Dutch design studio Vripack and superyacht builder Oceanco have unveiled Lily, a concept yacht tailored for next-generation owners who demand revolutionary experiences at sea. Olivia Palamountain reports

Dutch design studio Vripack has unveiled a bold new superyacht concept named Lily.

Debuted at the Dubai International Boat Show and created in collaboration with Dutch superyacht builder Oceanco, Lily's radical design aims to challenge conventional superyacht aesthetics and appeal to the next generation of yacht owners.

Inspired by a water lily, the concept features a unique asymmetrical, split-level design that optimises air flow, joined by overlapping decks that mimic a flower closing its petals. The yacht incorporates several innovative elements, including a dedicated "leisure deck", a children's play area accessible via a suspension bridge, and a virtual bridge utilising digital displays for navigation.

"The key requirement from Oceanco was to conceive a yacht for the change makers who want to leave a mark," explains Vripack's co-creative director, Marnix Hoekstra. "Just as this demographic demand innovation for land-based projects, the same mindset applies to superyachts. Understanding that this new generation is quite experiential and appreciates multi directional design, resulted in a radical and fresh layout within a unique outer shape. Lily neatly straddles the line between blue-sky thinking and buildability."Unlike traditional motor yachts, Lily does not feature side walkways or terraces, instead employing one-way glass windows to provide uninterrupted sea views.

Hoekstra notes that sun protection was a key consideration in the design: "Being protected from the sun and keeping cool in the shade sits high up on the wish list for a lot of younger owners, so we've ensured Lily's design allows for more sun shelter than is typically found aboard a yacht."

The main leisure deck welcomes guests with a soaring ceiling and a comprehensive wellness area featuring an integrated waterside swimming pool, gym and water sports gallery.
Nine guest cabins, an open-plan cinema, and the children's play area are designed with multigenerational travel in mind.

The top deck houses a sprawling owner's apartment, complete with a private sundeck terrace and an interior lily pond open to the elements. This space was made possible by relocating the bridge to an amidship position with a virtual navigation system.

Lily is part of Oceanco's "Beyond Custom: designs, which aim to anticipate future owner requirements. The yacht will incorporate Lateral Naval Architects' Energy Transition Platform (ETP) with hybrid Dynafin propulsion and fuel cell technology."For Oceanco, Beyond Custom is about conceiving the type of project that doesn't come out of any other shipyard, and Lily is a concept that steps beyond our industry standards," adds Hoekstra. "It's a boundaryless onboard experience, like the ocean itself, providing pure freedom within the whole concept. It reflects our belief that it's in the uniqueness of an idea where the true value for the future owner lies."