Floating Piece of Art by Michaela Cordes | 20th July, 2015 | Personalities
She is the largest yacht ever built in the southern hemisphere. 67 meters long and heavier than two fully loaded Boeing 747s, “Vertigo” was born by the vision of two masterminds. Phillipe Briand created the exterior of the spectacular Alloy yacht, Christian Liaigre her unusual interior concept. The great master of luxury minimal living on the challenges of creating an urban feel at sea.
You have designed quite a number of yachts by now – what have you learned from your various projects? Each boat is a real Chinese puzzle. Nothing is left to chance, each thing affects the engineering, but it is a true pleasure to see it go into the water.
What was your biggest challenge designing “Vertigo”? We were given three imperatives: build a sporty yacht, keep it minimal, but of course make it a luxury yacht.
What is your personal connection to the sea? I grew up in La Rochelle, a small seaport in France. Back then, boats were not built for leisure purposes, but La Rochelle has a long maritime tradition and ships would go overseas for wood and spices.
Seasick on “Vertigo”? That is impossible, says Christian Liaigre. Well of course. She weighs 837 tons!
What is your favorite color? I love the color white as it is a synonym for spirituality. I never use violet…
Where do you like to go on vacation? To St. Barths! The island is small and you sometimes have the impression you are on board a boat.
What do you do to unwind? I like to be in contact with horses, because they are animals that are full of good vibrations, kindness and generosity.
What are you reading right now? Oh, the list is too long. At the moment I am loving La Royaume (The Kingdom) by Emmanuel Carrère.
What was the best movie you saw recently? I love old films like “A Monkey in Winter” with Jean-Paul Belmondo and Jean Gabin or “The Sand Pebbles” with Steve McQueen…
Back to Vertigo – do you ever get seasick? It is impossible to be seasick on “Vertigo” because she is so stable and just glides through the water. MC
