There’s luxury. And then there’s a superyacht. Step on board one of these nautical palaces to summer in the Mediterranean or winter in the Caribbean, and prepare to gently skim the ocean in an ambience of easy exclusivity and breathtaking opulence.
A superyacht, defined as a vessel of at least 24 metres in length and sleeping a dozen people minimum, is primarily used to sail or motor around the world at the whim of its owner or a commercial charter. Movie stars, rock stars, billionaires, models and politicians often make up the privileged guest lists using these private floating-island resorts to vacation and escape the prying eyes of paparazzi.
MD Erika Verachter knows what customers want
Sinnex has been designing, producing and installing interior designs for superyachts for 20 years, from the 115-metre MY Pelorus, which requires 46 full-time crew, to the smaller but just as impressive 51-metre MY Sky. In the world of superyachts, size doesn’t matter. It’s what’s on board that counts. And that’s where Sinnex comes in.
While Sinnex’s Commercial Managing Director Erika Verachter has become accustomed to the demands of the world’s wealthiest, the expectations to duplicate life on land to life at sea have undoubtedly increased. The usual considerations of an interior fit – such as the effects of salt water, sun movement and the weight of all objects and furniture – also have to overcome new challenges.
“There has been a massive change over the past 20 years,” Erika says. “Designs and the visions of the owners are getting more and more complex, particularly with the advances in technology. There are requests for a lot of screens, integrated iPod, iPhone and computer connections, as well as satellite broadband. Remote technology is also needed to open and close the blinds, dim the lights, adjust your music.
“All this work wasn’t required 20 years ago. Plus we have to take responsibility for all the electrical connections needed, which also means we have to meet the legal requirements for fire protection. All these extra details have to be completed within the same time frame, which is normally around 24 months.”
Designs and the visions of the owner are getting more and more complex, particularly with the advances in technology.
Sinnex superyachts are fully equipped for fun and comfort
When the guests and owners of these superyachts aren’t plugged into their technology or watching a movie in the indoor or outdoor cinemas, or relaxing in the atrium, they can work out in the gym with floor-to-ceiling panoramic ocean views. Then it’s time to relax in the sauna or spa before sitting down to a gourmet feast whipped up by cordon bleu chefs in the state-of-the-art kitchen. And if navigating the sweeping staircase to your bedroom for an afternoon siesta is a little too confronting after that second dessert, just take the lift.
Afternoon activities could include a visit to the tender garage where the luxury toys are kept. Choose from a wide range that includes windsurfers, jet skis, speedboats, personal submarines, underwater scooters and a jetpack.
Not content to be all at sea with their custom-made and luxurious innovations, Sinnex has expanded its service to fit out private jets and apartments. The demand came when yacht owners, delighted with the work completed by Sinnex on their cruisers, decided their penthouses or designer apartments needed a facelift.
Sinnex has the right people & partners on board
Based in Austria, with offices in Steinheim, The Hague and Moscow, Sinnex, naturally meticulous about its craftsmanship, has launched its Sinnex Project Academy, offering internal training programs, including carpentry apprenticeships and opportunities to advance to project managers.
“In the past, we searched the market for qualified people, and that is a huge challenge,” Erika says. “We find it much better to educate our people ourselves. We can do much more to develop their potential.”
Aligning with the right partners is also crucial to maintaining a reputation among the elite. 4SeasonsSpa, which creates innovative and functional spas, swimming pools and hammams, keeping aesthetics in mind, has engineered numerous projects for Sinnex. “We have worked together with 4SeasonsSpa over many years,” Erika says.
“They are not just a supplier; they are a true partner with great ideas. It’s important to have such a partner with very open communication and trust on both sides. It takes a lot of years to establish that. “Our work culture and leadership is also very important,” Erika adds.
“We are a realistic team and still have an open door and ears for our employees. I worked in an American-based company which had a perfect slogan: ‘Hire the best people, create an atmosphere where your employees feel comfortable, and let them do their job.’ That’s the key.”