropical painted birds.
On the top deck is the Amazonas bar. Here there’s a statement bar counter and barbecue grill, al fresco dining space, and Jacuzzi tub with 180-degree unobstructed views.
Pink Shadow has accommodation for 12 guests in six cabins, with options to accommodate an additional five guests when needed. Both the owner and guest cabins are on the main deck. The expansive master suite benefits from an adjacent siesta room with a day bed and an owner’s lounge, it’s open plan and more akin to a private apartment.
Of the five guest cabins, three convert between twin and double arrangement and these each have an additional Pullman berth, and one has been designed to be wheelchair friendly. Each guest cabin adopts a different theme and is a captivating space within its own right. “You can’t complete your journey through this yacht’s interior without visiting each one,” says Tucker.
For Tucker, the result is a standout superyacht that is the flagship of their design portfolio: “Understanding the operational intention for a yacht of this kind is essential to its success. Able to ascertain this from the outset, meant every decision was a step in the right direction. This is a truly individual superyacht. The design inspiration and detailed implementation is the culmination of our near 25 years’ experience in custom superyacht interiors.”
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