American Designer, Dutch Shipyard Introduce "Vision Line" 70 Meter Megayacht

Cary, NC, August 31, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Award-winning American yacht architect Ward Setzer, principal of Setzer Design Group, and Icon Yachts of Holland introduce the “VL-70,” a sleek, futuristic vessel loaded with all the special features of a world-class Super-Yacht within the “Build-Platform” of Icon Yachts. The introduction underscores Setzer’s standing as an international superyacht designer for the world market.

When challenged by Icon Yachts to submit a design for its now famously engineered “Build-Platform,” yacht architect Ward Setzer requested that he be allowed to present work with a prominent plumb bow and highly swept and stylized superstructure. To accomplish this, his studio worked closely with Icon to honor the existing Platform and yet develop a new bow section for the standard Icon hull form. From there out, the American studio had a blank canvas on which Setzer’s visions for the future of yachting have come to life in detail.

The VL-70 offers six (6) deck levels, from large, below-waterline holds and systems spaces to the top observation deck forward of the mast. With a beam of 11.3M and a draft of 3.4M, the design carries plenty of volume to accommodate large fuel and water stores as well as generous cabins for owners and guests on the multiple levels.

To assist with the massive task of filling out a 70 meter interior, Setzer turned to Adriel Design of Seattle. Prior to starting the project, Setzer felt that a collaborative approach would not only demonstrate the talents of the two distinctly different design firms, but it would also prove that collaboration is the key to the future for many areas of the marine industry. The resulting design offers a depth of detail rarely seen on projects of this scale that are created by one firm alone until well into the build processes. After months of collaboration between the two design studios, the “Vision Line” 70 meter emerged.

The vessel will be powered by conventional drive systems and capable of cruising speeds of 15 knots. The hull design has been refined to provide world travel capabilities in comfort and style. A twin tender garage sits within the bow and a full beam toy garage/cabana/spa with dockage doors deploying port and starboard add to vessel conveniences aft. There is a large swimming pool on the aft deck with flanking sun pads, all set with a sculpted aft deck. One level above, a hot tub overflow creates a waterfall landing in the main pool. A heli-pad is integrated into the tail section of the fourth level and a two-level observation lounge and viewing deck is forward and at the base of the mast structure.

Within the vessel, a multi-level glass elevator is the central, defining feature, along with unique hull side windows and recessed balconies that offer dramatic views to the sea. There are six large guest cabins within the lower decks and one master with nearby office/den on the main deck. The vessel also features a theater space on the upper deck with seating for 16. For the crew, the VL-70 can accommodate 16 within private and shared cabins. The lowest level includes the typical crew lounge, galley and utility areas. This space spans beneath the guest staterooms and houses walk-in refrigeration units and a commercial laundry.

“The Icon Yachts “Build-Platform” of both hull and engineering plant proved to be very capable of handling all the curves at least Adriel and I could throw at it, and the results show,” said Ward Setzer, who recently received his ninth design award in so many years, this time from the World Superyachts committee at the London ceremonies in May for the design of Marama, a full-displacement expedition yacht built by Delta Marine. “Both of our studios are not only proud of the ‘Vision Line’ 70m, but we’re also pleased to show that collaborative efforts can yield powerful results to the greater benefit of all.”

For more information, visit www.setzerdesign@mindspring.com, or call Ward Setzer directly at 919-859-7014.

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