Naval architect: Baglietto
Exterior design: Francesco Paszkowski Design
Interior design: Team For Design – ENRICO GOBBI
LOA: 52.0 m
Beam: 9,50 m
Gross Tonnage: below 500 ton
Material: steel hull, aluminium superstructure
Main engines: 2 x CAT C32 ACERT, 2 x 1.081 kW at 2.300 rpm
Top speed: 16.5 kn
Cruise speed: 11.0 kn
Guests: 12 in 5 cabins with 9 crews in 5 cabins
Photo credits: Studio Illume
The project stems from a desire to ensure onboard well-being, whether for a day, a night, or an extended period. Regardless of the cruise duration, time spent on Akula becomes a cherished, indelible memory, forever linked to a moment of joy. This is the primary objective that inspired both the exterior design, handled by Francesco Paszkowski Design, and the interior concept, conceived by Enrico Gobbi.
The outcome is a product of a concerted and synergistic effort, as well as an intense interplay between craftsmanship and technology, established mastery and innovation, form and function. As Francesco Paszkowski explains, «The distinctive silhouette crafted for the wide open beach maintains an equilibrium between form and function.
The sleek yet powerful hull conveys a feeling of speed, even when anchored, unmistakably bearing the Baglietto signature that’s sure to captivate any connoisseur. Immense windows that let the natural surroundings stream inside give her a contemporary look». While the exterior design evokes key cruising characteristics, such as ‘speed’, expressed by the hull’s sleek silhouette, and ‘dynamism’, evident in a sequence of retractable elements that allow the space to be adapted for various needs, the interior design stems from a dialogue with the natural landscape, interpreted onboard through a color palette that echoes it.
The various spaces, articulated across three levels, are designed to be expansive and interconnected. The fluidity of indoor and outdoor spaces mirrors that of the sea, making the constructed environment a tool that alludes to the ever-moving spirit of the waters. The retractable pool on the aft deck, the disappearing glass walls on the upper deck (which transform the main saloon into a sea-facing veranda), and the forward lounge connected to the sundeck by a similarly retractable staircase all contribute to a comfortable and diverse onboard experience.
In the latter instance, the interior design is driven by a constant dialogue with the nature surrounding the yacht: sea, sky, and land take center stage in a harmonious color palette, capable of synthesizing the landscape’s hues onboard. The varying shades of the marine horizon throughout the day tint the design’s palette: ochre and yellow at dawn, orange during the day, and warm amber tones at sunset. The sea contributes its nuances of blue, while the sun-kissed land and rocks add darker accents.
Enrico Gobbi adds, «Great care has been given to lighting design, which has been specifically studied to enhance different indoor atmospheres and emphasize furnishing materials and colours, especially throughout the broad use of wall washing indirect lights. The impression is of a relaxed, elegant interior with discreet yet sophisticated lighting scenarios».
Overall, Akula celebrates the dialogue between human ingenuity and the richness of nature, offering an environment that aims to create memorable snapshots of a journey defined by the luxury of beauty and the privilege of comfort.
