On-Board DOUBLE DOWN

Today’s superyacht fleet places much emphasis on outdoor living, but luxury yacht ‘Double Down’ is, in fact, a sanctuary for those with a penchant for shade, making her an extremely rare specimen on the charter market and, what she lacks in outside space, she makes up for in internal volume.

In early 2016, the yacht’s expansive interior was subject to a four-month refit at Taylor Lane Yacht and Ship in Fort Pierce, Florida. There were no structural modifications to speak of, rather, UK-based design firm Evan K Marshall was charged with updating her woodwork, furnishings and artworks.

Overall, the changes have modernised the subtle opulence of Double Down’s original interior, with the principal entryway amidships on the main deck, adorned with high-gloss mahogany wall panels and white marble floors, appropriately setting the scene.

Aft of the hallway, past a glass elevator, is a formal dining room large enough to seat an impressive 18 guests around an oval table made of high-gloss wood.

Newly upholstered chairs match the white carpet underfoot and a cutaway in the dividing bulwark, which conceals a retractable television, keeps the space connected with the main salon.

In this adjoining lounge, three white sofas with silver and pale blue scatter cushions face gold-rimmed, glass coffee tables, and regal pillars add to the sense of grandeur. The mahogany wall panels curve inwards in the aft-most section, framing a narrower area with a black Steinway grand piano at its centre.

When looking through the cutaway section of the bulwark from the dining room, this aft section of the main deck is seemingly endless, with the space usually reserved for an exterior lounge on the main deck aft replaced by an enclosed oval-shaped veranda.      

Adding a touch of art deco glamour to the surrounds are artworks and sculptures from the 20^th century artist Erté. Depicting stylised women draped in beads and furs, the pieces were brought in by Evan K Marshall and are a reoccurring feature throughout the communal and guest areas.

Deviating from the norm once again, the forward section of Double Down's main deck encompasses not the master suite as is often the case, but three guest cabins.

Instead, the master suite takes up the forward expanse of the upper deck, alongside a VIP cabin. Although, these staterooms can be joined if his and her suites are required.

Also unusual is the large number of staterooms on board. With a grand total of nine cabins for 12 guests, the motor yacht offers much flexibility when it comes to the accommodation.

Accessed via a private study to starboard, the master suite stretches across the breath of the yacht forward, continuing the elegant mahogany woodwork and luxurious cream upholstery of the deck below. 

The suite focuses on a large bed flanked by a mahogany panel housing a pop-up television. But, with fantastic views forward through an expanse of glazing, the TV may as well remain hidden.  

A small strip of corridor running aft to port connects the sleeping quarters to a dressing room and en-suite bathroom, as well as the VIP cabin.

Another highlight of the suite is access to a private terrace on the foredeck. Reached through a glass sliding door forward, the area is equipped with a table and chairs, offering the principal charterer a secluded place to enjoy breakfast or sip champagne as the sun sets. 

Back on the main deck, the two double cabins and one twin cabin benefit from new woodwork - unlike the four staterooms on the lower deck. Untouched since Double Down’s launch, these cabins take their inspiration from the iconic styles of some of the world’s most unique cultures.

Spanning off the lower deck hallway are two double cabins aft. One takes on a Thai theme. Gold curlicues frame a mirror headboard and swathes of deep pink silk walls match the Roso Portogallo marble in the en suite.

A cool silver colour palette and black stemmed light fittings create a more low-key feel in the double cabin to starboard, which channels an Egyptian theme.  Whereas a dramatic Chinese-style twin cabin, with a striking red and black bathroom, takes up the space forward.

In the remaining twin stateroom, silver-grey décor realises an 'ultra-modern' theme.  If not occupied on a yacht charter, one of the cabins can be transformed into a massage room, with the Chinese-themed cabin in particular providing an appropriate ambience.

The most popular guest area on board charter yacht Double Down is the upper deck aft, where a skylounge forms a bright and airy hub. Following the refit, the salon boasts a sociable seating area to port with a huge custom-made sofa, as well as a more intimate space in which to relax to starboard. 

Deep armchairs upholstered in a diamond-patterned fabric, and transparent coffee tables add to the seating arrangements, while a circular games table aft sits opposite a mahogany bar lined with leather and stainless steel bar stools.

With such facilities, the skylounge serves many purposes, from taking some time out with a good book or watching a movie with all the family to enjoying a nightcap with friends after a busy day at sea.

Guests are treated to 270-degree views while escaping from sea breezes or while taking advantage of the conservatory’s air conditioning

In the aft section, glass doors slide open into a large conservatory where there is a second dining option. A large table here is capable of seating another 18 guests and, surrounded by full-length, bi-folding glass panels, the benefits of alfresco dining can be experienced in all weather conditions.

For example, guests are treated to 270-degree views while escaping from sea breezes or while taking advantage of the conservatory’s air conditioning in hotter temperatures. Plus, the exterior edge of the deck is bordered by comfortable seating, offering an alfresco spot for pre or post-dinner drinks.

Dubbed as the Jacuzzi deck, the bridge deck, as the name suggests, is home to a spa pool, where guests can unwind while taking in spectacular ocean views. Just a few steps away, but shaded by the overhang of the sundeck above, is a spacious alfresco seating area.  

This deck is also home to a cinema room to port, where a floor-to-ceiling screen rolls down to face plush seating creating a perfect movie night setup. While, a gym to starboard ensures guests can keep up their exercise regimes at sea, leaving the forward portion of the deck as the Captain’s domain.

Completing the outdoor areas on board Double Down is the sundeck, where a line up of loungers await the sun lovers in your charter party.

As the saying goes, never judge a book by its cover and this idiom is particularly relevant when considering Double Down. First impressions are likely to centre on her classic lines and mahogany-rich interiors, but dig a little deeper and discover how the yacht has successfully forged her own set of principals in layout and design.

By limiting the exterior deck areas, she can offer a plethora of unique interior spaces, such as a specially designated piano lounge, nine staterooms, including his and her suites, and a bridge deck gym and movie room.

Added to this are the design contributions from Evan K Marshall who has managed to maintain the interior's understated elegance while adding glittering Art Deco details to forge a new facet of her personality.

For further information M/Y Double Down, speak to your preferred charter broker.