Lazzarini Design has never been afraid to take risks and break the rules, whether we’re talking about superyachts, floating villas or flying cars. Nowhere is that more apparent than in the latest from designer Pierpaolo Lazzarini, the Avanguardia superyacht concept.
We’ve discussed Lazzarini designs before: they all have in common the desire to do something outrageous, something that no one else would dare to do. They’re also incredibly luxurious, packed with amenities and modern technology and, yes, expensive. This one is no different.
Avanguardia is a 450-foot (137-meter) superyacht with five decks and lots of flowing lines and curves, that is shaped like a swan. Somehow, that’s not even the most outrageous thing about it. Powered by electric engines, it stands out for its massive size, its elegant design, its luxury amenities, and the fact that it comes with extended functionality thanks to its swan neck and head.
Photo: Lazzarini Design
Like other Lazzarini creations, Avanguardia is also modular, to a certain extent. The owner can pair it with Lazzarini-made jet capsules, which adds to the fun factor and can also be used to boost propulsion. However, its main selling point is the swan neck and head, which have real functionality and aren’t meant for aesthetics alone.
The neck of this waterbird is flexible and operates with a fulcrum that gives it a full range of movement. When sailing, the neck lowers the head onto the middle of the ship, which helps with stability and speed. When anchored, the neck can be lowered to the water, where the head detaches and becomes a separate 50-foot (15.2-meter) tender, just perfect for short adventures or for ferrying new guests on board.
When it’s not launched to water on its own, the tender / head operates as control tower with a private open deck. In situations in which it’s used as a tender, the upper part of the megayacht takes over operations and serves as an auxiliary control tower.
Photo: Lazzarini Design
In addition to this cruiser / control tower, Avanguardia is packed with toys for fun on the water. Lazzarini doesn’t say what the tender garage would include, but renders show two jet capsules situated aft for day-time adventures. Move these jet capsules to the rear of the vessel, and they can be used for added propulsion. Mid-ship is a packed garage for the owner’s classic cars, but the renders don’t show as much as a hint as to how they could’ve gotten there.
For power, the waterbird would use twin electric side engines and a central MTU Rolls-Royce engine, with a cruising speed at around 18 knots. The 5-decker could easily accommodate up to 60 people in total, of whom 10 would be staff and 12 crew. No word on accommodation or other amenities available, but renders show at least two pools, two sun decks and two separate helipads, with one serving for storage as well.
This is clearly just a stylistic exercise for the time being, and even as such, it’s one of the craziest the industry has seen in a long time. If Lazzarini was determined to take a top prize this year, it’s probably for the most insane and outrageous superyacht concept in 2020.
Photo: Lazzarini Design
On the official website, Lazzarini says that Avanguardia is only a concept for the time being, but it could become a reality with “a client that’s able to invest.” He or she could also get this stunning waterbird in black and red, for an even more striking appearance on the water.
As for the cost, Lazzarini Design estimates it would cost some $500 million to make this happen. Presumably, this would include the two jet capsules that sell for $250,000 a pop. So it’s practically a bargain, right?
Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends. Full profile
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