Please select your home edition
Edition
North Sails Loft 57 Podcast

Project Velor: Rethinking the architecture of life at sea

by Nauta Design 19 Jun 00:30 PDT

Nauta Design unveils a visionary 75-metre superyacht concept that blends elegant yet bold design and spatial innovation.

Nauta Design proudly introduces Project Velor, a 75-metre, 1,700GT superyacht concept, powered by a flexible diesel-electric propulsion system, comprising four generators (two at 1,000kW and two at 500kW).

Thoughtfully designed to deliver the comfort and functionality of a five-deck vessel across just four decks, Velor 75m reimagines the architecture of life at sea, featuring sleek, efficient and visually striking solutions that challenge traditional superyacht design.

A visual and spatial experience

Project Velor celebrates openness, light and connection to the sea.

Light, wind, and sea flow through its unexpected architectural approach. Expansive open decks, see-through platforms, and grand architectural staircases foster a fluid dialogue between interior and exterior areas, visually shaping a unique spatial perception and offering striking visual perspectives both outward to the sea and inward across the yacht itself. The result is a yacht that feels visually expansive and physically connected.

The overall aesthetic is one of refined elegance, with soft, flowing curves juxtaposed with crisp chamfered edges. She features a gentle presence, yet she is unmistakably bold and contemporary in her personality. Her geometries are gracefully balanced, shaping a sense of dynamic and functional continuity throughout.

The yacht opens up to the sea with physical and visual connections designed to awaken the senses. Aft platforms extend gently toward the sea and decks that seem to dematerialize at their after ends, thanks to the elegant "brise-soleil" slatted overhang system, that cast shifting light and create depth.

This ensures that usable deck space remains generous and comfortable, while layers of space become connected — visually and emotionally — through air, light, and perspective.

The warmth of natural teak and the balance of organic and geometric forms enhance the marine character while pushing aesthetic boundaries, giving the yacht its unmistakable identity.

Unique spatiality and more efficient, innovative layout

By optimising internal volume and circulation, Project Velor achieves a seamless balance between form and function.

At the core of this innovation lies a single-tier engine room—developed in collaboration with Francesco Rogantin of Studio Names.

Relocating the engine room to the under-lower deck unlocks an unexpected sense of space and freedom of movement on board, enabling an innovative, more spacious and efficient layout overall which redefines onboard spatial planning and creates unimpeded vertical and horizontal flow throughout the yacht.

The layout is the result of a delicate balance — between technical spaces, deck heights, the positioning of staircases, and thoughtful planning of interiors.

The connection between spaces is emphasized by minimizing divisions between levels and eliminating unnecessary barriers, thus elevating the onboard experience through a wide variety of spaces that are never redundant, each one with its own dedicated function: for conviviality, social interaction, wellness, rest, and relax.

A private retreat

Onboard spaces are versatile and liveable at any time of day, in any weather. From water-oriented zones to social areas and private retreats, whether open to the sun or sheltered, every space is thoughtfully designed and free of excess. Each one invites well-being, encouraging guests to slow down, feel at ease, and rediscover a meaningful sense of effortless reconnection — with oneself, with family and friends, and with the surrounding environment.

"One of the defining qualities of Project Velor is its flexibility," says Guido Valtorta, Director at Nauta Design. "Every element of the design is intended to suit the many ways owners use their yachts—whether for family time, entertaining, or quiet escape."

Among the yacht's standout examples of flexible areas is its open-air beach club or 'water patio'—a radical departure from conventional enclosed lounges or stepped terraces.

Located aft on the lower deck, it is a premium access for guests: stepping aboard from the water, thanks to folding hull platforms on the side, they are gracefully welcomed by this versatile, multifunctional space. This living area can be opened or enclosed (the sliding glass panels disappear from view when retracted), making it enjoyable all year round and offering a seamless transition between interior luxury and outdoor freedom.

Flowing naturally from the water patio into the Spa/Wellness zone, guests are then gently led into the private haven of their cabins area.

"This flexible outdoor space is made possible by confining the single tier engine room to the under-lower deck," explains Martino Majno, Director at Nauta Design. "It is about eight years we work on this technical solution and the result, on this project, is a multi-functional lounge suited for yoga, wellness, social gatherings, or peaceful solitude—all with uninterrupted views of the sea."

Other key exterior areas, epitomes of the yacht's flexibility are the fore upper deck areas and the sun deck.

Whether reserved as a private retreat for the owner or used as versatile shared zones, the forward upper deck nest and lounges offer immersive spaces where nature, light, and comfort blend seamlessly.

The sun deck is a multi-purpose, transformable and flexible area, designed for diverse forms of conviviality. In example, with the kids' nest guests and children can enjoy different shared experiences through the transformation of the same architectural volume: from total relaxation in a pool to serene relaxing on cushions or stargazing at night.

A manifesto for modern yachting

At its core, this project is the manifesto of Nauta's calligraphy and of its application on a megayacht, incorporating several aspects of its design vision and identity: from the seamless inside-outside connection to the immersive blend with the natural environment achieved through a thoughtful use of clean, horizontal lines; from the meticulous attention to detail to the harmonious balance of forms, volumes, and stylistic elements.

Essential and pleasant, Mediterranean in spirit, unexpected and transformable, this project fuses elegance with innovation, privacy with openness, and luxury with practicality, Velor 75m places the quality of the human experience at the heart of its design — making it future-proof and ensuring it remains captivating and well-balanced for years to come.

Velor 75m Short Specs:

  • LOA: 75.12m
  • LWL: 74.4m
  • Beam: 13m
  • Draft: 3.5m
  • Engines: powered by a flexible diesel-electric propulsion system, comprising four generators (two at 1,000kW and two at 500kW)

Related Articles

British Classic Week Day 1
Northerly winds gusting 22 knots make for a brisk start Day one at British Classic Week in Cowes saw fast-paced racing around the cans sponsored by Spirit Yachts for over 50 classic and modern classic yachts. Posted today at 7:05 pm
International Moth Worlds Opening Ceremony
137 sailors from 25 nations have gathered, featuring some of the biggest names in sailing After weeks of preparation and an intense lead-up, the 2025 Moth World Championship is ready to get under way. Official racing begins tomorrow, 8 July, on the waters of Lake Garda, with the event hosted by Fraglia Vela Malcesine. Posted today at 6:33 pm
iQFOiL Worlds a Aarhus day 2
No racing, but spirits stay high in Aarhus Day 2 of the iQFOiL World Championship in Aarhus tested the patience of sailors, coaches, and the Race Committee alike, as the wind refused to settle across the bay. Posted today at 5:07 pm
Foiling Frenzy at Fraglia Vela Malcesine
The Moth Worlds at Lake Garda are something else! The Moth Worlds at Lake Garda are something else! Regardless of where sailors are in their careers, or the reputation they have, everyone wants to be there and have a tilt at the title. Posted today at 3:45 pm
Protect Your Skin, Stay Out Longer
Rooster know that long days on the water are what summer is all about At Rooster, we know that long days on the water are what summer is all about. But with the sun high and strong, protecting your skin is just as important as protecting your kit. Posted today at 11:00 am
GWA Youth Wingfoil World Championship overall
The Surf-Freestyle and FreeFly-Slalom action rwaps up in Costa Brava The Surf-Freestyle and FreeFly-Slalom action at the the GWA 2025 Youth Worlds wrapped up after a week of intense action at San Pere Pescador, Spain, with the teenage champions chosen in the U14, U16 and U19 age groups. Posted today at 7:24 am
A dream realised for Litchfield's Hound
The Nielsen 59 Hound finished the Transatlantic Race 2025 on July 5 Dan Litchfield's classic Nielsen 59 Hound, co-skippered by Tom Stark, finished the Transatlantic Race 2025 on July 5 in an elapsed time of 16 Days, 08 Hours, 49 Mins and 22 Secs. Posted today at 7:08 am
Marblehead to Halifax Race Update
JV 66 Temptation/Oakcliff leads after 100 nautical miles After 100 nautical miles, Temptation/Oakcliff a JV 66 from Oakcliff Sailing Club out of Oyster Bay New York was in the lead closely followed by the other 66 footer in the race Boudicca, a King Marine Rachel Pugh 66 skippered by Rich Moody. Posted today at 3:10 am
Gran Canaria Gloria Windsurf World Cup Day 2
Philip Köster triumphs again in Pozo Izquierdo Köster survives a late scare to earn an eighth Pozo event title, and first 5-star victory since 2022, in even windier conditions than Saturday. Posted on 6 Jul
A perfect start to the 5th annual AEGEAN 600
Cloudless blue skies, crystal clear waters and perfect 12-15 knots of northerly wind At the very southern end of the Greek mainland at Cape Sounion in Attica, today's start to the 5th edition of the AEGEAN 600 was perfect: cloudless blue skies, crystal clear waters and perfect 12-15 knots of northerly wind. Posted on 6 Jul
Mackay Boats 728x90 BOTTOMSwitch One DesignSelden 2020 - FOOTER