Calliope

Written by Carlos Serra. Fhotos : Nicolas Claris. Translation: Endeavour Services.G.E.Nº 59

On board

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New England elegance

The unmistakable style of well-heeled Massachusetts families oozes from every corner of this magnificent motoryacht, commissioned by a repeat client and the final creation from world-renowned designer Bill Langan, disciple of Olin Stephens and who sadly passed away just a few months prior to her launch.

Perhaps our readers remember the beautiful profile and even better attention to detail of the 31-metre motoryacht Cassiopeia built in 2004 and designed by the exceptional Sparkman & Stephens protégé Bill Langan. An authentic journey back to the forms of 1950s motoryachts on which wealthy East Coast businessmen would cruise to their holiday destinations. Cassiopeia inspired her owners to upgrade to a classic-style yacht with modern-day characteristics, with the space and range that 42 metres and three decks give. They went back to Langan in order to secure the look they so loved and asked renowned design studio Rhoades Young to investigate the range of styles found in New England homes and recreate the atmosphere on board.
Commissioned to construct the yacht was Holland Jachtbouw, builders of the first boat and so adept at understanding every last desire of the American family. Launched in late 2010, Calliope was so faithful to her owners’ requirements that she was one of the star exhibits at last year’s Monaco Yacht Show, despite her relatively modest size. Also the 2010 Superyacht Award for Best Three-Deck Motoryacht, presented in London on 7th May, underlines the spot-on blend of concept, design and construction achieved.
The final consideration to mention is the intensive use that yacht will have, just as Cassiopeia did, by the owner’s family. At the end of MYS, we spoke to the multi-nationality crew, who were getting ready for a round-the-world cruise and then a non-stop exploration of the North American coastline from Canada right down to Florida. Both the award and the passion shown by this family to enjoy the yacht to the full are a fitting tribute to Bill Langan, who unfortunately did not get to see the completion of his final and perhaps best ever design.