Lazzarini Pickering Architetti

This 85-foot yacht fuses the two personalities of the sloop: recreational and competitive. The concept guiding the design is synthesised in a slogan coined by the architects: “Why make a cruiser fast, when you can make a competitive sloop comfortable?”
The bridge offers the first glimpse of one of the nodal points of the exterior and interior design: an enormous graphic in the form of a slingshot, chromatically distinguished from the rest of the boat, frames a series of openings in the deck that flood the spaces below with light. This allows for the total elimination of the side windows, with notable advantages to the integral and sinuous restyling of the exterior. The large cockpit also serves the two functions assigned to the boat: hosting guests using the boat for holidays, similar to an open air living room, or the entire crew during a regatta.
Inside, the carbon-fibre structure of the hull is offset by lacquered white finishes that create luminous interiors. The deckhead, which also serves as a source of light, emphasises the length of the boat, while a series of transversal reveals mark the sections of the hull. The versatility of the inhabitable areas translates into transformable furnishings, in particular the tables and benches of the dinette: adjustable in length and height, they can be completely stowed to create more space for the crew during a regatta. The integration between structural elements and furnishings is constantly guided by the objective of weight reduction. This explains why each item of furniture performs at least two functions simultaneously. This is evident in the continuous surface crossing the length of the boat, transforming from a support for beds and sofas into an element that rises up to create the galley counter.
Each piece of furniture was designed to communicate the idea of floating suspension, anticipating a trend in domestic interior design that is now widely imitated.
The continuous cut running the entire length of the side walls, including the cabins, is another precedent-setting novelty. A means of ensuring visual continuity, it also serves as a useful storage compartment.
Doors to living spaces are set flush with the floor, while the classical raised doors typical of most sailing vessels were maintained in the technical spaces.
One of the most distinctive details is provided by the white leather luggage that can be inserted beneath the beds or suspended (reminiscent of historic, handmade travel trunks), and the curtain-screen, also in leather, fitted with a custom made zipper. This latter element can be assembled in modules, or eliminated entirely depending on the use of the boat (vacation/regatta).
In 2006 “Roma” was the winner of the Millennium Yacht Design Award and the Maxi Rolex Cup.