On display at the last Palm Beach Boat Show was a yacht that stole the show from all others, and won the hearts of industry enthusiasts. One of the most fascinating boats on the planet, the Nero Yacht is a classically styled vessel, reminiscent of the vintage boats of the 1930s, but in its 90 meters in length (and 12 in width) it is equipped with all the modern comfortsone could want on board.
How the boat was born
The idea for the boat dates back to 2004, when British video game entrepreneur and avid sailor Neil Taylor decided to seek out and restore a classic motoryacht inspired by those of American financier J.P. Morgan Jr. a legendary series known as the Corsair. His research, however, did not produce satisfactory results, so Taylor decided to build from scratch a boat inspired by the last yacht owned by Morgan, the Corsair IV, launched in 1930. The yacht was designed by Taylor himself together with IMT Marine Consultants for naval architecture and hull design (which is steel), while interior design (during the 2016 refit) is by Laura Pomponi’s Luxury Projects studio.
To build the yacht, Taylor founded Corsair Yachts by striking a deal with China’s Yantai Raffles Shipyard and leasing the entire facility along with its skilled workforce of 400 to build Nero. The vessel came to life over four long years, seeing the water for the first time in 2008. In 2014, Taylor decided to sell the vessel to Irish billionaire and Digicel telecommunications founder Denis O’Brien.
What boat is Black by Corsair Yachts
Let’s start off by saying that Nero is a boat that can be rented in the charter sector, for summer cruises in the Mediterranean and winter cruises in the Caribbean. Up to 12 passengers can stay-really comfortable-on board, luxuriously accommodated in the six cabins, all of which are very spacious, along with the gym, swimming pool, cinema, and private cocktail bar.
Nero is a yacht of 295.6 feet long (90.1 meters) and 39.4 feet wide (12 meters), while it has a beam of almost 5 meters (16 feet). It is equipped with a pair of MaK/Caterpillar diesel engines each with an output of 2,333 hp. At full speed it is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 16 knots, and a cruising speed of 11 knots.
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With its tanks it can hold about 180 thousand liters of fuel, enabling it to independently sail more than 4,500 nautical miles, consuming about 450 liters per hour at a speed of 14.5 knots. Its structure is designed to handle Atlantic waves safely, thanks to the presence of four Naiad fin stabilizers, a full keel, and an extensive ballast system. The iconic yellow and black funnel that stands out on the boat is not -in fact- used to expel combustion residues, but is a purely decorative element that adds an even more vintage touch to the yacht’s aesthetic.
Gymnasium, swimming pool and Jacuzzi (with a view)
The boat has undergone two major refits, the first in Barcelona in 2016, and the second in Genoa in 2021, at the San Giorgio del Porto shipyard. It was during the Italian refit that there was one of the most significant transformations, one that resulted in a state-of-the-art gymnasium on the upper deck. This space has been equipped with the latest Technogym equipment, which includes a versatile multifunctional Kinesis machine, treadmill, cross-trainer, and exercise bike.
Coming out tired and hot from the gym, on the foredeck, you can relax in the nearly 6-meter-long pool, perfect for working out or simply cooling off during sunny days. During navigation, the bow pool is emptied to become the garage for an almost 5-meter-long inflatable boat. In the aft area, however, is a large Jacuzzi hot tub, where guests can relax and enjoy breathtaking views.
Where there used to be a gymnasium there is now amultifunctional area, which can serve as a studio, additional cabin or massage area, offering guests the opportunity to pamper themselves and relax completely during their stay on board.
The interiors with the Italian touch
The goal of the 2016 refit-despite being carried out in Barcelona-was to give the interior a new life, abandoning the gilded, glossy aesthetic to embrace a more contemporary style, inspired by the luxury of homes in the famed Hamptons, but with an Italian twist. Indeed, this ambitious project involved Laura Pomponi’s Luxury Projects studio, and required meticulous work, with walls, ceilings, furniture and furnishings undergoing extensive refinishing.
During the renovation, more than 4,000 pieces of brass hardware were disassembled, which then underwent a silver finishing process to match the new interior design. Upholstery of Nero’s many sofas and chairs required the use of more than a kilometer of new fabrics, adding a fresh, modern touch to the vessel’s interior spaces.
Nero’s super master stateroom
The vessel’s sumptuous master suite, located on the main deck, spans the full width of the yacht, offering an extraordinary and impeccably designed space. The room boasts an elegant living room, complete with a large screen TV for maximum comfort and entertainment, twin upholstered sofas, and an area equipped with a desk and conference table.
The separate bathrooms in the master suite are a true symbol of luxury and sophistication, with fine marble linings and equipped with huge walk-in closets and dressing rooms. A staircase leads to Nero’s private observation room, from which you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding sea, with direct access to the pool on the foredeck for moments of pure pleasure and relaxation.
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