[imagesource: Royal Huisman / Boat International]

Is there anybody else out there who gets a bit feverish when they hear the word ‘superyacht’?

The mere mention of the word evokes a slight panic response, never mind the reality of buying one and then bearing the insane hidden costs while the damn thing depreciates in value over time.

But that hasn’t stopped the industry from developing bigger and better luxury vessels able to chart the seas.

Now there’s Project PHI, set to be delivered later this year – a 58,5-metre superyacht designed by Cor D Rover and launched by the Dutch shipyard Royal Huisman

In terms of today’s regulations, PHI is set to be the longest sub-500GT yacht in the world, reports Boat International:

The aluminium superyacht is well thought out:

Project PHI will feature a “sleek, low hull and superstructure profile” and “a range of subtle hints to the natural world that surrounds the yacht”, the yard revealed.

Equipped with Van Oossanen Naval Architect’s XL Fast Displacement Hull Form, PHI is described by the yard as a “technically highly advanced vessel that sets new standards”.

London design studio Lawson Robb is behind the interior design while Van Oossanen Naval Architects headed the overall architecture.

On the yacht’s upper deck will be the owner’s “penthouse” apartment:

The main deck will be dedicated to general daytime activities and guests:

Optimised for a maximum speed of 22 knots, PHI will be gyro-stabilised for added comfort.

About the cool pool:

The yacht will also boast a patented DEPP swimming pool, which reduces the amount of fresh water used by heating and treating the water when the pool is not in use. Covered by a flush pool cover, it can become a “sealed tank” at the touch of a button, the yard said.

Located in the lower deck lobby will be an “infinite wine cellar”, too.

Rover also mentioned that the boat has some depth:

“Rather than just building a large yacht on a so-called shipyard ‘platform’ to enjoy the pleasures of being at sea, the owner of PHI wanted to build a yacht with a profound underlying story, a deep-rooted knowledge that runs through all aspects of the yacht, from her exterior appearance all the way to internal experience.”

PHI can accommodate up to 12 guests and has staff quarters big enough for 11 crew members.

It’s certainly stunning, but you can just imagine the kind of wild stories that the crew will be able to tell after working on this superyacht.

[source:boatinternational]