COSMOS: A new definition of exploration
by Lürssen Yachts 12 Aug 18:22 AEST
COSMOS © Tomvan Oossanen
Lürssen launched COSMOS, a masterpiece that breaks away from conventional yachting norms. Measuring just over 114 metres in length, COSMOS is one of the largest yachts to slip into the water this year. With her ambitious and unique architectural and interior design by Marc Newson, she is poised to become an instant icon.
"This is a rather special project to coincide with our 150th anniversary," says Peter Lürssen. "While it is true that as a custom shipyard, no two yachts that leave our halls are ever the same, there are some that leave an indelible mark on our history - COSMOS is undoubtedly one of those yachts."
COSMOS was commissioned by a visionary owner with a desire for something truly special - something unique - with which to discover the world. The cohesive, strikingly elegant and futuristic exterior and interior are both by Marc Newson, who executed the brief with his signature refinement. His approach brought a fresh, daring perspective to yacht design, resulting in a sleek, sculptural vessel unlike anything before her.
"Working with an immensely creative client has enabled rare opportunities to push the boundaries," Marc Newson comments. "Everything from the smallest detail to the silhouette - outside, inside, and everything in between - is our design. We have, therefore, been able to exploit and explore every creative possibility uninhibited. This liberating free rein afforded the project a joyful, organic evolution, one which resulted in a satisfying novelty and coherence, the aesthetic of which remains very much within our lexicon."
One of the most striking and immediately recognisable features of COSMOS is the large, glass-domed private owner's study, complete with a sky terrace. The study itself was a complex feat of glass engineering. Lürssen developed a custom solution to bend large sections of thick glass, free of imperfections and with crystal clarity, creating undisturbed 360-degree panoramic vistas from this commanding perch atop the vessel. The adjoining sky terrace offers the owner a personal al fresco space directly connected to the study.
The glass theme is just as prominent on the cabin deck, where a continuous glass band surrounds the entire upper level for uninterrupted views. Located forward in the bow, beneath the helipad, is a glass-encased observation lounge, while aft lies an open balcony with a glass balustrade, which overlooks the spacious main deck.
The open aft deck seamlessly blends utility with comfort. Its centrepiece is a swimming pool and Jacuzzi arrangement, flanked by comfortable seating, and aft lies a dry dock, which operates with a sledge to launch and retrieve her largest supporting tender.
Engineered for long-range, remote cruising, COSMOS spans six decks and is reinforced to Ice Class 1D, enabling safe operation in light ice conditions. Her capabilities open up the possibility of exploring all five major oceans and all seven continents.
As part of the owner's commitment to innovation, they have agreed to a research installation of a methanol fuel cell. This system utilises methanol to produce hydrogen, which is then converted into electricity. A technologically challenging and complex procedure.
COSMOS Specifications:
- Builder: Lürssen
- Exterior designer: Marc Newson
- Interior designer: Marc Newson
- Naval architect: Lürssen
- Length overall: 114.2 m / 374' 67"