AFTERTHOUGHTS

Sunlight passed through the glass-bottom pool abovemy head on the main deck. I was standing in the disco on board a Heesen superyacht, near the full bar and stools. Just add a DJ to start the party. ¶ Once upon a time, this type of space on a yacht was used almost exclusively to stow tenders, fenders, extra lines, maybe a half-inflated dinghy and some paddles. But in recent years, the transom garage has seen a sea change when it comes to function. ¶ It always amazes me when a concept that has seemingly been in plain sight the whole time is discovered, and people say: “Wow, what a good idea. Why didn’t that happen sooner?” I had the same thought when I saw the Ocean Alexander 90R with a stainless-steel-framed garage, built with structural glass the builder says can withstand heavy-weather sea states to 13 feet. Now called the “beach club” on most yachts—and for good reason—this former tender area had a wet bar, lounge chairs and direct access to a teak swim platform. It’s an intriguing design evolution. Nowadays, the space can be used in almost any way an owner can dream up. ¶ On the 186-foot Hargrave Baba’s, I saw

Sunlight passed through the glass bottom pool above my head on the main deck.

I was standing in the disco on board a Heesen superyacht.

the area outfitted with a hot tub, treadmill and Nautilus-style workout machines. Who wouldn’t like to exercise with a seaside view? The outside space had chaise longues for some post-workout tanning and a couple of Seabobs for exploring under the water. ¶ On other yachts, I’ve seen full spas with saunas, massage tables and more. I’ve even seen the area used to stow a sports car. On these larger yachts, some tenders are being moved to the foredeck, or stowed forward and inside the yacht, to make room for more guest-relaxation ideas aft. ¶ On midsize yachts—such as the Maritimo X-series 50- and 60-footers—the beach-club space is turned into an extra stateroom or a man cave (the X60 we reviewed had a wet bar, fridge and 43-inch TV). On board the Galeon 680 Fly, the area has glass with a view aft and two single berths for crew or kids. And even on smaller vessels, such as the Riviera 395 SUV, the garage space has a grill and sink, as well as stowage. ¶ The Miami boat shows are this month, and with them will come a slew of yachts displaying new ways of using this space. I look forward to seeing how the imaginations of yacht designers manifest next. Maybe a pool above a pool above a disco? Never say never.