The 44.20-metre (145’0”) Moon Sand is a salient reminder of the Feadship’s formidable in-house design expertise. From the bridge deck wing stations to the main deck lifting pool, all the main elements synthesise design with owner desires, marrying practicality with a passion for perfection that was shared by all involved.
Like every pure custom Feadship, Moon Sand is first and foremost a reflection of the owners who commissioned her. The look, feel and function of this striking new Feadship certainly benefit from the high degree of input from the clients, who liaised with Studio De Voogt closely on every aspect of what is a relatively modern exterior profile with classic touches.
It is perfect craftsmanship that allows Moon Sand’s to exude a sense of space. Take, for instance, the large aft deck areas with full length/beam doors. On the bridge deck the stairs have been moved as far possible to port and starboard in order to maximise space. The cool-looking glass windscreens also provide protection from the wind and generate privacy, an important factor in the owners’ wish to make Moon Sand a family yacht.
In a Feadship first, the swimming pool on Moon Sand’s main deck aft features an ingenious floor system whereby a section of the deck lowers to create the pool depth required. Switch on the contraflow system and go for a proper swim. Lower the main deck floor halfway and there’s a shallow pool for the kids or a nice Jacuzzi for adults to relax in. Raise the floor back to its flush position on the main deck for a wide range of al fresco lounging and dining options. Both the 9,000-litre pool and dump tank below required Lloyd’s certification, making this a major engineering feat.
Moon Sand’s exterior profile is relatively contemporary with a range of traditional touches. The modern superstructure element rises above the classic Feadship bow, connecting with the overall design via a strong and continuous profile line. An elevated hull line ensures everything comes together without impacting the giant windows in the bridge deck lounge. Further unity of design is created by having the sun deck firmly integrated within the whole package, a complex achievement on a boat of this size.
Note, too, how the signature wing stations on either side of Moon Sand add character to the profile, forming a ‘step’ in the bulwarks before running smoothly forward and blending into the lines of the yacht. In addition to being fully functional, these stations boost the volume both literally and visually. The sum of all these parts from the Feadship De Voogt design team is a sleek look & feel of which the owners are very proud.
Exceptionally spacious for a 44-metre yacht, Moon Sand’s multipurpose sun deck is a pleasant area to enjoy breakfast that can easily be converted to a party zone when the mood strikes. This flexibility is enhanced by the use of hi-low tables and a large sun pad area which doubles as a seating and dining zone. The forward areas can be shaded with an awning and there is also room here for jet skis, a rescue boat and lots of storage.
With the swimming pool and its associated facilities taking the place on the main deck aft where a garage could have been housed, Moon Sand’s tender is kept on the sun deck when the yacht is underway. The dedicated tender crane swings into a longitudinal position once the craft is launched and is barely noticeable. What does stand out on this deck, however, is the stunning stainless steel work with its absence of any visible joints.
One of the key design briefs for the bridge deck saloon revolves around the owner’s desire to conduct business from here. The special desk and two flanking consoles in the same style create a splendid working environment while enhancing the overall cosiness of the full beam saloon. The parquet flooring makes for a flowing connection to the aft deck, complete with lazy Susan table. There is also a small gym with built-in free weights and treadmill aft of the wheelhouse.
The striking patterns and sumptuous materials on Moon Sand come into their own on the main deck, as does the owners love of entertaining. With its semi-circular, built-in sofa, chairs and game table, the main lounge is a social hub that is being used more than on many comparable yachts. The splendid décor centres organically on the dining table, handcrafted from five woods and Murano glass. An aquatic-themed cracked eggshell mural typifies the owners’ fondness for vibrant colours.
The lobby features a tinted acrylic light feature which changes colour to suit the occasion, with flooring in marble, petrified wood and limestone. Further forward the owners’ quarters comprise a study and large stateroom with double bathroom and walk-in dressing rooms. The stateroom has great views from the four-poster bed and the bathrooms feature Blue Sky and Pink Onyx marbles handpicked in Italy by the owners.
At the end of the stairway down to the lower deck is some fabulous accommodation for six guests. In a bold design move, the forward area is taken up by one large, full-beam VIP stateroom. Aft, there is one double stateroom port and a twin to starboard, which can be merged into one large suite with separate seating. The colourful décor contains lots of artwork, shagreen cupboards and custom silk carpets by Tai Ping. The space is decorated by a series of paintings with colours that match the linen in each room.
The super-comfortable wheelhouse is very much the place to be for those who love cruising and liaising with the captain and the helmsman. An integrated bridge means that all the technical systems can be accessed via a single panel, generating a very clean look. The layout of the entire wheelhouse has been optimised in a similar fashion and the chart table to port includes considerable storage space.
High-end finishing encompasses numerous lovely details, a wealth of leather and some beautiful custom helm seats. Moon Sand’s engine room is the type of premium-class powerhouse that only Feadship can create, while the crew areas are also state of the art, with room for nine crew members in ensuite facilities and a very well equipped mess room. Finally, the main galley allows the chef to cater for everything from intimate dinners to large cocktail parties, proving once again that Moon Sand has big boat facilities throughout.xΩ