Traditionally, the larger a yacht was, the more seasoned the owners were. Although that still holds in many respects, a number of large superyacht buyers are relatively new to the ownership experience. With that in mind, a triumvirate of build and design teams well versed in big projects have created the concept yacht Koa.
Specifically, the 305-foot (93-meter) concept comes from German Naval Yards, Swisship Yacht Projects, and Pascoli International. German Naval Yards evolved from HDW in Kiel, Germany, which constructed Sailing Yacht A. The same craftspeople are currently finishing the 374-foot (114-meter) yacht Project ELF for delivery in 2028. Swisship Yacht Projects is a new exterior-design studio in London, headed by Andreas Iseli. Previously, Iseli spent time at Winch Design, contributing to multiple projects. Finally, Kristian Pascoli, the founder of Monaco-based Pascoli International, specializes in naval architecture and exterior styling. Prior to setting up his studio in 2023, he worked for Espen Øino International for two decades.
With a volume close to 3,500 gross tons and a nearly 48-foot (14.6-meter) beam, the concept yacht Koa delivers the biggest benefits of a large custom project. For instance, the owners have much of a deck to themselves. The master suite is aft on the bridge deck and incorporates the alfresco area as a welcome sanctuary with some of the best views aboard. Similar to many large megayachts these days, the guest suites are all on the main deck. Six in total can fit aboard Koa. Even better, four of the six can convert into two beamy VIP suites with cozy lounges.
Where the yacht Koa really stands apart, though, is also in the use of space. For example, a two-deck-high atrium and floating staircase that is as much art as it is access connect the main saloon to the upper-deck lounge. And really, the designers and shipyard consider the main saloon more of a beach lounge, because it connects directly to the sunken pool and surrounding relaxation area. (The pool, by the way, has a glass floor bringing light down into the beach club, which also opens on three sides.) “The intent was to create a design that feels clean, timeless, and highly functional, while offering dramatic interior volumes and interconnected spaces,” explains Iseli.
With an upper-deck spa including massage rooms and a hair salon, along with a lounge affording views out over the bow, the layout doesn’t intend to follow convention. Rather, it “reflects how we believe future large yachts will be experienced,” Iseli continues. Pascoli agrees, saying, “the experience is as unforgettable as the vessel itself.”
Of course, should buyers want to build this, they can arrange areas as they wish. That includes keeping a watersports and dive center on the lower deck. Above all, though, they’ll need up to 32 crew for operations. Speaking of which, the concept yacht Koa can run on hybrid propulsion. German Naval Yards recommends twin MANs linked with a PTO/PTI system. PTO/PTI stands for Power Take-Off and Power Take-In, a system that boosts flexibility and efficiency. It lets the engines’ power feed other systems in PTO mode and relies on batteries to boost the engines in PTI mode. Overall, it permits the yacht to switch among diesel power, electric assist, or entirely electric propulsion. Koa should cruise at 11 knots and top out around 18 knots.
“This project reflects the evolution of our shipyard,” notes Rino Brugge, German Naval Yards’ CEO. “We are excited to present a concept that demonstrates what GNY can deliver for the next generation of superyacht owners.”
German Naval Yards germannaval.com
Pascoli International pascoli.mc
Swisship Yacht Projects swisship.ch
More About the Concept Yacht Koa
LOA: 305’1” (93 meters)
Beam: 47’11” (14.6 meters)
Draft: 13’1” (4 meters)
Guests: 14 in 7 staterooms
Engines: 2/MANs (horsepower not specified) in PTO/PTI hybrid setup
Range: not specified
Builder: German Naval Yards
Stylist: Swisship Yacht Projects
Naval Architect: Pascoli International
Interior Designer: owners’ choice