We love it when the British Designer Alex McDiarmid based in Aix-en-Provence, France issues a new superyacht design concept because they all really make you take a step back look on in awe and think.
Of course it will never go to sea and McDiarmid would be the first to agree. They are he told us, “Solely “Designed to Inspire” He continues, “My concepts are explorative studies focusing purely on design elements, design language and form and only in our inimitable style.”
Alex McDiarmid or the ‘L’Enfant Terrible of Yacht Design’ as we and others in international press have called him, heads a studio that has a reputation for creative thinking. Through inspired, futuristic and visionary Superyacht concepts and projects he is now firmly established and recognised within the superyacht industry and wider world.
This time he has come up with Meitou or “The sword is the soul of the Samurai”
The word Meitou (名刀), literally meaning “Famous Sword” or “Excellent Sword” describes not a type of sword but rather the status of a sword.
The word is more of a concept than a specific meaning. Rather like McDiarmid’s design.
If it is used when speaking about swords it can mean a ‘fine sword’ or a ‘masterpiece’.
In Japan, this means the sword has a history and is of legendary status. The blade is normally a quality blade which stands out above all other swords in its endurance and sharpness.
The Meitou are a rare class of katana, also meaning “Celebrated Sword” or “Named Sword”. Everything a Superyacht should be.
For centuries, the Japanese samurai sword has been hailed as the finest weapon of its type in the world. Its fame derives from two qualities: its efficient functionality as a razor-sharp, durable killing tool, and its terrible beauty as a work of art. Everything a Superyacht should be.
So how does that equate to this superyacht concept?
McDiarmid explains, “The overall side profile and section of such swords are very simple yet very elegant. A flowing form that lends itself very nicely to the profile and structure of a Superyacht.
If you look at the cross section of such swords you will see the starting point for our concept.
A ‘V’ in section giving the cross section of a generic vessel. In section Japanese swords have the form of a yachts hull and superstructure.
Observing the construction of such swords we noticed the striking similarities to Superyacht construction with hull, sides, bulwarks and superstructure outlines clearly visible in cross section.
Evident from the outset was the pure craftsmanship of the very highest quality and materials often beautifully polished, engraved and decorated.”