New superyacht concept Lily is inspired by nature and designed for the next generation of yacht owners.
The world of luxury yachting is undergoing a transformation, driven by a new generation of owners who are rewriting the rules of design. It’s for this reason that at the Dubai International Boat Show in February, one of the most striking reveals didn’t take place on the water but within the walls of the Oceanco stand. The Dutch design studio Vripack, renowned for its bold approach to yacht design, unveiled its latest creation: Lily. This 101 m concept yacht pushes the boundaries of what’s possible on the water, offering a daring new vision for the future of luxury yachting.
Unveiled for Oceanco’s Beyond Custom series, Lily was born from a collaboration between Vripack’s design team and the Lateral Naval Architects firm. “We wanted to create something that was truly radical, but still feasible,” says Bart M. Bouwhuis, co-creative director of Vripack. The goal, he emphasises, was to craft something that resonates with a new breed of yacht owner. “We wanted to create something for younger clients. These owners live and do business differently. They approach life in a more multi-directional way, so we wanted a yacht that reflects that.”
The design of Lily is inspired by the form and movement of the water lily. Bouwhuis describes how the flower’s ability to fold and unfold influenced the yacht’s asymmetrical, split-level design. The lily’s graceful bloom, rising and falling with each cycle, mirrors Lily’s dynamic structure. The aim was to fashion a yacht that offers an ever-evolving experience. “The lily opens and closes, and everything that opens, it reveals,” Bouwhuis notes, emphasising how the yacht’s innovative design invites discovery at every turn.
One of the most striking features of Lily is its unique layout. Unlike traditional yachts with a layered, segmented structure, the walls and floors are intentionally disconnected. This design choice allows for soaring heights between decks, creating expansive, visually arresting spaces. Hallways also meander fluidly between different areas, curving organically rather than following the customary straight lines.
Accessing Lily is an experience in itself. Bouwhuis questions the traditional yacht boarding process, asking, “Why climb to get on a boat?” Instead, the deck where guests arrive is entirely open and seamless, allowing for an effortless and organic flow throughout the yacht.
The design also includes cleverly hidden windows, wrapped in foil to maintain the yacht’s sleek, minimalist exterior. By avoiding the clutter of exposed windows and preserving the integrity of the superstructure, Vripack ensures that Lily maintains its clean lines and futuristic aesthetic.
Perhaps the most impressive feature is the owner’s deck, a sprawling 450 m² space that occupies the entire top tier. “It’s like a penthouse,” says Bouwhuis, pointing to its expansive glass façades and dramatic entrance atrium. High ceilings—up to 6 m in some areas—offer an unparalleled sense of openness and freedom.
Incorporating cutting-edge technologies, Lily also features a virtual bridge—a fully certified digital navigation system housed within the yacht’s body rather than at a traditional helm. Bouwhuis notes, “Why offer prime real estate for something like a traditional bridge when digital displays can achieve the same goal more efficiently?”
While Lily may remain a concept, it is poised to challenge convention and inspire new possibilities, offering a glimpse into the future of luxury yachting. Bouwhuis hopes that Lily will encourage new generations of yacht owners to embrace bolder, more innovative designs. “This is our most ambitious design yet,” he says. “We’re always determined to approach design differently and inspire clients to create extraordinary yachts… imagine walking through Monaco and seeing this.”
