Road to a new modern masterpiece

A common vision of the future has made this dream a reality. Palmer Johnson’s history of building the world’s most groundbreaking yachts has been combined with Bugatti’s signature engineering traits such as the accentuated centre line, perfect symmetry and a sweeping signature curve.

PJ traits such as using advanced materials like carbon and a revolutionary hull have been incorporated seamlessly into this yacht design that is quite simply like no other. 

When Bugatti and Palmer Johnson met the first time with the idea of a joint project in early 2015, the goal was clear from the outset: to create an innovative sport yacht based on the proprietary strengths of the two companies, while echoing the unmistakable design DNA of Bugatti.

After first renderings of the yacht were presented in late 2015, a large number of potential buyers – among them several current Bugatti owners – expressed great interest in the project. However, they wished for a closer connection of the yacht to the latest supercar from Bugatti, the Chiron, after its world premiere in March 2016.

Consequently, the designers and engineers went back to their drawing boards to eventually launch the highly-anticipated Bugatti Niniette 66. 

Hailed as “a modern masterpiece”, the Bugatti Niniette is an inspired and daring design that evolves from the Chiron.

“The challenge was to create an experience and a persona as much as a yacht, from streamlined luxury, sophisticated style and unprecedented quality. For owners of tomorrow, Niniette will lift your expectations of life even higher,” explained Timur Mohamed, CEO of Palmer Johnson.   

The 20-metre yacht features Palmer Johnson’s innovative hull design combining a slender main hull with two sponsons left and right that have a positive effect on stability and roll dampening even at high speeds.

“This construction also allows for a wider build compared to other yachts in this class, thus offering the experience of a much larger yacht,” adds Mohamed. The extensive use of carbon fibre also adds to the yacht’s structural rigidity, while at the same time reducing weight and increasing efficiency. 

“The Niniette is a genuine member of the Bugatti family,” explains Etienne Salomé, Design Director at Bugatti. With its accentuated centre line and the duotone colour split of the exterior, it encompasses key elements of Bugatti’s heritage.

True to the company’s guiding design principle of ‘form follows performance’, the clear lines and dynamic stance of the yacht in combination with the characteristic, Bugatti signature line fused into the side profile of the boat are a reference to the recently launched Chiron.

“Even from a large distance when entering a port, the Niniette will always be recognized as a true Bugatti,” says Salomé. 

The yacht features a spacious open deck that reflects Bugatti’s focus on outstanding craftsmanship and authentic materiality, with carbon fibre, finest leather and naturally blue morta oak wood as the dominating elements.

The lower part of the deck houses a combined Jacuzzi, sun pad and champagne bar in the middle, flanked by two social areas on the side. Maritime connoisseurs will also cherish the fire pit, centrally located between the Jacuzzi and the two forward seats that will undoubtedly be a main attraction for every visitor.

The spectacularly designed exterior is complemented by a sumptuous interior below deck. Contrary to the common interior layout with several small cabins found in most conventional motor yachts, the salon of the Niniette is a very spacious environment offering the highest level of comfort for its passengers. Only the finest materials – polished metal, carbon, leather and marble, are used for furniture and decoration.

Centrepiece of the interior lounge is the large Bugatti horseshoe overlooking the generous seating area, while natural light streams in through the macaron-shaped window in the ceiling. Adjacent to the salon, the master suite equipped with a comfortable double-bed offers the ideal retreat for the night.

As is customary with Bugatti, a myriad of customisation options in terms of colours, materials and finishes for both exterior and interior guarantees that every Niniette will be a unique piece of art.

As you would expect with a Palmer Johnson, an advanced stabilised hull achieves speed with efficiency, as well as amazing comfort on board. The super slim main hull means higher speeds with lower input power and fuel burn.

Side sponsons give additional vessel beam and hence increased stability at rest. Reaching top speeds of 44 knots, and with a shallow draft of 1.3 metres, Bahamas friendly cruising is possible for the weekend.

Unique Bugatti designed helm chairs and a futuristic command centre with interactive infotainment system for vessel navigation, monitoring, control and entertainment further enhance the experience.

www.bugattininiette.com