And with one swift move, the way a superyacht looks, feels, and functions has changed at lightning speed, and rightfully so. After all, superyacht Mako is inspired by the cheetah of the seas, the mako shark. London-based design studio State of Craft has released designs for a 394-foot concept named Mako, inspired by a predator like no other, the mako species of shark. At first glance, it feels like the world will finally have a competitor for Sailing Yacht A, which has singularly stood out for looking like a ginormous sea animal made of steel. Now Mako seems to be the torchbearer, at least in concept, offering an adventurous take on an explorer and featuring long-range, ice-cruising capabilities.
But first, let’s talk about what’s most intriguing about this vessel, the design. The exterior looks almost skeletal, like the ribs of the superyacht, allowing plenty of natural light to seep inside and make the atmosphere feel more lively. Then comes the sleekness of the profile, and the silver, fluid shapes that echo waves. Inside, the vessel feels modern, almost futuristic, upending every preconceived notion of yacht design.
Call it a breath of fresh air, or a deliberate break from the safe, white-on-white monotony, but State of Craft has clearly raised the stakes. Mako will include a unique floating lounge and a swimming pool on the foredeck with dramatic views.
The Pavilion looks like a levitating area above the top deck, and it can be used as a sky observatory, panoramic lounge, fitness studio, or yoga space. The helipad is also as much about beauty as it is about function and convenience. The platform allows the aircraft to safely land and be stored in the garage under deck by means of a platform lift.
The wraparound aft deck was conceived as a soft “island” sunken into the teak aft deck that offers 270-degree views. All of these luxuries and features are designed to come without the environmental cost, as Mako will be powered by a propulsion system that combines hydrogen, fuel cells, and electric engines, aiming for a zero-carbon footprint. In addition, the onboard battery storage system and solar panels also contribute to the yacht’s sustainable design.
According to Metro, State of Craft’s principal and founder Daniel Goldberg said, “The efficiency and beauty of the sleek, sculptural shapes of Mako sharks served as an early inspiration for the concept. I wanted the hull and superstructure, interior and exterior spaces to all be highly integrated into an overall volume with a continuous surface.” If a deep-pocketed billionaire bites on Mako’s speed, stealth, and wild ambition, the yachting world is about to get far more exciting.
