The Danish design studio Norm Architects has created the interior design for the 70 foot yacht “Bella”, the first of the Y/Yachts model Y7 manufactured in Greifswald by Michael Schmidt Yachtbau.
Norm Architects’ approach to interior architecture, minimal aesthetics and materiality has been gracefully translated and applied to the yacht settings and restrictions of the Y/Yachts model Y7, bringing out a warm and exclusive feel through tactile surfaces, natural materials and matt finishes. The craftmanship of the walls, panels, lightning, detailing and furnishing beautifully harmonize together.
The internal construction of the ship has been aligned, correcting the unnecessary to achieve a simpler framework, following the natural curves of the ship.
With applied wood veneer and papier stone, architectural hardware in blackened steel, contrasts in the smooth and coarse-woven textiles, the chosen materials amplify each other through their textures.
“We aim to achieve a simpler framework by correcting the unnecessary elements of the boat and embracing the natural curves of the ship.”
Norm Architects
The main design elements of the boat are tactile sufaces, natural materials and matt finishes. The lighting further emphasises the calm and cosy settings, with inbuilt, subtle lamps built in to shelves and cabinets. Working on large surfaces onboard to accomplish a warm and pleasant feel.
Beautifying details are found in the forms and high-quality craftsmanship of the built-in, wooden elements. Colors are tone-on-tone for a subdued, moody setting.
Minimal aesthetics and materiality define the boat’s exterior and interior design as well.
Doors inside the yacht are designed with seamless door frames as crisp details rather than disruptive elements.
The security requirements are met in style through elegant, built-in furniture that appear unfixed, to provoke a homelier feel, ultimately accomplishing an understated luxury.
About Bella
“Bella” is the construction number one of the Y/Yachts model Y7 and was developed in cooperation with the US-American designer Bill Tripp, who has already brought numerous yachts between 15 and 86 metres in length onto the water. Like all Y/Yachts formats, “Bella” was manufactured in Greifswald by Michael Schmidt Yachtbau.
The aim in developing the Y7 was to combine comfortable sailing behaviour with competitive sailing performance, also on the regatta course. This was achieved by consistently reducing the weight of the yacht during construction and extension as well as by doing without a backstay the profile of the mainsail (with Fathead) thus gets a better profile and more space. At the same time the carbon fibre mast can be somewhat shorter and the yacht can become more stable and significantly faster.
All halyards, sheets and stretchers on the Y7 run hidden to the steering columns. The helmsman can operate them alone at any time – not a matter of course for a 70-foot yacht. With a weight of around 28.5 tons and a sail area of almost 300 square meters at the wind, the Y7 has sufficient propulsion even in light winds and offers corresponding sailing fun. The furling system and anchor are elegantly integrated; the up to 3.45 metre long dinghy disappears into the rear garage. It is launched with a patent pending lift integrated into the carbon fibre tree.
Manoeuvring in the marina becomes child’s play with the Y7. Two engines, a bow thruster and the joystick control even make it possible for the yacht, which is almost 22 metres long, to be driven transversely. The two Nanni diesel engines with 59 kW each drive the Y7 very economically under engine.
Technical data of “Bella”
Length overall 21.68 m
Length waterline 20,35 m
width 5,75 m
Draught (with lift keel) 2.50 – 3.90 m
Displacement 28,9 t
Ballast 9,6 t
Mainsail 174 qm
Jib 123 sqm
Code Zero 350 sqm
Gennaker 550 sqm
Motor 2 x Nanni (59 kW)
Fuel 900 l
Fresh water 900 l
Exterior Design Tripp Design Naval Architecture
Interior Design Norm Architects
Shipyard Michael Schmidt Yachtbau Gmbh
Design Team: Peter Eland, Linnea Ek Blæhr
Location: Greifswald, Germany
Contracter: Michael Schmidt Yachtbau
Photography: Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen
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