In today’s market, the needs of a design-savvy superyacht owner go beyond the host vessel alone as smaller yachts are increasingly required to accompany them – and this is aside from the tenders carried on board. Designed to offer full-service amenities, these smaller boats are created with outstanding sea-keeping abilities and the kind of performance profiles that compete with offshore race winners. There are also no compromises when it comes to quality, with some of the industry’s leading names utilising cutting-edge materials and advanced technology to create chase boats that push the boundaries in every respect.
Crazy Too falls into this category. Launched in July 2014 as the 25th hull in the hugely successful Millennium 58 Hardtop series by Otam – the Italian boat builder which has become renowned for its innovative use of technology systems and highly customisable designs, achieved by a team of experts whose sole job is to analyse clients’ desires. The outcome, therefore, is more than just a product, it is an experience. And this is, arguably, what gives this boat its most significant edge.
The boat’s brief came from an Egyptian businessman, also the owner of the 50-metre superyacht Crazy Me, which emerged from the Netherland’s Heesen in 2013 and her unique looks have been remarked upon throughout the industry. The businessman required a super-fast, all-black chase boat that could unite luxury with high speed and comfort. When describing Crazy Too as high-performance, it is necessary to point out just how high the performance is. It reaches an astounding top speed of 55 knots and an impressive cruising speed of 48 knots, made possible by twin Caterpillar C32 Acert engines providing 1,724 horsepower each.
Then there’s the proven hull design developed by naval architect Umberto Tagliavini, that not only looks good but also features a dead-rise of over 21 degree soft and fluid motion through the waves. For Otam, ensuring such comfort at high speeds is something they pride themselves on and forms a key part of any of their designs, right down to the interior furniture, which is meticulously designed and crafted to the living spaces before being taken away to be finished. The result is a meticulous fit that prevents any rattling at high speeds from disturbing the guests.
For the styling of Crazy Too’s indoor and outdoor living areas, the owner enlisted the expertise of his long-time interior designer Cristiano Giatto. Stepping aboard via the unique ‘banana passerelle’, another of Tagliavini’s inventions, passengers are welcomed by an ample open-air sun pad area followed by an L-shaped seating area that’s shaded by the custom carbon fibre hard top designed by DAC Racing. All the furnishings are upholstered in an inviting Marina Mill chenille and together with the teak decking and facilities such as the hot and cold shower on the transom, provide a wonderfully contemporary setting to enjoy summer on the Med.
Illuminated steps guide you to the below deck areas, which extend out into a relaxed open saloon area. A soft cream leather corner sofa fits neatly into the far right corner, leaving space for a small fixed table and plenty of room to walk around. The sofa contrasts starkly with the high gloss black lacquered walls, which, set against the tactile finishes of chenille cushions and beige fabrics, creates a lovely sense of warmth.
A sleek galley runs along the other side, though you could be forgiven for thinking it was a storage area-come wet bar. The glossy finish of the cupboards creates a seamless affect that fits perfectly with the other walls and the counter top can be lifted to reveal a sink and other appliances when required, as well as a bespoke 16-bottle wine cooler. Giatto has continued the use of carbon fibre for the table and furniture tops, forming a synergy throughout the interior and the exterior design.
One of the benefits of a chase boat over a tender is that the larger size can allow for onboard accommodation to be introduced, meaning the owner can enjoy a weekend cruise away while at sea. With an overall length of 18.7m and a beam of 4.68m, Crazy Too offers a desirable three-cabin layout with a master cabin at the fore and two guest cabins both port and starboard, all of which follow the same theme of soft neutral fabrics and monochromatic materials.
In addition to superior engineering and aesthetics, the custom audiovisual system on board can be described as nothing less than cinematic. It was adopted from the same remarkably sophisticated entertainment system created for Crazy Me that delivers audio sound quality at the highest levels, controlled by iPhone and mini iPads. And the cockpit, looking like something you might find inside the space station, features six Revel High End Speakers driven by a fully-scalable audio distribution system while the saloon and master cabin are fitted with full surround sound HD home cinemas. An M7 satellite dome means guests can catch up on their favourite television shows even when they are surrounded by an expanse of ocean.
From the use of materials to styling to technology, Crazy Too has been designed to lead the way in an increasingly forward-looking industry. Yet there is a balance achieved here that is just as significant, representing a benchmark in Italian design where style and substance is exceeded in equal measure. No two Otam yachts can ever be the same and by enforcing such a highly customised process, the owner’s requirements have allowed imagination to prevail over functionality to ensure a true adventure on the seas.
