Introducing Lusso: The Art of the Grand Tourer
SPARK Marine Projects is pleased to share the latest progress on Project Lusso, a custom tender solution commissioned for a 70m motoryacht.
Inspired by the elegance of 1960s Grand Tourer sports cars, Project Lusso blends timeless automotive styling, high-performance engineering and tailored functionality.
Having completed market research, feasibility studies and concept development, SPARK has recently been engaged to undertake detailed design development and bid package preparation. This marks a significant project milestone in delivering two complementary tenders that integrate with the mothership’s operations while embodying the client’s tastes and aesthetic vision.
The Initial Brief: Understanding the Client’s Vision
From the outset, Project Lusso was guided by the owner’s passion for craftsmanship and attention to detail. SPARK has worked closely with the owner, captain and crew to develop tender concepts sharing the same hull and technical package to optimise the onboard experience:
Open/Sports Tender – A versatile, high-performance tender designed for family trips and watersports activities.
Limo Tender – A refined and flexible guest transfer vessel offering a more luxurious open-air and sheltered guest experience.
More than just functional craft, both tenders are designed to capture the sophistication of vintage automotive design, blended with influences from classic runabouts, polished detailing and sculpted wooden finishes.
The SPARK Process: A Phased Development Strategy
Project Lusso has followed a structured, phased approach to ensure that each stage is fully informed by operational, technical and aesthetic considerations.
1. Understanding Operational Needs
The project began with a detailed assessment of the yacht’s functional requirements. Collaborating closely with the captain and crew, SPARK conducted a comprehensive review of the mothership’s tender garage, boarding arrangements and guest priorities. This phase ensured that the proposed tenders would not only fit within the available storage constraints but also enhance day-to-day operations.
2. Market Research & Feasibility Study
Once a clear brief was established, SPARK conducted a market study, analysing existing platforms and products from leading tender builders. The objective was to determine whether a suitable off-the-shelf or semi-custom solution existed that could meet the client’s specific needs. This process involved:
Evaluating potential tender manufacturers and existing models.
Assessing the feasibility of modifying an existing design to align with the operational and aesthetic requirements.
Validating dimensions, storage requirements and deployment methods within the mothership’s constraints.
Ultimately, the research confirmed that available solutions did not meet the project’s combined functional and aesthetic expectations. This reinforced the need to investigate a fully bespoke design approach.
3. Concept Development
Without suitable market alternatives, SPARK’s in-house design team has translated the owner’s vision into two distinctive tender concepts. Working closely with the client and yacht team, SPARK developed a design brief that reflected the owner’s personal style and key influences, including:
A strong emphasis on family connectivity and shared experiences on the water.
Coherent integration with the mothership’s aesthetic and functional needs.
Automotive influences from the 1950s and 1960s, reflecting the client’s love of classic cars and elegant proportions.
Nautical inspiration, particularly from heritage wooden runabouts and classic Mediterranean yachts.
A focus on luxurious materials and craftsmanship, incorporating high-gloss wood, stitched leather and polished detailing.
Next Steps: Advancing Towards Construction
With the tender concepts now defined, SPARK has been commissioned to progress into detailed design development and 3D modeling to validate the final tender designs. The objective is to ensure seamless integration into daily yacht operations while optimising both guest experience and crew practicality.
This phase also includes:
Refining technical specifications and layouts.
Preparing a comprehensive bid package.
Engaging shortlisted shipyards for construction proposals.
By maintaining oversight throughout the process, SPARK ensures a smooth transition from design to construction, delivering a bid package for tenders that are not only visually stunning but also technically and operationally refined.
An Integrated Approach to Design
Project Lusso exemplifies the SPARK Marine Projects 'one-stop-shop' approach to design, project coordination and yacht integration for tender and chaseboat projects.
By combining market insight, technical expertise and in-house design capabilities, SPARK provides an end-to-end service to deliver final products that are both functional and a true reflection of the client’s personal tastes and vision.
For more information about SPARK Marine Projects and our approach to design, visit our Services page.
SPARK co-founders Cyril Le Sourd and Charles Dence will be attending the upcoming Superyacht Design Festival in Kitzbühel, Austria from 2nd to 4th February 2025, please get in touch to arrange a meeting.
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