Project Always is the brainchild of British studio AB Yacht Design & Naval Architecture. It’s a 302-foot superyacht concept that is selling itself on the “rare” singular idea of flexibility. To put it simply, that flexibility isn’t a billionaire owner transforming his pool into a dance floor at the touch of a button or turning the salon into a cinema at the press of a button. It is flexibility at the design level, removing some of the rigidity of a fixed yacht layout. According to the design team, the spaces on board are flexible and offer a variety of living and socializing configurations to suit whoever is living and spending time at sea.
ATo make it crystal clear, this new 302-foot superyacht’s biggest trick is letting its billionaire owner choose between one enormous master suite and two on the private deck. In an industry where almost every custom yacht is built around its owner’s wishes, just how flexible is that? Having said that, there is, at the end of the day, a certain expectation of a luxury vessel, as well as certain limitations.
Project Always seems to navigate both proficiently. The designers have given the 302-footer seemingly every amenity it can accommodate while still creating a seamless flow. Guests can move easily between the outside spaces, with each one intended to be a destination in its own right. From the pool terrace to the beach club, the continuous design emphasizes the yacht’s relationship with its surroundings.
With a name that suggests it’s here to stay, the yacht offers a home for up to 18 guests and an accompanying 35-strong crew. The flexibility may be debatable, but the service certainly isn’t; 18 guests could be looked after by 35 crew, nearly two crew members for every person fortunate enough to be invited aboard. The guest suites are spread across the lower and main decks, with large windows and private balconies, while the owner gets an entire private deck above. This is where the future owner can choose between one massive primary suite or two equally sized master cabins. The upper decks are also where much of the mingling happens, accompanied by uninterrupted sea views. Is there a better conversation starter than that?
While I didn’t find any other aspect of this vessel that could genuinely be described as flexible, it sure is comprehensive. Project Always also proposes an extensive tender and watersports setup. An enclosed garage houses a 10-meter limousine tender and a 9-meter adventure RIB, alongside an extensive collection of water toys, including WaveRunners, Seabobs, e-foils and JetSurfs. Finally, a 12-meter D-value helipad is positioned forward, providing the ultimate convenience.
