With NEON, Theodoros Fotiadis presents a new 78-metre superyacht. At its core is an open-plan layout without traditional bulkheads, enabled by the “FFB” platform from Lateral Naval Architects.
HANSA Yachts: What inspired you to create the NEON design? Can you describe the process – from the initial idea to the finished concept?
Theodoros Fotiadis: With NEON, I wanted to create a yacht that feels as free as the sea itself, where every space flows effortlessly, and the connection between the elements and those on board is uninterrupted. It’s not just a yacht.
To achieve that, I started working on the revolutionary Free From Bulkheads (FFB) platform from Lateral Naval Architects, which gives us the freedom to create a more open interior general arrangement and create convertible spaces that adapt with time and purpose.
To that, we added the beautifully designed and matched shell doors at the aft part of the boat in order to create a massive waterfront area for the guest to either train in the gym, get a relaxing massage, or just hang out in the aft pool with a drink and good company. It’s a lifestyle, a sanctuary, and an experience of pure elegance on the water.
In your opinion, what makes it so unique? What is your personal highlight of the NEON design?
Theodoros Fotiadis: The 78m NEON is the first of its series to be built by Astra Nord, a new shipyard in Germany that offers vessels from 65m and up. This is the first time in the last 10 years that a German shipyard is offering innovative vessels in that length range and with top quality. Also, the teams behind the build of NEON, as well as our other projects, are some of the most experienced in the industry, with numerous successful and reputable projects. Put all this together with the innovative platform and the beautifully designed interiors – it’s a win-win situation.
Which features can future yacht owners especially look forward to? Is it the spacious outdoor areas, the relaxing spa zone, or something entirely different?
Theodoros Fotiadis: The FFB platform gives us many options to configure not only the outdoor areas but also the interior. Our platform is ready to adapt to the owner’s lifestyle, whether this means using the boat in the Med or the Caribbean, or taking it to the poles. The aft area can either be configured as a full spa and relaxation area as it is now, or it can be configured as a heli-ski preparation area or even include a decompression area when the owner and guests return with the private submarine.
In terms of engineering, you’re collaborating with Lateral Naval Architects. How did this partnership come about?
Theodoros Fotiadis: Our first partnership with Lateral Naval Architects came a couple of years ago when we worked on the 140m trimaran “Spear”. That was another innovative project that used a trimaran hull to reduce consumption by 40% compared to a 100m monohull vessel – and all that while cruising at 26 nots. Lateral Naval Architects are known for their work on many reputable projects and are the kind of architects who will always give it a go with innovative ideas and demanding requests from our clients.
The concept includes a clean hybrid propulsion system with battery packs. Do such innovative propulsion concepts also influence you as a designer?
Theodoros Fotiadis: Yes. In recent years, the one-tier engine rooms, with the replacement of the traditional ICE engine by generators and batteries, have allowed us to use the deck spaces more for the benefit of the owner and guests. It also gives us the freedom to design more stylish antenna masts, as the casing is considerably smaller and has a cleaner design, since the exhausts are fewer.
Are there already concrete plans to bring this design to life?
Theodoros Fotiadis: Since April this year, we have been in close contact with all leading superyacht brokerage houses and are working on the sale of the first units. T. Fotiadis Design and Astra Nord are working on a series of concepts from 65m up to 115m that will be presented later this year and next year, offering a full portfolio of yachts for discerning owners. Our task and goal is to build “Made in Germany” superyachts, with a fresh twist in design language and always with top quality and after-sales value. Astra Nord already prepares to lunch concepts at yachting and luxury events in locations such as Monaco, Fort Lauderdale, London, Jeddah and Palm Beach.
