The Southern California-based yacht designer Kurt Strand presents his latest project: it’s a 135-meter mega yacht called California which boasts a unique style.
Kurt Strand has already introduced some stunning yacht concepts through his brand Strand Craft. An example is the mega yacht named Aurora Borealis, a 122-meter explorer inspired by nature and by the cold climate of Norway where the designer was born. Now he gives us his latest creation, a 444-ft “crystal palace” which he simply named California. Her unique style features large glass walls, glass balconies, folding glass doors and retractable sections to open up the living areas.
Glass and water
The exteriors (all we have, so far) are characterized by the mentioned glass surfaces and the sloping line of the sides, starting from the vertical bow down to the swim platform. But the most stunning aspect of California is undoubtedly the aft. Three pools with waterfalls let the water flow from the upper deck to the mail level and down to the beach area, in a spectacular cascade which recall, when working, the crystal elements all around the yacht. One of these pools is even equipped with a surf riding machine, so the owners can enjoy the “California lifestyle” wherever the yacht is located.
Kurt Strand says that the bow lines of California are inspired by a gladiator helmet, and he also states that the masculine design of the front flows into feminine shaped lines. What is sure is that she doesn’t resemble any other yacht.
Strand Yachts Aurora Borealis 122 is the latest frontier of explorer yachts
A fourth, spa pool is included in the extreme part of the bow, offering impeccable view on the sea. Behind it is the landing pad for the helicopter, which can be stored under the helipad via a automatic elevator system. A huge outdoor lounge area is located behind the landing pad.
The yacht is designed with a hybrid electric propulsion system, powered by high efficient diesel turbine generators. According to the designer, she can run on a slow cruising speed of 11 knots for 5 hours solely on battery power. The power coming from the generators is stored into a 60-tons lithium-ion battery bank, capable to of hold two million watts of electricity. The propulsion is entrusted to three Azipods capable of pushing California up to 20 knots.
It seems that Kurt Strand wanted to feature California with every possible whim a wealthy owner can desire
An advanced water cleaning system and an automatic-angled solar panel system assist the power supply in the harbor. To complete the environmentally friendly design, all the yacht tenders and toys are fully electric powered.
The Zen inspirited interior of California is designed for a relaxed lifestyle, with recycled wood, natural stone, inside wall waterfalls and large aquariums. It includes a club style lounge area with bar, night club, game rooms and a gym with a hammam, massage studio and wellness spa. Then again, features include a 24-seat movie theater, a bowling alley and a showroom for a classic car collection. Another attraction would be the Koi ponds in the lobby / lounge area, all connected via tunnels. It seems that Kurt Strand wanted to feature every possible whim a wealthy owner can desire.
At this point, we are eager to see renderings of the interiors, but Kurt Strand says he doesn’t want to reveal any: he just promises that the layout is very different from all other yachts is this size range.
According to Strand, the largest mega yacht builders in world have already shown their interest in this project and are ready to take it further into reality for the owner.
Kusrt Strand California preliminary specifications
- Length overall …………… 135 m (444 ft)
- Beam …………… 19 m (62 t)
- Draft …………… 4.5 m (14ft 9in)
- Top speed …………… 20 kn
- Gross tonnage (GT) …………… 8000 Tonnes
- Passengers …………… 24
- Crew …………… 50
- Power …………… Hybrid Electric azimutal propulsion pods
- Construction …………… Steel
- Superstructure …………… Aluminum
- Exterior Design …………… Kurt Strand
