A bespoke superyacht ranks among the costliest possessions possible, with prices reaching hundreds of millions and construction spanning multiple years. Thus every square meter receives careful attention during planning.

For Bart Bouwhuis and Marnix Hoekstra this focus often centers less on external lines visible from the dock and more on daily usability and comfort.

The two serve as co-creative directors at Vripack, a firm specializing in naval architecture and interior design for superyachts owned by billionaires and Saudi royal family members.

"The vessel must ultimately serve needs across morning, afternoon, and evening hours," Bouwhuis explained. "It amounts to a complex balancing act."

Resolving these elements requires insight into how each owner structures time while afloat.

"The exterior functions much like clothing: any interior plan can receive a contemporary or traditional finish," Bouwhuis noted.

Key choices involve whether to emphasize an outdoor theater or a large waterside lounge, and how to allocate crew quarters without reducing guest space.

Additional features such as motion-reducing stabilizers and soundproofing around engines remain hidden yet prove essential for smooth voyages.

Although each Vripack project differs, the team has observed fresh priorities and updated solutions to longstanding concerns in recent seasons.

No days off

Wellness routines now rank high among longevity-focused clients of the firm.

Where a basic gym with limited equipment once sufficed, expectations have risen sharply, Hoekstra observed.

Requests include heated yoga spaces, martial arts zones, and hyperbaric oxygen chambers favored by certain anti-aging specialists.

"Movement is limited aboard," Hoekstra said. "Treadmills and bikes help maintain physical condition effectively."

Installing such facilities involves hurdles like ceiling height for equipment and proper climate control.

WFY: Work from yacht

The pandemic familiarized many with remote work. For wealthy owners an equivalent exists at sea.

"Boundaries between personal time and business blur, as do distinctions between being aboard or ashore," Hoekstra remarked.

Flexible schedules encourage viewing yachts as productive environments rather than solely recreational ones. Younger owners in particular continue professional activities while cruising.

Improved connectivity, including satellite systems, now supports video meetings reliably on the water.

Comfort at sea

"People have long sought ocean time yet prefer stable conditions," Hoekstra said. "The contrast is notable."

Stabilization systems have advanced considerably. Modeling software allows precise predictions of vessel motion, enabling tailored solutions for specific routes such as Mediterranean voyages. Cabin and bed placement also receives attention to reduce motion effects.

Consider the lobster habitat

Project Zero, Vripack's fully electric renewable-powered yacht scheduled for launch this year, stands out for its sustainability focus. Other clients now adopt select elements from it.

Hoekstra noted a move away from resistance toward eco-friendly options and toward practical steps like reduced engine capacity.

"Requests for oversized engines feel outdated," he said. "A large vehicle makes little sense for city use."

Improved insulation, reflective coatings, and efficient air conditioning that powers down in empty rooms help lower energy demands. Traditional teak decking has given way to alternatives that avoid deforestation impacts.

"With viable substitutes available, there is little reason to continue the old approach," Hoekstra concluded.