Starting a couple days ago, everyone from major news organizations to design blogs began reporting that Bill Gates purchased a $646 million hydrogen-powered superyacht. People are even congratulating or criticizing him on Twitter.
Notice printed on yacht architecture firm Sinot's homepage
The Aqua, as the 370-foot vessel is called, is a concept shown at last year's Monaco Yacht Show. Designed by Netherlands-based "yacht architecture" (yarchitecture?) firm Sinot, the Aqua was designed for the eco-minded yacht owner who wants to burn money but not diesel. And while Gates didn't purchase the thing, let's have a look at this little five-decker boat anyway:
Writes Sinot of the boat's design:
"The aft deck features a unique and innovative series of platforms cascading down towards the sea, while a large swim platform allows all AQUA passengers to enjoy the optimal experience of accessing the water at sea level."
"On board, the interrelated requirement for privacy and space has been addressed with an extraordinarily large owner's pavilion."
There is, of course, an onboard spa, gym and massage room:
"The indoor health & wellness center is a water-world of serenity.... The experience is heightened by passing through the sensational circular tunnel which contains the steps leading from the main lounge on the beach deck to this 'mare tranquillum' in the lower deck. The fullness of the experience is further underlined by the moon-shaped portals surrounding the central lobby, which lead to the gymnasium and massage room."
And unsurprisingly, the boat features lots of killer views:
"To accentuate the link with the water, much thought has been devoted to making the ocean as accessible and visible as possible."
Admittedly, yes, we can picture Bill and Melinda sitting there.
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