Get your kicks on a BUGATTI NINEITTE 66

To some, who may think ‘Tom Lincoln’ is the greatest boat designer in the world, the name Palmer Johnson might not resonate. But for those ‘not living on an island’, it has been synonymous with great yacht building since 1918 when it was founded by Hans Johnson and Herman Gmack. Today Palmer Johnson is renowned as one of the world’s top premium yacht builders, whose commitment to performance and innovation is well noted. It is no wonder that a designer of such luxury performance would team with Bugatti Automobiles to create a boat for the discerning buyer. The result of this enviable teamwork: the Bugatti Niniette 66, first in a series of sport yachts ranging from 50 ft. to 80 ft.

Now wait, Bugatti and boats? A little back story: In the 1930’s, Ettore Bugatti was busy building racing cars, racing airplanes [it never flew], and also motorised railcars. He also built boats, specializing in racing boats of course, one of which was a “oneof-a-kind” commissioned by Italian Prince Carlo Maurizio Ruspoli. Bugatti named it Niniette, the pet name of Lidia his youngest daughter.

These combined pedigrees of performance and design allowed Bugatti and Palmer Johnson to join forces in designing an uncompromising sport yacht inspired by the King of Automobiles, the Bugatti Chiron. The limited-edition (66 to be built) Bugatti Niniette 66 will include the best of modern amenities available for a truly unique offering, rarely seen on the water.

The vision of the Niniette dream was to be ‘ground breaking’. Combining Chiron’s signature engineering traits: an accentuated centre line, a sweeping signature curve, and perfect symmetry along with Palmer Johnson innovations including advanced materials such as a carbon fibre incorporated in the hull. The result is an example of a no compromise, top quality construction and design.

The DNA of the Niniette is pure Bugatti. The joint project hails back to 2015, when the two companies first discussed such a noble idea. When initial renderings of the concept were presented, a flurry of potential buyers said, “Yes please!” This included several Bugatti owners, eager to pair an exquisite water craft with their prized automobile, like trucks matching trailers and private jet interiors mirroring home décor. Bugatti owners wanted the final yacht to mimic their latest supercar, the Chiron. Designers and engineers went to work and succeeded, with the launching of the highly-anticipated Niniette 66.

“The challenge was to create an experience and a persona as much as a yacht, from streamlined luxury, sophisticated style and unprecedented quality. For owners of tomorrow, Niniette will lift your expectations of life even higher,” explains Timur Mohamed, CEO of Palmer Johnson.

The 20 metre (66 ft.) long yacht features Palmer Johnson’s slender hull design with two ‘sponsons’ left and right that have an innovative effect on stability with roll dampening even at high speeds. Carbon fibre construction adds structural rigidity, while reducing weight. “This construction also allows for a wider build compared to other yachts in this class, thus offering the experience of a much larger yacht,” adds Mohamed. Aesthetic design features include an expansive, open deck crafted with an authentic materiality afforded by leather and naturally blue morta [bog-oak] wood. The lower part of the deck is home to a Jacuzzi, sun pad, and champagne bar. A unique ‘fire pit’, centrally located, lies between the Jacuzzi and the two forward seats. With ample room for entertaining twelve guests on the main deck, no one needs to be left out of the festivities.

Inside, the salon of the Niniette is outfitted with the highest level of comfort and materials. Highlights include polished metal, carbon, leather, and marble, used in the furnishings and decorations. The centrepiece of the lounge is a large Bugatti horseshoe overlooking the seating area. Natural light shines through the macaronshaped window in the ceiling to bring more outdoor elements into the interior. Adjacent to the salon is the master suite, equipped with a double-bed to retreat for the night. As with any Bugatti, customization is available in terms of colours, materials and finishes throughout guarantees your Niniette will be a unique to each owner.

“The Niniette is a genuine member of the Bugatti family,” explains Etienne Salomé, Design Director at Bugatti. Its duotone painted exterior makes it easily recognizable as a Bugatti, even at a distance. With Bugatti’s guiding design principles of ‘form follows performance’, the signature elliptical line incorporated in the side profile of the boat is a clear reference to the Chiron. Power comes from a potent 1,500 horsepower engine to propel you to 44 knots in supreme comfort. As with most things of significant beauty, the price of this floating objet d’art is yet to be finalized. www.bugattininiette.com