Spotlight On JOY

Constructed in Holland by the esteemed Dutch shipyard, superyacht JOY is the first ever build to boast exterior styling from Bannenberg & Rowell, one of the yachting world's most famous names which has, until now, devoted all its attention to the interior of superyachts.

Sure to lay the foundations of a reputation to rival that of their celebrated interiors, JOY’s exterior is truly cutting-edge, gifting the superyacht with a remarkably distinctive profile.

In a similar vein, Studio Indigo - the design house behind the Feadship's interior - was chosen to bring its design expertise to bear on the world of superyachts. Using their keen awareness of the Owner's tastes and preferences, the team ultimately shaped the interior design of JOY to heighten the overall experience of being on board.

Responding to the Owner’s desire to harmonise the exterior and interior spaces, the designers developed pioneering ‘winter gardens’ on the main and Owner’s deck. Allowing guests to alternate between larger indoor and outdoor areas, the winter gardens are formed by optional glass panelling which instantly transforms open deck space to air-conditioned zones which still enjoy plenty of light and access to views.

Consistent with this approach to flexible luxury living, a semi-open air gymnasium was also installed on the bridge deck to enahnce the experience of working out.

Making all these features even more attractive, of course, was the recent news that JOY will be available to charter, allowing parties of 12 to enjoy the sophistication of this contemporary superyacht for themselves.

Due to the relatively low volume of JOY (1,100GT, to be exact), Bannenberg & Rowell devised a progressive styling which would optimise the feeling of being at sea whilst forming a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

As stylish as they are functional, the angular surface shapes and sculptured sections which grace the exterior of the yacht ultimately allow a great deal of natural light to pass through. This, along with the large windows which encase the living spaces mean that those on board are forever at one with their surroundings.

James Carley, the director of exterior design at Bannenberg & Rowell explained this approach, describing how: ‘the design was very much governed by the desire to minimise anything which would get in the line of sight, and to ultimately maximise the deck space’.

Rivalling the quality of their celebrated interiors, the cutting-edge exterior Bannenberg & Rowell has developed is sure to lay the foundations of a similarly enviable reputation

Bomber Doors

Encountering a flourish of innovation immediately upon stepping foot on board via the main deck aft, guests are sure to be impressed by the sofa which opens up to provide access to a staircase leading to the beach club on the lower deck.

Like the hatch of a bomber jet, the upward hinging doors have the added advantage of forming further seating arrangements to both port and starboard.

What’s more, when the doors are brought down, the space becomes an impressive outdoor lounge with a retractable screen attached to the ceiling ready to serve up endless hours of nighttime entertainment.

The creativity behind such a multi-functional space is impossible to overstate, and demonstrates the incredible synergy that has been the driving force behind JOY.

Wintergarden

Moving forward, charterers reach a set of sliding glass doors which open up onto a spacious dining area encased by glass panelling.

Referred to as the ‘Wintergarden’, this space playfully disrupts the traditional limitations of exterior and interior design, creating an entirely new environment for guests to enjoy.

As Mike Fisher, creative director of Studio Indigo, is keen to point out, ‘air conditioned outdoor-in zones are part and parcel of the fundamental leitmotif of blending exterior and interior spaces on board superyacht JOY’...materials and styling makes the exteriors feel like they are an extension of the interior spaces. Moreover, every living area has windows looking out onto the wide walkways, making the rooms feel much larger than they are'.

Entering the main salon, guests get their first taste of the 250 different finishings and materials which Studio Indigo have integrated throughout JOY.

Remaining faithful to the layout designed by Bannenberg & Rowell - as well as their aesthetic sensibilities - the interior designers have clearly been attentive to the comfort and ambience of the spacious communal area.

Exuding an understated elegance, the terracotta carpeting is accented by lightly toned fixtures and deeply hued furnishings. Flanked by floor-to-ceiling windows, the space enjoys an abundance of natural light and allows guests to take in the same views on offer outside.

As the social centre of superyacht JOY, a classically styled bar is situated on the starboard side to serve cocktails with more than a touch of glamour.

Appropriately, the artwork remains wholly unobtrusive, with only a single impressionist painting adorning the forward wall. Although vibrant, the painting enhances rather than distracts from the cohesive textures which surround it.

Ultimately, the main salon is something of a colorful interpretation of minimalist design, infusing an impressive warmth into the spatially sensitive approach.

Heading towards the VIP cabin and two double staterooms, which occupy the forward section of the main deck, charterers will find themselves passing the circular glass elevator located amidships on the starboard side.

With an expertly crafted, cantilevered, timber staircase spiralling around its shaft, the elevator is nicely consistent with the overall feel of the yacht whilst being completely functional.

Connecting all decks with the exception of the lower deck, the elevator unquestionably heightens the experience of reaching both the owner’s deck and bridge deck.

Keen to create a link between the interior and exterior, each of the two double cabins found on the main deck are fitted with large windows and expertly selected soft furnishings.

Providing an individuality through their distinct use of colour, these guest spaces feel huge thanks to artfully installed reflective surfaces.

The VIP cabin, which is found just forward of the two doubles, would assuredly give the master suites of many large superyachts a run for their money. Indeed, with a broad dressing area and similarly large bathroom, a soothing sense of tranquility runs throughout the cabin.

A total haven, sofa seating has been added at the foot of the bed to allow guests the option of relaxing in privacy. Furthermore, a desk has been included to starboard side, ensuring any necessary business tasks which need attending to can be conducted in the utmost comfort.

Forming something of a mirror image to port and starboard on the lower deck, the ‘child’s cabin’ and ‘nanny cabin’ of superyacht JOY are beautifully coloured, with 

Congruous with the design of the communal spaces, the minimal configuration of furnishings and fixtures optimises these guest areas to create a truly harmonious setting which would be appropriate for additional guests as well as for its intended purpose.

Flexible and superbly styled, the accommodation available on board superyacht JOY is certain to satisfy the modern charterer

Reminiscent of a contemporary penthouse, the Owner’s deck is comprised of a stateroom, two children’s VIP suites, and a large lounge towards the aft. Uniquely styled, this layout is completed by light woods, modern decorative touches, and cream coloured furnishings.

Serving as a hangout room, the owner’s lounge includes a state-of-the-art television amidst sofa seating and bronze detailing. Once again, the area feels incredibly voluminous and is sure to be popular amongst charterers.

The Owner's stateroom itself is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows with an overhead skylight to illuminate the space by day. Thanks to the clean design of the foredeck, the wraparound windows provide unobstructed views making it possible to take in ocean panoramas from the large bed.

With dedicated his and hers bathrooms along with attendant dressing rooms, the accommodation on this deck is effortlessly modern, with the proximity to the children’s suites being an obvious advantage for families away on a charter vacation.

Indeed, it’s difficult to imagine a configuration which would be more family-friendly and offer an environment as exceptionally equipped as that of JOY.

Games Deck

No doubt the greatest talking point of superyacht JOY’s exterior, however, is the basketball hoop which can be erected at the bow.

With a collection of nets easily attached to the sides, this feature is sure to capture the imagination of guests of all ages. Termed a ‘Games Deck’, the area can also be effectively configured for badminton and football.

With alfresco dining options also available on the terrace immediately forward of the master suite, guests can decide whether to enjoy a coffee sat over at the port side or dine at the more formal arrangement on the starboard side.

Thanks to the walk-around exterior configuration, charterers occupying this deck are able to reach the various outdoor areas with no difficulty whatsoever, going from the second ‘Wintergarden’ located towards the aft to the bow with a gentle ease.

Making the experience of chartering the yacht that bit more special, this means that charterers staying on the Owner’s deck can choose to dine socially or privately as well as indoors or outdoors.

This being said, the space is large enough to accommodate the entire party and could equally be used as an alternative alfresco dining option.

In many ways a natural extension of the owner’s deck, the bridge deck includes a sizeable office as well as the wheelhouse and semi open-air gymnasium.

A sofa situated immediately behind the captain’s chair is a nice addition to the wheelhouse as it allows guests to gather together whilst plotting the course of their cruising as well as enjoying spectacular views from on high.

Fitted with a wide variety of exercise equipment, and suitably spacious, the gymnasium allows charterers to continue their fitness regime, no matter how demanding it may be. Indeed, the oceanic views on offer are sure to make working out - excuse the pun - a complete joy.

Located beneath the sundeck, the gymnasium also offers impressive views of the Jacuzzi above in a feat of architecture that has unsurprisingly garnered a significant amount of praise.

Leaving the gym to reach the staircase on the aft, charterers will find sofa seating which fringes the deck space, offering an excellent space to unwind and look out over the ocean.

Sure to be the preferred communal outdoor space, the sundeck of superyacht JOY is graced with forward facing sunpads, a wide jacuzzi, and a selection of extra furnishings for light dining.

Thanks to an attachable bimini, the deck can be transformed from a sun-drenched paradise to a chillout zone in a matter of minutes.

Anticipating the long stretches of time sure to be spent on the sundeck, a bar has been installed on the port side whilst the space to starboard has been put to good use with a full grill.

A true all-rounder, superyacht JOY offers the very best to her guests whether they be indoors or out

The Beach Club

Heading inside via the swim platform, charterers will find themselves in the highly innovative and thoughtfully arranged beach club.

With video walls surrounded by a collection of bean bags, the area is entirely child-friendly, with the option of hooking up games consoles to keep everyone amused for hours on end.

Elsewhere on the lower deck, a sophisticated treatment room provides a range of wellness options. Specifically, there’s a large shower, which doubles up as a steam room, whilst the electronically operated massage bed can be used to carry out a number of spa therapies.

To cool off, it doesn’t get much better than heading down to the swim platform, which extends off the aft deck, either to board the toys and tenders or recline in the shade formed by the raised transom door. Indeed, by swiveling open, the transom door forms a generous canopy to expand the possibilities of this waterside space. 

Reached via broad staircases on the port and starboard sides, the length of the swim platform also ensures that families and parties are able to gather together with adequate room by the water.

Along with her impressive collection of towable toys, JOY also comes with all of the diving and scuba gear necessary to explore her charter grounds.

Besides being eye-catching and satisfying her Owner’s desire to be distinctive, superyacht JOY is forever at one with her surroundings. Such harmony between the yacht and the water is of course owed to the effective collaboration of the teams behind her.

What's more, the superyacht sets an exciting precedent for Bannenberg & Rowell, ushering in a new era as they take on exterior design. By anyone’s estimation, it would appear from JOY that they’re well on their way to developing a similar excellence to that of their legendary founder, Jon Bannenberg.

Ultimately, JOY would be entirely suitable for a number of party configurations. Whilst a single family might enjoy her in their own way, it’s just as easy to imagine how two families might divide themselves across the main deck and Owner’s deck depending on the preferences of the principle charterer. Indeed, the flexibility of the decks and guest spaces means there’s the opportunity to finely balance the social with the private.

In order to find out more regarding M/Y JOY, please feel free to get in touch with your preferred charter broker.

Alternatively, take a look at all Feadship superyachts available for charter.