Words: Josh Lee
In association with:
Superyachts can often bring to mind big, elaborate beasts of the sea – flashy and brassy mega-condos on the water, the marine version of an overly gilded diamond ring. However, Soaring, a 68m-long collaboration between Abeking & Rasmussen and Focus Yacht Design, rides against the tide. Despite its lofty, high-rising name, the vessel eschews an ostentatious style in favour of sweeping, unbroken lines, a coherent silhouette and a sporty build, resulting in something more timeless and elegant, like a well-cut herringbone suit.
Built in 2020, and defined by its svelte white shell, strips of black, and an unmistakable slim orange trim that gives it a subtle burst of colour, Soaring’s pared-back look and reduction in materials belies the abundance of first-rate facilities and features that are available onboard. Within the interior – which has a volume of 1400 GRT and is sliced through by a dark, high-gloss staircase that is given an extra sheen thanks to bespoke Cantalupi lighting – there is ample room for up to 12 guests, with six staterooms in soothing, neutral hues, all of which feature naturalistic fauna or floral motifs.
The master suite, most notably, is located on the aft upper deck and features a library-lounge and sliding doors that open onto a private deck complete with spacious living space, encouraging off-duty lounging while soaking up the 180-degree views of the surrounds.
When it comes to entertainment, the sizeable fit-out, which is given a design slant thanks to furnishings by Poltrona Frau and Paola Lenti, comprises a large living room that features cream hues contrasted by dark accents, with a gallery-style suite of scalloped windows that beautifully frame the blue of the sea and sky outside. A dining area, whose generous space is seemingly worthy for a Bacchanalian feast, is also ideal for evening entertaining – and the gym, complete with treadmill, rowing machine and bike, all by Technogym, allows you to burn off the damage done.
For lazy Sundays, the sauna and steam room is festooned with intricate tiling, giving off the appearance of a countryside spa escape, and the beach club, done out in teal and lightwood, is a perfect place to take further respite.
For periods when you want to get the true feel of ocean breeze and freedom, head to the deck, which includes a swimming platform, and a bar with an integrated circular Jacuzzi and sunloungers, all of which offer sweeping vistas of the open, unbroken waters and the beautiful terrain ahead.
For those wanting to jump into the thick of the action, there’s an array of tenders and watertoys, including a set of Jobe Allegre Combo waterskis and a Jobe Prolix wakeboard. However, in moments when you feel like you just need the steadying sense of terrain beneath your toes, the Fun Air golf green with driving platform should provide sufficient stability.
Rounding out Soaring’s holistic appeal is a crew of 17, with accommodation and a state-of-the-art galley in the lower decks; a top speed of 16 knots; and a low-noise emission. While it is available for charter, this extraordinary vessel is also for sale through Ocean Independence, having recently seen a significant reduction on its asking price, going from €98m to €88m – a snip for something making waves as big as Soaring is.
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