Stepping foot aboard the 40m/131ft superyacht ‘GIRAUD’ at the Mediterranean Yacht Show 2016, it became immediately apparent why she’s one of the sleekest and coolest yachts available for charter.
As if sent by the future, GIRAUD is the first of the Impero 40 series from Tecnomar shipyard and is in every respect the trailblazer. It was therefore with great excitement that the editorial team at YachtCharterFleet undertook a detailed tour to learn more regarding the secrets of her success.
Whilst it’s often the case that the team at YachtCharterFleet are keen to get inside of superyachts and acquaint themselves with the interior, the commanding exterior of GIRAUD demanded special attention as she sat in the harbour of Nafplion, Greece this May.
Composed of angular, masculine lines and almost vertical bulwarks, there’s clearly a naval influence at work behind her contemporary leanings. Indeed, when seen from on land, the arrangement can only be described as innovative. What’s more, the bronze of the superstructure makes her a truly distinctive vessel, instantly recognisable wherever she goes.
Upon entering the main salon of motor yacht GIRAUD, guests are sure to be at once impressed and relaxed. With dark wood flooring and fixtures offset by recessed purple lighting and metallic silver panelling, the minimalist layout presents itself as the perfect spot to gather in whilst away on charter.
Primed for entertaining as well as unwinding, the voluminous space is nicely separated from the formal dining area by an expertly crafted octopus sculpture which provides an even greater character to the award-winning superyacht. Further evidence of the owner’s discerning eye for modern art can be identified in the subtle choice of ornamentation which serves to add intrigue to the already unique surroundings.
Overall, first impressions of GIRAUD are sure to be overwhelming positive. The balance of light and dark, the contrast between sharp and curved lines, and the artful arrangement of furnishings all culminating to strike a refreshing and inviting tone.
Before heading through to the master suite, the sight of a highly bespoke ipad caught the attention of the team, and we soon learned that each room has a personalised unit to control the blinds, lighting, and various entertainment systems- a quiet if revealing comment about how forward-thinking the design of GIRAUD is.
The master suite itself is annexed by an immaculate and well-equipped private office. Featuring similar recessed lighting to the main salon, and bright white walls, the aesthetic is entirely welcoming.
Add to this a couple of colourful and playfully designed chairs and you have a space which reminds charter guests that though they may be hard at work, they’re also spending time on a young and effortlessly cool luxury yacht.
Fusing modern glamour with boundless innovation, GIRAUD is unquestionably one of the most refined charter yachts about
Juxtaposing textured leather flooring and an abundance of lightly toned furnishings, the master suite of superyacht GIRAUD brings images of a contemporary New York loft apartment to mind.
Furthermore, due to the shape of the GIRAUD’s superstructure, the size of the full beam suite is not unlike those of much larger yachts.
Found immediately behind the bed, the generously sized his and hers bathrooms are separated by an even larger and mirrored steam room with various lighting options to capture any number of moods.
One anecdote which the captain was keen to relate whilst the team checked out the master suite had to do with how quiet this part of the yacht is. So quiet, in fact, that the technician brought in to measure the decibels was convinced his equipment must be faulty, as the needle barely twitched once the yacht got underway.
Heading down to the additional suites located on the lower deck, guests get their first proper taste of the artwork commissioned especially for GIRAUD.
Indeed, behind each of the beds is a strikingly modern composition, each thematically linked to the other staterooms whilst establishing a unique personality for the space they occupy. Consistent with the distinctly youthful nature of the interior, these pieces have been produced by staining and painting various materials.
What might also come as a surprise is just how high the ceilings are in these suites- unlike other motor yachts of a similar size, there’s more than enough room in the private spaces as well as when climbing the stairs.
Heading back upstairs to check out the bridge and upper deck salon, the team at YachtCharterFleet made regular stops to study the understated flourishes and features which complete the casual atmosphere of the interior.
From thoughtfully customised furniture to sculptures which wouldn’t look out of place in a trendy gallery, there’s a fine balancing of utility and style on offer. Thanks for such an impressive blend is of course owed to the award-winning at Luca Dini Design.
A familiar presence at Italian shipyards, the team were brought in to shape the various indoor living spaces around the owner’s selection of curious art pieces- a task they have clearly excelled at.
Indeed, there is a pervading sense of unity when moving through GIRAUD which establishes a unique and deeply immersive theme.
More than just a superyacht vacation, to charter GIRAUD is to enjoy a truly singular experience
Sat with the captain on the bridge, the team listened attentively as we learned how GIRAUD is as much of a technological wonder as she is an aesthetic one.
With all of the systems down in the engine room integrated by a state of the art console, the superyacht is capable of seamless cruising which can be enjoyed in near silence by those on board- perfect for when the captain gets underway at night to have his guests wake up somewhere completely new.
Offering a more informal alternative to the main salon, the upper lounge has clearly been designed to accommodate intimate cocktail and games nights.
Adorned with macassar panels and possessing a nicely neutral palette, it’s easy to imagine how entering the space from the sundeck would create an effective contrast from the sun and sights.
The dynamic aesthetic of GIRAUD effortlessly extends outside, with the exterior boasting a variety of dedicated spaces for guests to take in their surroundings.
Besides numerous al fresco dining options, there’s also a sizable Jacuzzi on the sundeck nicely situated a short distance from the BBQ.
Whilst a range of televisions are sure to keep guests entertained during the day, the sundeck also includes the necessary projection equipment for transforming the sundeck into a mesmerizing movie theatre.
Of course, the retractable platform at the stern provides a suitably impressive beach club area, and is unquestionably the crowning touch of the layout when the yacht is at anchor.
With all of these advantages in mind, it’s not difficult to imagine how much of a lasting impression GIRAUD leaves on her guests, and just how many possibilities she opens up for luxury charter vacations.
For further information on M/Y GIRAUD, please get in touch with your preferred charter broker.
Charter Specification
Maverick
Builder
Admiral Yachts
Interior Designer
Admiral Yachts
Exterior Designer
LUCA DINI Design & Architecture
Length39.80m / 130'7 |
Beam8.4m / 27'7 |
Draft2.55m / 8'4 |
Gross Tonnage479 GT |
Built| Refit2013 | 2022 |
Hull MaterialAluminium |
SuperstructureAluminium |
ClassificationRINA |
Charter Guests11 |
Cabins5 |
Crew9 |
Max Speed20 knots |
Cruising Speed14 knots |
Fuel Consumption220 LPH |
Range 4,950 nm |
Range at 15 Knots |