ExpAnsIon plAn grows longer and better with age.

Cloud Atlas Ineke IV, Cloud Atlas

Cloud Atlas was reborn following her refit at Italy’s Seven Stars Marina & Shipyard, which is located on the channel that connects the entrance of Livorno Harbor with Pisa. Originally called began life in 1990 as a 130-footer (40-meter) built at Lloyd Ships Holdings in Australia. Sold to a new owner in 2015, she now bears little resemblance to her former self. The owner realized that the VIP stateroom, situated aft, was noisy underway, and that the noise and vibration problems did not stop there. He also felt there was too much “sloshing” noise from the aft platform and too little stability while cruising or at anchor.

By lengthening the yacht to 151 feet (46 meters), Nauta Design in Milan not only helped enhance stability and performance, but also increased the garage space. “We created a side-opening garage to accommodate a large tender and Jet Skis, and we also found space in the transom to host the owner’s beloved motorcycle,” says Nauta principal Mario Pedol.

For the owner, the extension was a win-win, as there was also more room for a beach club and broader swim platform. “These changes to this older yacht are very much in keeping with Nauta’s vision of new modern superyachts,” Pedol says, “where a 50-50 ratio between interior and exterior living areas enhances the outdoor life and makes for more contact with the sea.”

Increasing the length of meant adjusting the bow trim. Studio Francesco Rogantin Naval Architects and Marine Engineers studied the hull with computational fluid dynamics analysis. “We had to work on the whole propulsion and steering system,” Rogantin says. “The shaft lines were lengthened about 3.7 meters [12 feet 2 inches] with new intermediate shafts and new V-brackets. Also, larger rudders were placed in a new optimal position to improve maneuverability. We worked on the skeg in order to protect the propellers and to lend directional