A boutique superyacht that completely disrupts nautical design
At the Monaco Yacht Show 2024, Studio Pastrovich presented XPagoda, a project that marks a turning point in the luxury superyachts sector. Developed in collaboration with GMDesign&Service, Chartwell Marine and Wolf, XPagoda is a revolutionary platform that redefines the concept of charter yachts, opening up new avenues in design, sustainability and business models for this type of segment.
The fact that revolutions are needed to make progress is nothing new, and history reminds us of this all the time, but few are the times that an action actually leads to a clean break with the past… Stefano Pastrovich has been able to do this, in a far from simple undertaking.
The innovative design of XPagoda
Stefano Pastrovich‘s vision has taken shape in a superyacht that defies convention. The XPagoda’s modular and highly flexible design features a catamaran-like structure with aluminium hulls (developed in collaboration with Chartwell Marine and Rina Classification Society). This material not only reduces weight and draught, but also improves propulsion efficiency, reduces operating costs and also increases environmental sustainability, enabling smooth navigation even in shallow waters.
With a length of 59 metres, the platform offers a wide range of customisation options. Guests can choose the number and layout of suites and cabins, transforming common areas according to their preferences.
The aerodynamic design of the cantilevered decks, reminiscent of the silhouette of a pagoda, not only adds elegance but also enhances liveability on board. The decks shade the windows, reducing the use of air conditioning and decreasing the need for maintenance.
A new and sustainable business model
XPagoda is not only a masterpiece of design, but also represents a radically new business model for the superyachts market. Stefano Pastrovich has adopted an approach similar to that of luxury cruises, but on a smaller and more personalised scale: with an affordable price of $2,000 per night per person, this platform makes the superyacht experience available to a wider audience without sacrificing quality.
In fact, one of the strengths of the XPagoda project is precisely its affordability, designed for an audience that has so far been neglected in the superyacht market: the so-called ‘millionaires next door’. With an individual purchasing power between $1 and $5 million, this group comprises some 19.5 million people worldwide (according to Capgemini data). These travellers, more inclined to diversify their travel experiences rather than invest in property, can now enjoy the exclusive experience of a superyacht at an affordable cost.
Modularity and serial production inspired by cruise ship techniques allow a significant reduction in unit price, while maintaining the high standard of finish and style typical of superyachts.
The economic results are impressive: with 80% occupancy on 300 operating days per year, XPagoda promises to generate a gross operating margin (EBITDA) of 25%, which can increase to 35% with a fleet of four yachts.
An eye for privacy and sustainability
XPagoda is not only an innovation from a technical and commercial point of view, but also for the unrivalled experience it offers its guests. With its capacity of 20-30 occupants distributed in 10-15 luxury suites, one has the opportunity to enjoy maximum privacy and comfort in environments designed for groups of couples or friends. Its spacious common areas include a spa, swimming pools, bar, sauna and a gymnasium, thus completing the offer of high-class services for small groups.
In addition, XPagoda is perfectly adapted for shallow-water anchorages, providing access to some of the world’s most exclusive and spectacular beach resorts, such as the Maldives, Thailand, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and the Galapagos.
In addition to economic sustainability, the superyacht was designed with the environment in mind. The use of aluminium and the rationalisation of propulsion systems reduce the environmental impact, while the materials used in the interior, such as natural woods and cotton-linen fabrics, reflect a focus on sustainability.
Stefano Pastrovich: the mind (and pencil) of XPagoda
Stefano Pastrovich, already known for iconic projects such as ‘Le Grand Bleu’ and ‘Wally Power’, wanted to create something truly unique with XPagoda. His aim is to make the superyacht experience more accessible, using the industrial construction techniques of cruise ships to maintain a competitive unit price, without compromising the style and quality that characterise his designs.
XPagoda thus represents a true revolution in the world of superyachts, offering a perfect combination of luxury, customisation, efficiency and sustainability. Pastrovich and his team have demonstrated that exclusivity does not have to be synonymous with inaccessibility, but can open up new horizons, creating unique opportunities for a wider audience.
With XPagoda, Stefano Pastrovich has not only presented a new superyacht, but has redefined the rules of the game, creating a new paradigm for the future of maritime chartering. This project represents a perfect marriage of state-of-the-art naval engineering, aesthetic design and commercial innovation, offering an unprecedented experience for an ever-evolving market. The future of luxury chartering is here, and it is called XPagoda.
This revolutionary project proves that innovation, sustainability and accessibility can coexist, opening up new markets and making luxury at sea an experience within reach of an ever-widening public.
