Nasiba: balance of nature and technology

As it is often the case with CdM yachts, the 44-metre Nasiba was created for safe long-range cruises. Technically, she is the third unit in the Flexplorer 146 line, which is one of the most innovative ones for the yard. In fact, she is a fresh take on an expedition vessel’s style 

“We are incredibly grateful to the owner for entrusting us with such a visionary brief, one that redefines the very principles of luxury through a lens of wellbeing and sustainability. Together with the exceptional team at Winch Design, we’ve delivered a yacht that is as pioneering in spirit as it is in design”, said Vasco Buonpensiere, one oof the yard’s co-founders and CEO. "

Exterior

The shipyard that has always stood out for young and bold managers keeps evolving in terms of design with each new project. Maybe not with each, but definitely with this one. Never before has the design been so bold and sculptural. 

The Nasiba does have a lot in common with the first Flexplorer 146 named Maverick, but the latter looks a lot softer due to the light hull and superstructure, while the green colour, sharpness and bright geometry are the integral elements of the new vessel’s image. Although the inner core of both yachts is the same, as both were designed by Sergio Cutolo, owner of Hydro Tec. Sculptural overhangs, unusual balconies integrated in the side decks and a completely open aft create the effect of powerful, almost monolithic architecture. 

Unlike the Maverick, where there were a lot of references to Top Gun starring Tom Cruise, this project does not have any associations with movies. The owners are interested in completely different things and are deeply health-conscious. That is why to work on the vessel’s interior they did not only turn to the renowned British design studio, but also to EcoNest Architects, known as experts in health conscious and ecological building. They checked all the material on board for indoor air quality, sources and minimised environmental footprint. 

What other colour could this yacht be if her owners, who just recently became parents, are so focused on sustainability and environmental responsibility? Besides, CdM already has some successful experience working with green hulls. The 34-metre Hyhma launched in 2018 was a sensation and drew public attention to the brand. 

Interior

The yacht’s interior spaces deserve special attention, as they are owed to the renowned British studio Winch Design, known for its work on the largest yachts in the world fleet. It was the first, landmark collaboration for the Ancona-based shipyard, as the studio agrees to work on far from every project. This one became really special. The living spaces on board turned out to be unusual and very personal, so they had to be entrusted to a team that shares a care for the environment and sustainable development. 

“Innovation and industry change are accelerated when briefs such as this are presented, by clients who would like to see the design task approached differently. In this case, with a very conscious human-centred focus, a care for the environment, and a young family who require an adaptable ‘home’ as they explore the globe. Accepting that challenging design opportunity has ‘moved the dial’ of our studio philosophy", said Jim Dixon, studio principal at Winch Design, when the news about the its collaboration with CdM appeared in November 2023.  

The challenge was not only about learning to work with completely new materials like egg shells or shell composite, but the design philosophy. The owners chose the ancient Japanese principle of Wabi Sabi, which has nothing to do with perfection, completeness or brightness. What matters most is tranquility. The items created out of the materials that have already seen a lot are getting more and more valuable with time, which is not clear to everyone, but to those living in this space. Tactile, organic materials, soft lighting – everything here works to create a restorative atmosphere and respect for natural circadian rhythms. 

Layout

As for the six-cabin layout (three of which are on the main deck), one should definitely mention the owner’s with an infra-red sauna. There is also an ice-cold plunge pool on the foredeck, as the owners are deeply committed to prevention, longevity and physical recovery after exercise. 

The dining area on the main deck features a table and chairs crafted from 250-year-old wood, sourced from naturally fallen timber. The same wood was used for the play area here, where transparent shelves will store the “treasures” found during the journeys. Among other curious objects here is the bespoke cork marquetry map and a “living wall” made from preserved moss, which is the centrepiece of the main staircase. 

The walls are quite unusual, too, as they are not just light, but covered with natural clay plaster. 

Speaking about surfaces: the wooden flooring was milled to incorporate a 3D wave pattern inspired by the sensation of walking barefoot across sand. This kind of flooring is owed to Austrian Mafi, known for its ecological and VOC-free wood floors. All the carpets are of wool, handloomed and dyed with natural pigments in Sardinia. Initially, the owners thought of carpets made from recycled fishing nets, too, but eventually went for eco-friendly wool. 

Technical details 

The Nasiba’s eco-friendliness is not only about her interior finishes. The yacht also boasts state-of-the-art equipment ensuring minimal emissions both at anchor and under way in compliance with IMO Tier III. All the engineering solutions allow her to navigate in ecologically sensitive regions, including marine sanctuaries. 

Traditional for a CdM yacht, the Nasiba features a good beam of 8.6 m, a strategically important internal volume under 499 GT, an impressive fuel capacity of 65,000 L, and a range of up to 5,500 nautical miles at a speed of 10 knots. To handle large tenders and toys, the Nasiba is equipped with the Flexplorer’s signature A-frame crane and reliable Caterpillar C32 Acert engines that the Ancona-based yard has been choosing for years. 

Isn’t she a perfect yacht for ambitious travellers keen on biohacking and looking for balance between technology, nature and themselves?