Spirit of Venice: A Custom Sailing Yacht with a Story in Every Line

A Brief Built Around Family, Oceans and Classic Taste

The owner’s brief was very clear from the beginning. He wanted a traditional, classic sailing yacht for circumnavigating with his family over a period of several years. The Pacific Ocean was very much in his mind, and that immediately shaped the direction of the project.

This was not to be a racing yacht. Nor was it intended to be one of those modern sailing yachts that gives you impressive numbers on paper but can feel lively, nervous, or uncomfortable at sea. The owner was already a very experienced sailor. He had spent time on many modern sailing yachts and knew what he liked, and perhaps more importantly, what he no longer wanted.

His ambition was to create something much more personal.

He wanted a yacht with his own aesthetic taste. Something classic in spirit, comfortable in motion, practical for long-distance cruising, and enjoyable for family life on board. Olivier describes her as a fast cruising yacht rather than a racing yacht, and that distinction is important. Spirit of Venice was designed to sail well, but always with comfort, handling, and seaworthiness at the centre of the design.

A Brief Built Around Family, Oceans and Classic Taste

The owner’s brief was very clear from the beginning. He wanted a traditional, classic sailing yacht for circumnavigating with his family over a period of several years. The Pacific Ocean was very much in his mind, and that immediately shaped the direction of the project.

This was not to be a racing yacht. Nor was it intended to be one of those modern sailing yachts that gives you impressive numbers on paper but can feel lively, nervous, or uncomfortable at sea. The owner was already a very experienced sailor. He had spent time on many modern sailing yachts and knew what he liked, and perhaps more importantly, what he no longer wanted.

His ambition was to create something much more personal.

He wanted a yacht with his own aesthetic taste. Something classic in spirit, comfortable in motion, practical for long-distance cruising, and enjoyable for family life on board. Olivier describes her as a fast cruising yacht rather than a racing yacht, and that distinction is important. Spirit of Venice was designed to sail well, but always with comfort, handling, and seaworthiness at the centre of the design.

A Brief Built Around Family, Oceans and Classic Taste

The owner’s brief was very clear from the beginning. He wanted a traditional, classic sailing yacht for circumnavigating with his family over a period of several years. The Pacific Ocean was very much in his mind, and that immediately shaped the direction of the project.

This was not to be a racing yacht. Nor was it intended to be one of those modern sailing yachts that gives you impressive numbers on paper but can feel lively, nervous, or uncomfortable at sea. The owner was already a very experienced sailor. He had spent time on many modern sailing yachts and knew what he liked, and perhaps more importantly, what he no longer wanted.

His ambition was to create something much more personal.

He wanted a yacht with his own aesthetic taste. Something classic in spirit, comfortable in motion, practical for long-distance cruising, and enjoyable for family life on board. Olivier describes her as a fast cruising yacht rather than a racing yacht, and that distinction is important. Spirit of Venice was designed to sail well, but always with comfort, handling, and seaworthiness at the centre of the design.

Choosing the Right Yard

For the build, Olivier chose VMG Yachtbuilders in Holland, a yard located close to his own office. That proximity became a major advantage throughout the project.

The owner wanted Olivier to supervise the entire build, and because the yard was only around fifteen minutes away, he was able to visit almost every day. That meant he could stay closely connected to the details, monitor the work, and make sure the yacht being built remained faithful to the original vision.

Of course, Holland has several excellent yards capable of producing a yacht of this type, but VMG Yachtbuilders had the right combination of craftsmanship, custom build experience, and size-specific expertise. They were used to working on boats of this scale, and just as importantly, they were comfortable with the kind of detailed, bespoke approach that Spirit of Venice required.

For a yacht like this, those details matter. A custom sailing yacht is not simply a naval architecture exercise. It is a collaboration between owner, designer, yard and craftsmen. The better that relationship works, the better the finished yacht will be.

In this case, Olivier already knew the team well. He trusted the people, understood their capabilities, and knew that the required disciplines were available in-house. That trust is visible in the finished yacht.

Choosing the Right Yard

For the build, Olivier chose VMG Yachtbuilders in Holland, a yard located close to his own office. That proximity became a major advantage throughout the project.

The owner wanted Olivier to supervise the entire build, and because the yard was only around fifteen minutes away, he was able to visit almost every day. That meant he could stay closely connected to the details, monitor the work, and make sure the yacht being built remained faithful to the original vision.

Of course, Holland has several excellent yards capable of producing a yacht of this type, but VMG Yachtbuilders had the right combination of craftsmanship, custom build experience, and size-specific expertise. They were used to working on boats of this scale, and just as importantly, they were comfortable with the kind of detailed, bespoke approach that Spirit of Venice required.

For a yacht like this, those details matter. A custom sailing yacht is not simply a naval architecture exercise. It is a collaboration between owner, designer, yard and craftsmen. The better that relationship works, the better the finished yacht will be.

In this case, Olivier already knew the team well. He trusted the people, understood their capabilities, and knew that the required disciplines were available in-house. That trust is visible in the finished yacht.

Choosing the Right Yard

For the build, Olivier chose VMG Yachtbuilders in Holland, a yard located close to his own office. That proximity became a major advantage throughout the project.

The owner wanted Olivier to supervise the entire build, and because the yard was only around fifteen minutes away, he was able to visit almost every day. That meant he could stay closely connected to the details, monitor the work, and make sure the yacht being built remained faithful to the original vision.

Of course, Holland has several excellent yards capable of producing a yacht of this type, but VMG Yachtbuilders had the right combination of craftsmanship, custom build experience, and size-specific expertise. They were used to working on boats of this scale, and just as importantly, they were comfortable with the kind of detailed, bespoke approach that Spirit of Venice required.

For a yacht like this, those details matter. A custom sailing yacht is not simply a naval architecture exercise. It is a collaboration between owner, designer, yard and craftsmen. The better that relationship works, the better the finished yacht will be.

In this case, Olivier already knew the team well. He trusted the people, understood their capabilities, and knew that the required disciplines were available in-house. That trust is visible in the finished yacht.

From Drawing Board to Launch

The design phase took around six months. During that period the owner gave Olivier considerable freedom, but he was also very involved in the parts of the yacht that mattered most to him.

That included areas such as the galley and the owner’s cabin, where personal use and daily comfort would be especially important. Olivier describes that process as a lot of fun, which says something about the relationship between designer and owner. The best custom yachts often come from that kind of exchange, where the owner has strong ideas but also trusts the designer to interpret them properly.

Once the design was complete, construction took a little less than a year and a half before launch.

That is a remarkably focused timeline for a yacht with this level of individuality, but it also reflects the clarity of the project. The owner knew what he wanted, the designer understood the brief, and the yard had the right skills to bring it all together.

From Drawing Board to Launch

The design phase took around six months. During that period the owner gave Olivier considerable freedom, but he was also very involved in the parts of the yacht that mattered most to him.

That included areas such as the galley and the owner’s cabin, where personal use and daily comfort would be especially important. Olivier describes that process as a lot of fun, which says something about the relationship between designer and owner. The best custom yachts often come from that kind of exchange, where the owner has strong ideas but also trusts the designer to interpret them properly.

Once the design was complete, construction took a little less than a year and a half before launch.

That is a remarkably focused timeline for a yacht with this level of individuality, but it also reflects the clarity of the project. The owner knew what he wanted, the designer understood the brief, and the yard had the right skills to bring it all together.

From Drawing Board to Launch

The design phase took around six months. During that period the owner gave Olivier considerable freedom, but he was also very involved in the parts of the yacht that mattered most to him.

That included areas such as the galley and the owner’s cabin, where personal use and daily comfort would be especially important. Olivier describes that process as a lot of fun, which says something about the relationship between designer and owner. The best custom yachts often come from that kind of exchange, where the owner has strong ideas but also trusts the designer to interpret them properly.

Once the design was complete, construction took a little less than a year and a half before launch.

That is a remarkably focused timeline for a yacht with this level of individuality, but it also reflects the clarity of the project. The owner knew what he wanted, the designer understood the brief, and the yard had the right skills to bring it all together.

Aluminium Hull, Composite Deck

One of the key technical decisions was the combination of an aluminium hull with a composite deck structure.

The aluminium hull gave Spirit of Venice strength, durability, and relatively easy maintenance, while avoiding unnecessary weight. For a yacht intended for serious cruising, those are important qualities. You want a vessel that can look after her owner and family over long distances, but you do not want to create something unnecessarily heavy or sluggish.

The deck structure, cockpit, deck saloon, skylights and forward deck areas were built in composite. There were practical reasons for this. On aluminium yachts, many corrosion issues tend to occur on deck, especially around fittings and appendages. Spirit of Venice also has a great deal of classic woodwork on deck, and that integrates more naturally with a composite structure than it would with aluminium.

The result is a yacht that combines strength and lightness with the classic detailing the owner wanted. It is a very sensible technical solution, but also one that supports the yacht’s visual character.

Aluminium Hull, Composite Deck

One of the key technical decisions was the combination of an aluminium hull with a composite deck structure.

The aluminium hull gave Spirit of Venice strength, durability, and relatively easy maintenance, while avoiding unnecessary weight. For a yacht intended for serious cruising, those are important qualities. You want a vessel that can look after her owner and family over long distances, but you do not want to create something unnecessarily heavy or sluggish.

The deck structure, cockpit, deck saloon, skylights and forward deck areas were built in composite. There were practical reasons for this. On aluminium yachts, many corrosion issues tend to occur on deck, especially around fittings and appendages. Spirit of Venice also has a great deal of classic woodwork on deck, and that integrates more naturally with a composite structure than it would with aluminium.

The result is a yacht that combines strength and lightness with the classic detailing the owner wanted. It is a very sensible technical solution, but also one that supports the yacht’s visual character.

Aluminium Hull, Composite Deck

One of the key technical decisions was the combination of an aluminium hull with a composite deck structure.

The aluminium hull gave Spirit of Venice strength, durability, and relatively easy maintenance, while avoiding unnecessary weight. For a yacht intended for serious cruising, those are important qualities. You want a vessel that can look after her owner and family over long distances, but you do not want to create something unnecessarily heavy or sluggish.

The deck structure, cockpit, deck saloon, skylights and forward deck areas were built in composite. There were practical reasons for this. On aluminium yachts, many corrosion issues tend to occur on deck, especially around fittings and appendages. Spirit of Venice also has a great deal of classic woodwork on deck, and that integrates more naturally with a composite structure than it would with aluminium.

The result is a yacht that combines strength and lightness with the classic detailing the owner wanted. It is a very sensible technical solution, but also one that supports the yacht’s visual character.

Classic Above the Water, Clever Below It

At first glance, Spirit of Venice has the romance and silhouette of a traditional sailing yacht. But beneath the waterline, she is much more sophisticated than her classic appearance might suggest.

Olivier designed her with an efficient underwater hull, a centreboard system, and a balanced rudder. These are not decorative features. They are the reason the yacht performs so well across different wind directions and wind strengths.

She was never intended to carry an extreme rig. The sailing plan is moderate, which means the yacht can be handled by a crew of two without requiring excessive force or effort. That is completely in keeping with the original brief. The idea was not to create a yacht that needed a large crew and constant physical input, but one that could sail efficiently, comfortably, and safely.

Olivier describes her as performing very well even in light weather, despite not having an extreme sail plan. That is one of the real signs of good design. She does not rely on brute force or oversized rigging to deliver satisfying sailing. Her hull, foils and balance do the work.

Classic Above the Water, Clever Below It

At first glance, Spirit of Venice has the romance and silhouette of a traditional sailing yacht. But beneath the waterline, she is much more sophisticated than her classic appearance might suggest.

Olivier designed her with an efficient underwater hull, a centreboard system, and a balanced rudder. These are not decorative features. They are the reason the yacht performs so well across different wind directions and wind strengths.

She was never intended to carry an extreme rig. The sailing plan is moderate, which means the yacht can be handled by a crew of two without requiring excessive force or effort. That is completely in keeping with the original brief. The idea was not to create a yacht that needed a large crew and constant physical input, but one that could sail efficiently, comfortably, and safely.

Olivier describes her as performing very well even in light weather, despite not having an extreme sail plan. That is one of the real signs of good design. She does not rely on brute force or oversized rigging to deliver satisfying sailing. Her hull, foils and balance do the work.

Classic Above the Water, Clever Below It

At first glance, Spirit of Venice has the romance and silhouette of a traditional sailing yacht. But beneath the waterline, she is much more sophisticated than her classic appearance might suggest.

Olivier designed her with an efficient underwater hull, a centreboard system, and a balanced rudder. These are not decorative features. They are the reason the yacht performs so well across different wind directions and wind strengths.

She was never intended to carry an extreme rig. The sailing plan is moderate, which means the yacht can be handled by a crew of two without requiring excessive force or effort. That is completely in keeping with the original brief. The idea was not to create a yacht that needed a large crew and constant physical input, but one that could sail efficiently, comfortably, and safely.

Olivier describes her as performing very well even in light weather, despite not having an extreme sail plan. That is one of the real signs of good design. She does not rely on brute force or oversized rigging to deliver satisfying sailing. Her hull, foils and balance do the work.

Comfort in Rough Weather

One of the most important points Olivier makes about Spirit of Venice is not simply that she sails well, but that she behaves well.

There is a difference.

Many modern yachts are fast, but not all of them are relaxing places to be when the weather becomes awkward. The owner had become, in Olivier’s words, a little fed up with nervous modern yachts. He wanted something calmer and more reassuring.

That is where Spirit of Venice really begins to make sense. Her hull lines, sailing power and movement through the water create a yacht that remains comfortable and easy in rougher seas. Olivier speaks about being able to walk the decks comfortably even in a nasty sea state, and that was one of the major requirements from the owner.

This is a yacht designed not only to impress at anchor, but to look after the people on board when the passage becomes more demanding.

That quality is difficult to capture in a photograph. You feel it when you sail. It is the way a yacht moves, the way she settles into the sea, the way she gives confidence rather than demanding constant attention.

Why a Ketch?

The ketch rig was not a late design experiment. It was one of the owner’s first requirements.

He loved the silhouette, and for him there was very little debate. Olivier says he briefly proposed alternatives, including a schooner, a sloop and a cutter rig, but the owner wanted a ketch.

That decision gives Spirit of Venice much of her character. The ketch rig has become less common than it once was, but Olivier clearly has great affection for it. He describes it as somewhat underrated today, and it is easy to understand why he feels that way.

A ketch can be very manageable. It divides the sail plan into more practical sections, which can make handling easier, particularly on a yacht designed for long-distance cruising rather than racing. It also gives the yacht that unmistakable classic profile, which was exactly what the owner wanted.

In the case of Spirit of Venice, the rig is not just a technical choice. It is part of her identity.

Comfort in Rough Weather

One of the most important points Olivier makes about Spirit of Venice is not simply that she sails well, but that she behaves well.

There is a difference.

Many modern yachts are fast, but not all of them are relaxing places to be when the weather becomes awkward. The owner had become, in Olivier’s words, a little fed up with nervous modern yachts. He wanted something calmer and more reassuring.

That is where Spirit of Venice really begins to make sense. Her hull lines, sailing power and movement through the water create a yacht that remains comfortable and easy in rougher seas. Olivier speaks about being able to walk the decks comfortably even in a nasty sea state, and that was one of the major requirements from the owner.

This is a yacht designed not only to impress at anchor, but to look after the people on board when the passage becomes more demanding.

That quality is difficult to capture in a photograph. You feel it when you sail. It is the way a yacht moves, the way she settles into the sea, the way she gives confidence rather than demanding constant attention.

Why a Ketch?

The ketch rig was not a late design experiment. It was one of the owner’s first requirements.

He loved the silhouette, and for him there was very little debate. Olivier says he briefly proposed alternatives, including a schooner, a sloop and a cutter rig, but the owner wanted a ketch.

That decision gives Spirit of Venice much of her character. The ketch rig has become less common than it once was, but Olivier clearly has great affection for it. He describes it as somewhat underrated today, and it is easy to understand why he feels that way.

A ketch can be very manageable. It divides the sail plan into more practical sections, which can make handling easier, particularly on a yacht designed for long-distance cruising rather than racing. It also gives the yacht that unmistakable classic profile, which was exactly what the owner wanted.

In the case of Spirit of Venice, the rig is not just a technical choice. It is part of her identity.

Comfort in Rough Weather

One of the most important points Olivier makes about Spirit of Venice is not simply that she sails well, but that she behaves well.

There is a difference.

Many modern yachts are fast, but not all of them are relaxing places to be when the weather becomes awkward. The owner had become, in Olivier’s words, a little fed up with nervous modern yachts. He wanted something calmer and more reassuring.

That is where Spirit of Venice really begins to make sense. Her hull lines, sailing power and movement through the water create a yacht that remains comfortable and easy in rougher seas. Olivier speaks about being able to walk the decks comfortably even in a nasty sea state, and that was one of the major requirements from the owner.

This is a yacht designed not only to impress at anchor, but to look after the people on board when the passage becomes more demanding.

That quality is difficult to capture in a photograph. You feel it when you sail. It is the way a yacht moves, the way she settles into the sea, the way she gives confidence rather than demanding constant attention.

Why a Ketch?

The ketch rig was not a late design experiment. It was one of the owner’s first requirements.

He loved the silhouette, and for him there was very little debate. Olivier says he briefly proposed alternatives, including a schooner, a sloop and a cutter rig, but the owner wanted a ketch.

That decision gives Spirit of Venice much of her character. The ketch rig has become less common than it once was, but Olivier clearly has great affection for it. He describes it as somewhat underrated today, and it is easy to understand why he feels that way.

A ketch can be very manageable. It divides the sail plan into more practical sections, which can make handling easier, particularly on a yacht designed for long-distance cruising rather than racing. It also gives the yacht that unmistakable classic profile, which was exactly what the owner wanted.

In the case of Spirit of Venice, the rig is not just a technical choice. It is part of her identity.

A Layout for Real Cruising

The interior and deck arrangement were designed around the way the yacht would actually be used.

Forward, there is a generous forepeak storage area with a proper seaworthy entrance rather than just a basic deck hatch. That space contains the anchor chain and provides substantial storage for rigging, lines, ropes, diving equipment and all the practical gear that a long-distance cruising yacht needs.

From there, a watertight bulkhead and watertight door lead aft into the accommodation area serving the guest cabins. There are guest cabins to port and starboard, supported by a shared sanitary space.

Moving further aft, another watertight bulkhead leads into the saloon, and this is where the personality of the yacht becomes especially clear.

The Galley as the Heart of the Yacht

The owner enjoys cooking and has very good taste, so the galley was not treated as an afterthought. It became one of the most important areas on board.

Olivier describes the galley as the heart of the boat, and it was designed accordingly. It is unusually generous for a yacht of this size, with a small bar, a teppanyaki area, and everything required to prepare proper meals on board.

Opposite the galley is a lounge area, positioned in a way that keeps people connected to the cooking and dining experience. This is not a yacht where the galley is hidden away from life on board. It is part of the social atmosphere.

There is also a pilot berth behind the lounge, which Olivier notes is especially popular with children or with those who like to stay up late. It is a small detail, but it says a lot about how the yacht was conceived. This is not just an elegant object. It is a family cruising yacht designed around real life.

A Layout for Real Cruising

The interior and deck arrangement were designed around the way the yacht would actually be used.

Forward, there is a generous forepeak storage area with a proper seaworthy entrance rather than just a basic deck hatch. That space contains the anchor chain and provides substantial storage for rigging, lines, ropes, diving equipment and all the practical gear that a long-distance cruising yacht needs.

From there, a watertight bulkhead and watertight door lead aft into the accommodation area serving the guest cabins. There are guest cabins to port and starboard, supported by a shared sanitary space.

Moving further aft, another watertight bulkhead leads into the saloon, and this is where the personality of the yacht becomes especially clear.

The Galley as the Heart of the Yacht

The owner enjoys cooking and has very good taste, so the galley was not treated as an afterthought. It became one of the most important areas on board.

Olivier describes the galley as the heart of the boat, and it was designed accordingly. It is unusually generous for a yacht of this size, with a small bar, a teppanyaki area, and everything required to prepare proper meals on board.

Opposite the galley is a lounge area, positioned in a way that keeps people connected to the cooking and dining experience. This is not a yacht where the galley is hidden away from life on board. It is part of the social atmosphere.

There is also a pilot berth behind the lounge, which Olivier notes is especially popular with children or with those who like to stay up late. It is a small detail, but it says a lot about how the yacht was conceived. This is not just an elegant object. It is a family cruising yacht designed around real life.

A Layout for Real Cruising

The interior and deck arrangement were designed around the way the yacht would actually be used.

Forward, there is a generous forepeak storage area with a proper seaworthy entrance rather than just a basic deck hatch. That space contains the anchor chain and provides substantial storage for rigging, lines, ropes, diving equipment and all the practical gear that a long-distance cruising yacht needs.

From there, a watertight bulkhead and watertight door lead aft into the accommodation area serving the guest cabins. There are guest cabins to port and starboard, supported by a shared sanitary space.

Moving further aft, another watertight bulkhead leads into the saloon, and this is where the personality of the yacht becomes especially clear.

The Galley as the Heart of the Yacht

The owner enjoys cooking and has very good taste, so the galley was not treated as an afterthought. It became one of the most important areas on board.

Olivier describes the galley as the heart of the boat, and it was designed accordingly. It is unusually generous for a yacht of this size, with a small bar, a teppanyaki area, and everything required to prepare proper meals on board.

Opposite the galley is a lounge area, positioned in a way that keeps people connected to the cooking and dining experience. This is not a yacht where the galley is hidden away from life on board. It is part of the social atmosphere.

There is also a pilot berth behind the lounge, which Olivier notes is especially popular with children or with those who like to stay up late. It is a small detail, but it says a lot about how the yacht was conceived. This is not just an elegant object. It is a family cruising yacht designed around real life.

The Owner’s Area and Deck Saloon

Further aft is the owner’s cabin, positioned to port, with a large double berth. Opposite is the owner’s bathroom, complete with a classic bath and shower arrangement.

From there, the layout leads up to the deck saloon, one of the most appealing spaces on board. It offers a generous seating area and, opposite, a proper navigation station where the person on watch can sit comfortably with everything close at hand.

The deck saloon then connects beautifully with the cockpit. This relationship between interior and exterior space is one of the yacht’s strongest features. You can move naturally between the protected deck saloon and the open cockpit, creating one large social and practical area.

The cockpit itself is spacious, with a dining table, generous seating, and excellent protection. Beneath it is another large storage area for tools, repair equipment and other cruising essentials. The engine room is positioned beneath the deck saloon, and aft there is a stern hatch that functions as a swimming platform and boarding area when the yacht is at anchor.

On deck, the arrangement remains open and practical. There is a sunbed area amidships and plenty of uncluttered space to move around, sit, and enjoy the yacht.

The Owner’s Area and Deck Saloon

Further aft is the owner’s cabin, positioned to port, with a large double berth. Opposite is the owner’s bathroom, complete with a classic bath and shower arrangement.

From there, the layout leads up to the deck saloon, one of the most appealing spaces on board. It offers a generous seating area and, opposite, a proper navigation station where the person on watch can sit comfortably with everything close at hand.

The deck saloon then connects beautifully with the cockpit. This relationship between interior and exterior space is one of the yacht’s strongest features. You can move naturally between the protected deck saloon and the open cockpit, creating one large social and practical area.

The cockpit itself is spacious, with a dining table, generous seating, and excellent protection. Beneath it is another large storage area for tools, repair equipment and other cruising essentials. The engine room is positioned beneath the deck saloon, and aft there is a stern hatch that functions as a swimming platform and boarding area when the yacht is at anchor.

On deck, the arrangement remains open and practical. There is a sunbed area amidships and plenty of uncluttered space to move around, sit, and enjoy the yacht.

The Owner’s Area and Deck Saloon

Further aft is the owner’s cabin, positioned to port, with a large double berth. Opposite is the owner’s bathroom, complete with a classic bath and shower arrangement.

From there, the layout leads up to the deck saloon, one of the most appealing spaces on board. It offers a generous seating area and, opposite, a proper navigation station where the person on watch can sit comfortably with everything close at hand.

The deck saloon then connects beautifully with the cockpit. This relationship between interior and exterior space is one of the yacht’s strongest features. You can move naturally between the protected deck saloon and the open cockpit, creating one large social and practical area.

The cockpit itself is spacious, with a dining table, generous seating, and excellent protection. Beneath it is another large storage area for tools, repair equipment and other cruising essentials. The engine room is positioned beneath the deck saloon, and aft there is a stern hatch that functions as a swimming platform and boarding area when the yacht is at anchor.

On deck, the arrangement remains open and practical. There is a sunbed area amidships and plenty of uncluttered space to move around, sit, and enjoy the yacht.

The Centreboard Advantage

One of the most significant technical features of Spirit of Venice is her centreboard system.

This gives the yacht two very different personalities. With the centreboard down, she draws around four metres, giving strong performance when sailing close-hauled and in more demanding conditions. With the centreboard raised, her draft is close to two metres, allowing her to access smaller harbours, rivers, creeks and anchorages that would otherwise be unavailable to a yacht of this type.

For long-distance cruising, that is a major advantage. It means the yacht can cross oceans with proper sailing performance, but still explore shallow and sheltered areas once she arrives.

Olivier is especially proud of the system because it has been used across many of his designs over many years. He refers to it as “monkey-proof”, meaning simple, reliable and robust. According to him, across approximately 65 boats over 25 years, there has never been a failure of this centreboard system.

That kind of reliability matters. Many people are understandably cautious about centreboards because they imagine maintenance, movement, or mechanical complication. Olivier’s point is that this is not an experimental add-on. It is a proven, seaworthy and rigid system that gives Spirit of Venice greater cruising freedom without compromising confidence.

The Centreboard Advantage

One of the most significant technical features of Spirit of Venice is her centreboard system.

This gives the yacht two very different personalities. With the centreboard down, she draws around four metres, giving strong performance when sailing close-hauled and in more demanding conditions. With the centreboard raised, her draft is close to two metres, allowing her to access smaller harbours, rivers, creeks and anchorages that would otherwise be unavailable to a yacht of this type.

For long-distance cruising, that is a major advantage. It means the yacht can cross oceans with proper sailing performance, but still explore shallow and sheltered areas once she arrives.

Olivier is especially proud of the system because it has been used across many of his designs over many years. He refers to it as “monkey-proof”, meaning simple, reliable and robust. According to him, across approximately 65 boats over 25 years, there has never been a failure of this centreboard system.

That kind of reliability matters. Many people are understandably cautious about centreboards because they imagine maintenance, movement, or mechanical complication. Olivier’s point is that this is not an experimental add-on. It is a proven, seaworthy and rigid system that gives Spirit of Venice greater cruising freedom without compromising confidence.

The Centreboard Advantage

One of the most significant technical features of Spirit of Venice is her centreboard system.

This gives the yacht two very different personalities. With the centreboard down, she draws around four metres, giving strong performance when sailing close-hauled and in more demanding conditions. With the centreboard raised, her draft is close to two metres, allowing her to access smaller harbours, rivers, creeks and anchorages that would otherwise be unavailable to a yacht of this type.

For long-distance cruising, that is a major advantage. It means the yacht can cross oceans with proper sailing performance, but still explore shallow and sheltered areas once she arrives.

Olivier is especially proud of the system because it has been used across many of his designs over many years. He refers to it as “monkey-proof”, meaning simple, reliable and robust. According to him, across approximately 65 boats over 25 years, there has never been a failure of this centreboard system.

That kind of reliability matters. Many people are understandably cautious about centreboards because they imagine maintenance, movement, or mechanical complication. Olivier’s point is that this is not an experimental add-on. It is a proven, seaworthy and rigid system that gives Spirit of Venice greater cruising freedom without compromising confidence.

A Yacht the Whole Family Can Enjoy

One of Olivier’s most interesting observations is that sailing is often treated as a male-dominated, “man cave” activity. But on his boats, because of the comfort, the movement, and the feeling of safety, families genuinely enjoy being on board.

That was central to Spirit of Venice.

She was not designed as a demanding yacht for one passionate sailor while everyone else merely tolerates the experience. She was designed for family life, for children, for friends, for long passages, for cooking, for conversation, for bad weather, for beautiful anchorages, and for the quiet satisfaction of being on a yacht that feels right.

That may be the most important thing about her. She is technically clever, beautifully proportioned, and thoughtfully built, but above all she feels deeply personal.

At the end of the conversation, Olivier made a comment that perhaps explains Spirit of Venice better than any technical description.

A good design, he said, has to speak for itself. If you have to explain too much, then perhaps something is missing.

Of course, it is fascinating to hear the story behind the yacht, and to understand the decisions that shaped her. But Olivier’s point is that once you are on board, much of that explanation becomes unnecessary.

Sit in the cockpit. Step into the deck saloon with its true 360-degree panoramic view. Experience that protected, gentlemanly space in bad weather. Sail her and feel the way she moves.

Then you understand.

Spirit of Venice is a yacht drawn from experience, built with care, and designed for an owner who knew that the real pleasure of sailing is not only speed, but confidence, comfort, beauty and freedom.

And once you have experienced that, as Olivier says, you are hooked.

A Yacht the Whole Family Can Enjoy

One of Olivier’s most interesting observations is that sailing is often treated as a male-dominated, “man cave” activity. But on his boats, because of the comfort, the movement, and the feeling of safety, families genuinely enjoy being on board.

That was central to Spirit of Venice.

She was not designed as a demanding yacht for one passionate sailor while everyone else merely tolerates the experience. She was designed for family life, for children, for friends, for long passages, for cooking, for conversation, for bad weather, for beautiful anchorages, and for the quiet satisfaction of being on a yacht that feels right.

That may be the most important thing about her. She is technically clever, beautifully proportioned, and thoughtfully built, but above all she feels deeply personal.

At the end of the conversation, Olivier made a comment that perhaps explains Spirit of Venice better than any technical description.

A good design, he said, has to speak for itself. If you have to explain too much, then perhaps something is missing.

Of course, it is fascinating to hear the story behind the yacht, and to understand the decisions that shaped her. But Olivier’s point is that once you are on board, much of that explanation becomes unnecessary.

Sit in the cockpit. Step into the deck saloon with its true 360-degree panoramic view. Experience that protected, gentlemanly space in bad weather. Sail her and feel the way she moves.

Then you understand.

Spirit of Venice is a yacht drawn from experience, built with care, and designed for an owner who knew that the real pleasure of sailing is not only speed, but confidence, comfort, beauty and freedom.

And once you have experienced that, as Olivier says, you are hooked.

A Yacht the Whole Family Can Enjoy

One of Olivier’s most interesting observations is that sailing is often treated as a male-dominated, “man cave” activity. But on his boats, because of the comfort, the movement, and the feeling of safety, families genuinely enjoy being on board.

That was central to Spirit of Venice.

She was not designed as a demanding yacht for one passionate sailor while everyone else merely tolerates the experience. She was designed for family life, for children, for friends, for long passages, for cooking, for conversation, for bad weather, for beautiful anchorages, and for the quiet satisfaction of being on a yacht that feels right.

That may be the most important thing about her. She is technically clever, beautifully proportioned, and thoughtfully built, but above all she feels deeply personal.

At the end of the conversation, Olivier made a comment that perhaps explains Spirit of Venice better than any technical description.

A good design, he said, has to speak for itself. If you have to explain too much, then perhaps something is missing.

Of course, it is fascinating to hear the story behind the yacht, and to understand the decisions that shaped her. But Olivier’s point is that once you are on board, much of that explanation becomes unnecessary.

Sit in the cockpit. Step into the deck saloon with its true 360-degree panoramic view. Experience that protected, gentlemanly space in bad weather. Sail her and feel the way she moves.

Then you understand.

Spirit of Venice is a yacht drawn from experience, built with care, and designed for an owner who knew that the real pleasure of sailing is not only speed, but confidence, comfort, beauty and freedom.

And once you have experienced that, as Olivier says, you are hooked.