Gamma Yachts delivers Gamma 20 to opera singer Andrea Bocelli

by Gamma Yachts on 12 Nov 2014 Gamma Yachts has announced the delivery of 22.1m M/Y Libertas, the third in its Gamma 20 ‘mini’ superyacht series to be completed to date. With innovative design by Dutch company Vripack, the yacht has impressive guest space for its length overall as well as excellent fuel efficiency. The owner of M/Y Libertas, is the celebrated opera singer Andrea Bocelli.

Both built and designed in Holland, the yacht combines the precision and technical capabilities of the Dutch with world-class interior furnishings and materials from Italy. Although the traditional threshold for a superyacht starts at 30m in length, Gamma Yachts CEO Guido Bonandrini comments that the degree of customisation available to an owner in the Gamma 20 is much closer to that of a superyacht than any other vessel in this size range. 'The main elements of the Gamma 20 that are dictated to a client are the hull and superstructure shape; almost all other aspects can be adapted to the client’s tastes, much like you would expect on a yacht of a larger size. Particularly to the exterior fly bridge, we have seen major variations in each of the vessels delivered so far'.

For this yacht’s exterior, Bocelli specified a table and sofa to be placed forward of wheelhouse to offer true immersion into the surroundings, particularly when underway. There is also a custom-built diving board on the extended fly bridge to jump off the uppermost point of the yacht, and the hull is painted in an eye-catching metallic electric blue.

Making full use of the volume provided by the wave-piercing bow with quarters for two crew, the Gamma 20 offers 170 sqm of living space including the lower deck, main deck, fly bridge and walk-around. The addition of a fourth cabin in this yacht increases the accommodation to up nine guests, and the windows in the master cabin have been increased to let in more light and views of the surroundings. Double-glazing insulates the interior, allowing the piano and recording studio equipment to be used in the main salon. For the interior finishes, the owner chose matte oak panelling with natural oak floors. The galley is fitted out with white Parapan and grey stained oak flooring.

The award-winning designers from Vripack carried out extensive testing and modeling to ensure the Gamma 20 matches up to the expectations of an owner looking for a superyacht experience in a more compact vessel. Vripack worked on the noise and vibration testing with Dutch firm Van Cappellan Consultancy, which also provided the insulation; and stabilisers from Naiad offer guests equal comfort whether at anchor or docked in a marina. As well as adding additional space for crew accommodation forward, the bow shape also provides excellent fuel economy for the yacht, which has a range of 1,270nm on 5,500L of fuel.

'There are a number of striking features that prove the power of such holistic thinking,' refers Bart Bouwhuis of Vripack. 'For instance, the lack of steps and obstructions: each deck is truly on one level, preventing the risk of tripping. This is combined with fast displacement hull lines that are used specifically for comfort at anchor and at sea. The approach goes as far as the actual structure of the yacht to minimise the build time, applying our proprietary Smart Kit building technology. This allows the boat to be built faster as well as for a more rigid end product, which reduces noise and vibration to improve the guests’ experience.'

Andrea Bocelli, who has previously owned several vessels in this size range, comments that the newly delivered Gamma 20 is by far his favourite: 'I love the way space has been arranged so that our large extended family can be together, enjoying closeness and intimacy, while at the same time respecting everybody’s privacy. A yacht must meet precise needs and be able to make us feel at ease; it must comply with – and express both architecturally and technically – the same priorities as those living on it. Coziness, warm materials, safety, low noise levels and comfort: these were my needs, and they have been fully met. I needed a solid, safe and comfortable boat, and I am very happy with my choice in the Gamma 20.'