Once the ink had dried on the contract back in 2011, more than a thousand people came together to oversee the successful completion of SAVANNAH, the world’s first truly hybrid superyacht.
Inspired by Breathe- an earlier concept model unveiled by DeVoogt Naval Architects at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2010- SAVANNAH was conceived from the very outset as something of an eco-friendly revolution.
The world’s first hybrid superyacht, the three year project was defined by only the most ambitious of goals. With an owner reportedly keen to be at one with the water, everything about the construction of the 84m/273ft superyacht SAVANNAH was meticulously designed to form a seamless integration between the vessel and the ocean.
From her floating superstructure, to a hugely open aft deck, to glass panelling creating the illusion of an exterior floating on air, all of the styling which was produced in partnership with CG design has ensured that SAVANNAH is every inch the embodiment of forward thinking.
Such a modern and conscious approach to design ultimately paid off, and the yacht gathered a series of accolades at the 2016 ShowBoats Design Awards. The only charter yacht to be recognised at the ceremony in Austria, SAVANNAH collected three coveted Neptune trophies for: ‘Exterior Styling & Design – Motor Yacht Above 500GT’, ‘Interior Layout & Design Award – Motor Yacht Above 500GT’, and the ‘Holistic Design Award’ for a ‘harmony unequalled by any other contender’.
What’s more, she was awarded with the prestigious title of ‘Best Motor Yacht 1,300GT to 2,999GT’ at the World Superyacht Awards 2016, marking a truly phenomenal year for the team behind her.
Passing the nine-metre swimming pool and the sun loungers which surround it, charter guests enter SAVANNAH via a large glass door which encases the main salon. Enjoying an abundance of natural light as a consequence of this structural arrangement, the circular social space is furnished with minimal yet well positioned sofas to offer both comfort and space to those on board.
No strangers to modern luxury, the design house responsible for styling the interior of SAVANNAH previously worked on the Kenzo and Christian Dior stores in their native France. Bringing their expertise to the world of motor yachts, CG Design have created a relaxed interior environment which connects naturally to the exterior area immediately to the aft.
Fusing state of the art engineering with state of the art design, superyacht SAVANNAH promises a highly unique charter experience
Also on this deck is the central spiral staircase which separates the main salon from the secondary lounge and the five guest cabins. Thanks to the pioneering engineering which very much defines this yacht, each of these areas experience very little noise and vibration when underway or at-anchor. To discover exactly why this is the case, be sure to read our feature on the pioneering mechanics of superyacht SAVANNAH.
Further forward along the main deck, charter guests will encounter an additional salon which has become known as the ‘sitting room’. Populated with a large sofa and four additional deep seats, this space is an attractive alternative to the main salon.
Complete with its own waterside balcony, the VIP cabin on board SAVANNAH has been thoughtfully arranged to ensure that guests can enjoy the same spaciousness in private that they do in the communal areas.
Continuing the theme of vast natural light, the floor to ceiling glass door which leads to the balcony can be easily shaded for when the occupants require a greater darkness for sleeping in.
With the addition of enormous en suite facilities, this VIP cabin is ultimately a luxurious and voluminous retreat for occupants to return to following a day out on the water.
The remaining cabins on the main deck consist of 4 doubles which each include their own set of ensuite facilities. Consistent with the minimalism of the social spaces, these doubles have a limited number of fixtures and furnishings to enhance a spacious and refreshing feel.
With finely integrated television systems, guests using these cabins will have no difficulty kicking back in privacy should they prefer some time to themselves.
The underwater lounge makes use of especially thick glass which can be covered up to transform the space into a cinema
Due to its position in the hull, the underwater lounge allows guests to look through clear waters to inspect marine life without having to suit up in snorkelling or diving gear.
Excellently furnished, guests are able to view movies or nature in total comfort either when underway or at-anchor. As a revolutionary feature, this section of SAVANNAH is sure to attract charter guests and serve as a popular social hub during their vacation.
When making their way up to the owner’s deck, the principal charter guest will discover an array of fascinating finishing touches that make simply walking through the yacht a total pleasure.
Indeed, everything from the graceful curves of the spiral staircase to the expertly thought out lighting arrangements produce a calming environment that has no rivals.
If course, with additional lounge spaces located up on the owner’s deck, the principal charter guest will be able to entertain the remaining guest in style. The upper deck is also where guests will find the state of the art gymnasium which is perfect for both full and casual workouts.
An eye-catching addition to the owner’s deck, two opposing video walls serve as calming and moving artworks
Stretching from the outdoor seating area on the aft, to the sleeping area at the fore, the owner’s deck of superyacht SAVANNAH can function as either a private sanctuary or an expansive social area.
Indeed, with further seating areas adorned with comfortable furnishings and space-enhancing decorations, the deck can be used as a quiet hangout space or as an alternative to the main salon.
The owner’s cabin itself extends from a personal office to an enormous sleeping area which features a bed beneath a circular skylight. Easily covered, this eye into the sky baths the area in natural lighting to make the area feel particularly spacious.
As you might expect, the ensuite facilities are suitably sprawling, with a his and hers arrangement making it an ideal cabin for couples to share. What’s more, the low noise and vibration levels make sleeping here a total dream.
Making the transition to the outdoor section of the yacht is entirely effortless thanks to the large sliding doors which wrap around the aft section of the interior areas.
The exterior of superyacht SAVANNAH is the perfect place to soak up the sun and surroundings. Indeed, with the option to swim lengths in the pool, look out across the water from the Jacuzzi, or dine alfresco, charter guests could reasonably enjoy their entire vacation around the outdoor spaces.
The exterior of superyacht SAVANNAH abounds in areas for guests to unwind and socialise around. Indeed, with four of her five decks offering outdoor living spaces, it’s possible for charter parties to spend their time as a whole or in smaller groups.
When the sun has gone down for the night, charter guests can remain warm thanks to a finely integrated fireplace adjacent to a lounge arrangement. The perfect place to sip on cocktails in company, this section of the superyacht is a strong alternative to the main salon when it comes to deciding where to enjoy some nighttime entertainment.
Complete with walk up bars and large outdoor lounges, guests won’t struggle to find their own sanctuary when soaking up the sun on board SAVANNAH.
It is, of course, just as exciting to step off the yacht to enjoy all of the exciting toys hidden away in the tender garage. For the adventurously inclined, the SeaDoos and Jet-Skis will certainly please, whilst more laid back guests will no doubt be drawn to the snorkelling gear and paddleboards.
Nestled in the bow of superyacht SAVANNAH is a secret chill out space that allows those on board to get away from it all inside of a unique and cozy environment.
Another example of how the Feadship superyacht manages to break the mold with grace, this modern looking bow space has no rivals and could well lead the way for future imitations.
Ultimately, the main deck of the superyacht is an elegant mix of social and guest spaces, each eloquently laid out and decorated by CG Design.
Composed of ingenious living spaces, there are some aspects of superyacht SAVANNAH which have never before been seen on board superyachts before.
An underwater lounge on the port side, for example, is one structural highlight where guests can watch the marine life outside or turn around and observe the action in the nine-metre swimming pool.
For further information, and to make enquiries into a vacation on board M/Y SAVANNAH, please get in touch with your preferred charter broker.
Charter Specification
Length273'11 / 83.50m |
Beam41' / 12.5m |
Draft13' / 3.95m |
Gross Tonnage2305 GT |
Built| Refit2015 | 2020 |
Hull MaterialSteel |
SuperstructureAluminium |
ClassificationLloyd's |
Charter Guests12 |
Cabins6 |
Crew24 |
Max Speed17 knots |
Cruising Speed14 knots |
Range 6,500 nm |
Range at 14 Knots |