Pushed hard by the project management teams of Burgess and interior designers Andrew Winch Design, the CRN team truly raised the bar with the Cloud 9. We stepped aboard in Monaco to discover just how high
‘The sheer number of individual surveyors that represented the various interested parties and implementation of control in terms of quality, procedures and management of the build certainly pushed us to achieve new levels for the shipyard,’ explains CRN’s project manager, as we stand in the splendid main salon of Cloud 9 during the Monaco Yacht Show. ‘There was one surveyor just for the interior furniture, and at one point we sat for over an hour simply checking the lines and spacing of the cabinetry in the owner’s salon,’ he continues.
CRN Cloud 9 design
Even before stepping aboard there’s no doubting Cloud 9 is an impressive yacht. The exterior design from longstanding Ferretti Group collaborator Zuccon Superyacht Design strikes a delicate balance between a traditional overall profile that will never go out of fashion, with elements of flair that provide character and dynamism. Arcing lines trace the main deck glazing and flow up to the upper deck, over which a truncated fashion plate appears to float the bridge deck poised above.
The paintwork gleams flawlessly in the bright sunlight and the precision of brightwork, teak decking and finish were all evident from the moment we were welcomed into the cockpit. The collaboration between the two design studios of Gianni Zuccon and Andrew Winch is not the first, and the latter told us of his joy in renewing their opportunity to work together again.
‘It has been a great pleasure to work with Zuccon and to partner with CRN for this project which has been very exciting’ commented Winch. Running across the width of the transom a 2,600 US gallon pool with glass inserts floods the beach club below with shimmering natural light, while its elevated position shield occupants of the cockpit and provides privacy for the area while berthed stern-to in port.
The cockpit itself makes for a wonderfully convivial reception and social area, with the deep banquette/supad aft supplemented by freestanding deck furniture and well attended by bars and buffet surfaces for refreshment and casual snacking. Measuring 242’ in length and offering a beam in excess of 44’, this five deck megayacht incorporates a wonderful balance between interior volumes and exterior entertainment spaces, all of which flow seamlessly from one to another. Entering the main salon the signature of subtlety employed by the Andrew Winch Design studio is writ large.
Where some would baulk at the challenge of using only a single wood species throughout the entire yacht, AWD have embraced it and have created a startling depth to the design through simply employing a controlled and complimentary variety of grain directions, finishes and forms in oak. One example that stands out in the main salon is the curved aerodynamic shape of two pillars that delimitate the space between the reception and bar area, with the main lounge.
Inspired by aircraft wings these columns have been worked so that no visible join can be seen along their smoothly arcing edges. Each interior space is dressed with artworks, patterns and conversation pieces derived from the marine world, with coral, shells and minerals appearing to be the yacht’s leitmotif. Offering accommodation for 16 guests during private cruises and twelve during charter operations, five guest cabins are found on the main deck forward of the starboard lobby that contains a glass elevator that serves four of the five decks.
Inside CRN megayacht
Each guest cabin offers a wonderfully light and spacious ambience, with generous views streaming in through oversized windows. Ascending to the bridge deck above one finds a sixth guest cabin to the starboard side that, coming complete with picture windows that provide access to the lateral passageway, can be considered the VIP suite. The mindful insertion of glazing in the bulwarks ensures uninterrupted views from the pillow, while the en-suite incorporates a tub in which one can soak away stresses while enjoying views of the cruising environment.
No less than 22 crewmembers undertake the operation of CRN Cloud 9 and attend to the guests onboard, with their accommodation located forward of the main galley and staff square on the lower deck.
Also down below, a guest lobby for those arriving by tender features on the starboard side, matched by service access to port for provisioning and waste disposal while at anchor. Aft of these sit the twin CAT 3516 powerplants that generate almost 2,770hp each, pushing Cloud nine yacht up to a top speed of 16.5-knots and a cruising speed of 15-knots. Notching back to 12-knots for economical delivery passages, a 6,000nM range can be obtained from the 66,000 US Gal fuel capacity onboard. Back up on the bridge deck meanwhile, the aft section is devoted to the yacht’s second salon. Doubling as a cinema and entertainment space, games tables are arranged around the central sofas, with the daybed of almost 5’ deep providing the perfect place to recline and take in a movie.
Between heaven and the sea
Further aft, the circular dining area that features the sky mural and coral motifs on the chairs signifies Cloud 9’s occupation of a place somewhere between heaven and the sea, with the arcing picture windows allowing for enclosed or semi-al fresco dining. The aft terrace, with its comfortable sofas, is the ideal spot for a pre-dinning aperitif or post-dinner cigar. The foredeck meanwhile offers additional entertainment space, with the owner deciding to convert the original helipad into a party deck, complete with the installation of fittings for a powerful sound system and DJ console.
No doubt the prime allocation of over 10,000sqft of real estate aboard has been reserved for the owners’ deck, enjoying the advantage of the highest elevation. From the semi-circular forward cabin enclosed by sole-to-ceiling glazing, the owners enjoy the utmost privacy and luxury. Having topped out Cloud 9 and fully appreciated the heady heights that CRN have achieved in their completion of the project, we headed back down to the lower deck, where further evidence of the exacting completion levels demanded of them awaited us.
Forward of the huge beach club–complete with coffee bar, lounge area and extended bathing platform thanks to the huge transom plate lowering to create a magnificent terrace over the sea–reside the tender garages. To starboard a shell door opens to reveal the 31’ (9.45m) Novurania primary tender and two Yamaha Waverunners. To port meanwhile is the secondary tender garage… and this is finished to the same quality as guest spaces throughout the rest of the yacht!
Photos & video CRN Yachts
