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A Herculean effort on the part of Alfa Four’s design-and-construction team turned Theodore and Gianna Angelopoulos’ newest yacht into a gold-medal project.
by Jim Gilbert
photography by Ed Holt (Exterior only)
01/01/2005
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Many of the features found
on Alfa Four derive directly from Mr. A’s considerable experience in yachting.
For example, the yacht’s master suite comprises a remarkably flexible – not to
mention dramatic – multitier space arrangement. The master is entered via a
companionway off the central foyer that passes, in turn, a small sleeping cabin,
a large walk-in wardrobe and an office area. A set of doors just in front of a
short staircase rising to an upper forward observation lounge allows this lovely
space to be closed off from the master bedroom. A bathroom between the doors and
the observation lounge stairs permits the entire area to double as a separate
private VIP stateroom. The lounge’s sofa opens into a large comfortable bed, and
a Pullman berth above the sofa adds even greater versatility to the space. The
small cabin near the foyer is intended for use by security personnel, a
helicopter pilot, nanny or other staff. The observation lounge features a
starboard door that opens onto a spacious exterior seating area. The signature
décor element in the master itself is a beautiful circular walnut headboard
inspired by a design from Jacques-Emile Ruhlmann, the greatest art deco-period
furniture manufacturer.
Belowdeck accommodations include five staterooms:
two doubles, two twins and a large full-beam VIP cabin. The four smaller cabins
are accessed from an off-center hallway. Another similarly dramatic and useful
feature that draws on the Angelopoulos’ yachting experience is a wonderful
dining area at the after end of the upper-deck salon. This circular space can be
opened nearly 270 degrees to permit alfresco dining. Gauze white curtains can be
drawn to create additional effects. In his experience, Mr. A said, “Very few
people use the formal dining room.” He and his wife prefer to spend the majority
of their time relaxing on the upper deck, with its indoor/outdoor dining room,
spacious sunning areas and more informal salon, which features an extensive
entertainment installation, including a large projection television screen. Alfa
Four’s flybridge also reflects her owners’ preference for relaxed yachting, with
its combination gym/massage parlor/hair salon, and its forward-facing spa tub,
which is large enough to swim in against a pump-induced current.
The yacht’s
layout, developed by The A Group, intelligently channels crew and service
traffic through a series of hidden staircases and companionways. This, Mr. A
says, is just as much for the crew’s benefit as the owners’ party by enabling
them to carry out their tasks efficiently. In a similar spirit, the yacht’s crew
quarters are also finished to a very high standard, with large cabins and ample
dining and relaxation areas. The yacht also features a rubbish cooler and
generous laundry facilities, including a dumbwaiter specifically for laundry.
Alfa Four’s thoughtful planning even includes easy crew access to water supply
for cleaning the hull, superstructure and tenders.
Not only does the yacht
benefit from her owners’ extensive know-how and experience, but also from their
wish to build a boat that serves both as a personal showcase of their ideas and
tastes, as well as the finest example of what Oceanco is capable of producing.
The result is a backdrop of superlative joinery, fabrics and stonework, against
which the yacht’s exquisite furnishings and artwork are displayed. Besides one
of the finest art collections Winch says he’s ever seen on a yacht, the
Angelopoulos’ also insisted on embellishing their boat with many pieces of
furniture from J. Robert Scott.
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