The phrase "timeless classic" is being thrown around too much and maybe far too casually. But the Eleuthera megayacht, a concept by Azcarte Design, has serious potential of becoming just that.
Concept studies in naval design represent a way of exploring and pushing the limits of what's possible and maybe even lay the grounds for actual builds. More than just a way to pass the time or of committing a dream to paper so it's not forgotten, these concepts aim to break the mold, further innovation, and, why yes, create timeless classics.
It's doubtful that this is what the team behind Azcarte Design had in mind when they set out to work on Eleuthera, but it's what’s been achieved. The concept for this spectacular megayacht was first published in 2018, and five years later, it's still as spectacular, relevant, and innovative as on day one.
Eleuthera is a 100-meter (328-foot) sport-open motor yacht that sits at the intersection of automotive high performance, ancient Greek architecture, and high-end luxury. It takes the styling and performance of a 15-22-meter (49-72-foot) sports yacht and blows it up to size. Eleuthera aims to provide the ultimate floating entertainment space, with ample accommodation in unique settings and modern performance, with the goal of delivering an unparalleled experience for whoever might be able to afford it.
Photo: Azcarte Design
Since there are no plans of building Eleuthera that we know of, we might as well enjoy it visually because it's probably all we'll ever be able to do.
Eleuthera is named in tribute to the longest island in the Bahamas, and the name is the first clue as to its abilities. It's not just a very long vessel but also one able to safely go in shallower waters around island locations, allowing guests to take the party to land with more ease and much more convenience.
The styling of the megayacht, though, is far removed from whatever pops in mind when you think "exotic island hopping." Eleuthera features a reverse bow, a very low profile, and biomimetic exterior styling, and the unexpected combination results in a very aggressive but still elegant silhouette. Eleuthera has personality, as it becomes evident the moment you first set eyes on it – and would be confirmed in a hypothetical future where it would actually exist and travel the seven seas.
Photo: Azcarte Design
Spaces onboard are open-plan to allow for "the highest level of life on a motor yacht," as the designer studio notes, and to encourage livability on every inch of the vessel.
To create the feel of a "luxury floating temple" that is equal parts jaw-dropping and modern, the interiors are inspired by ancient Greek architecture in the choice of materials, arrangement, and conception, particularly the Parthenon and Zeus temple. Teak and white marble prevail to create a minimalist look. Italian luxury interior design firm Turri would handle the interiors should Eleuthera ever move past concept stage.
All this philosophizing isn't to say that Eleuthera wouldn't be a proper megayacht, with insane amenities and incredibly lavish finishes. Privately-owned superyachts can be artsy if the owner chooses it, but they will always, without fail, be luxurious. It's the reason why they exist.
Photo: Azcarte Design
Accommodation is for 22 guests in 11 opulent staterooms and a crew of 31 in separate quarters. The owner's suite uses a "yacht within a yacht"-type of layout to create a space that spans over 235 square meters (3,498 square feet) and includes everything from a private office, a private lounge, his and hers bathrooms with his and hers walk-in wardrobes, a beauty room (just because you're on vacation doesn't mean time off from your regular routine!), a private terrace with panoramic views, and its own private spa.
Amenities abound as well. Eleuthera comes with a helipad with a hydraulic platform that takes the aircraft into storage, an enormous pool on the main deck that could be turned into a dancefloor, an outdoor cinema, a gym with another wellness area, several massage rooms, a bar, formal dining room, and a display kitchen where guests can either cook their own food or watch world-renown chefs do it for them.
Since one giant pool is never enough with this type of vessels, even if it's a multi-functional one, Eleuthera's "massive" stern platform transforms into a saltwater pool. When not used for this purpose, this platform doubles as a beach club with direct access to the interior tender garage and, just as importantly, the main bar area.
Photo: Azcarte Design
To cap it off, Eleuthera features countless open-air lounge spaces and many indoor socializing areas, as befits a true leisure craft.
Should someone rich enough come along to dream (and finance) Eleuthera into reality, it will have an aluminum hull with a composite superstructure. Like the smaller sports yachts that inspired its design, this megayacht aims to be as light as possible. Power would come from triple MTT engines delivering a top speed of 23 knots (26.5 mph/42.5 kph). At cruising speed, this megayacht would have an estimated 7,000-nautical-mile (8,055-mile/12,964-km) range.
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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