A true original

Frette is the second hull in the Atlantique line, a new series launched by the Italian shipyard Columbus Yachts in 2024. This distinguished range of yachts will span lengths from 37 to 65 meters. The naval architecture for all models was developed by the shipyard in collaboration with Hydro Tec, while the exterior and interior design is the work of the renowned Hot Lab studio. The exterior design draws inspiration from one of Hot Lab’s innovative concepts, bringing the elegance and simplicity of modern sailing yachts into the world of motor yachts.

The hull of the Columbus Atlantique 43, measuring 43.6 meters in length and 9.5 meters in beam, is constructed from stainless steel, while the superstructure is made of aluminium. The yacht’s design is pretty bionic, with no sharp edges or abrupt changes in slope—even the nearly vertical bow features a subtle curve. Its smooth yet dynamic lines combine the muscular aesthetic of a motor yacht with the refined contours of a classic sailing yacht. Designers are confident that this approach lends Frette a timeless "natural" elegance.

"Our inspiration came from a cocoon or, more precisely, a polished pebble," explains Enrico Lumini, Hot Lab’s design director. "This river stone, shaped by water, becomes flawlessly smooth and dynamic. It embodies the kind of elegance that only nature can create. Like many designers and architects, we drew inspiration from nature, striving to align as closely as possible with its vision."

The client’s brief called for generous outdoor relaxation areas that would seamlessly integrate with spacious interiors, ensuring constant interaction between guests and the surrounding seascape. With a volume of 462 GT and a meticulously planned deck layout, these requirements were fulfilled with precision.

Frette’s outdoor spaces are designed to provide a deep connection with nature. Whether lounging in a deck chair, sitting at the bar, or dining at the table, guests are always treated to uninterrupted views of the sea.

Starting at the top, the sundeck is a cosy space partially shaded by a hardtop (unlike its sister ship, Night Fury II, the first hull in the series, which lacks this feature). The sundeck features a large teak dining table for 14 guests, a C-shaped sofa with coffee tables, and a striking bar made of white marble with intricate dark grey veining. This deck is perfect for informal breakfasts or sundowners.

On the upper deck, two additional outdoor relaxation areas provide a serene escape. At the bow, the highlight is a rectangular infinity pool surrounded by wide, white loungers. Positioned nearby, above the forepeak, is a bar counter. Thanks to the difference in deck heights, the bar does not obstruct the pool’s view. Against the forward wall of the superstructure, a sofa with low tables offers a stunning panoramic view in three directions.

Aft of the superstructure—which accommodates the helm station, captain’s cabin, stairwell, informal lounge, and dayhead—is a versatile terrace. To maximise flexibility, the designers at Hot Lab opted for lightweight, freestanding sofas and pouffes from Flexform. These can be easily rearranged into various seating configurations or removed entirely to create space for events like cocktail parties or dancing.

The aft section of the main deck is designed to bring guests as close to the sea as possible, with a unique stepped layout that gradually descends to the lower deck.

The standout feature here is the transom, inspired directly by sailing yacht construction. This design is echoed in the pool, which resembles the stern of a sailing yacht emerging from a garage—except the "transom" is crafted from glass. On either side of the five-meter pool, steps lead down to a swim platform. While the platform itself is narrow, the pool’s bottom is positioned just half a meter above the waterline, creating the illusion of swimming alone in the vast ocean. On the cockpit side, the upper edge of the pool is surrounded by a "horseshoe" of soft loungers. These are complemented by two corner sofas facing the wake, providing unobstructed views. With the addition of fold-down bulwarks, the result is a spacious beach club.

There’s more to this thoughtfully designed space. Sofas are integrated into the deck’s varying levels, and at the highest point, near the entrance to the salon, there is a dining table offering semi-panoramic views. The salon itself features sliding doors that can open completely, while the bulwarks on either side of the glass walls include transparent inserts. This ensures that nothing obstructs the views from the salon. As a result, nearly every part of this seamlessly designed area, stretching from midship to the stern, offers breathtaking vistas.

"One of my favourite areas on the yacht—and the one I’m most proud of besides the exterior—is the main deck salon, especially its entrance," says Enrico Lumini. "It’s like a winter garden or patio that connects the exterior and interior both physically and stylistically." The deep white sofas designed by the studio, which transform the outdoor decks into oases of comfort, are echoed inside with ivory-coloured linen upholstery (while the exterior uses water-resistant materials). These are complemented by Paolo Castelli chairs with blue cushions, a Fendi Casa oak bench with a soft seat and leather straps, and a cream-coloured bar counter by Poltrona Frau with walnut canaletto accents. Black-and-white photographs of bridges in Tokyo and Manhattan provide a bold contrast to the salon’s light colour palette. Warm wood tones, such as matte and bleached American walnut parquet laid in a herringbone pattern, contrast with oak wall panels and a large TV screen framed in onyx and marble.

"The owner is originally from the Far East," Lumini continues, "but, like any modern businessman, he is equally connected to both Eastern and Western worlds. These two realities have merged into a magnificent combination of details, colours, and finishes, giving Frette’s design both elegant restraint and vibrant individuality."

Moving forward, the galley is located to port, a grand spiral staircase connecting all decks is in the centre, and the entrance to the owner’s suite is to starboard. The suite includes a multifunctional room that can serve as an office, karaoke lounge, or home theatre with an 85-inch screen. The full-beam bedroom is complemented by a spacious walk-in wardrobe and a large bathroom finished in white Calacatta marble, which includes a sauna.

The guest suites are located in the middle section of the lower deck. The shipyard offers a choice of four- or five-cabin layouts. In the five-cabin configuration, there are three double cabins and two VIP cabins that can merge into a full-beam VIP suite. The guest cabins reflect the same "East-West" theme. Parquet flooring highlights the warmth and subtlety of natural wood, while walls covered in melange fabric and ceilings made of lacquered white wood create an atmosphere of lightness and harmony.

The yacht is named after the famous Frette brand, which also supplied the bedding and accessories for the cabins.

The crew area in the bow includes four double cabins, a crew mess, a galley, and a laundry room. A RIB and two jet skis are housed in the bow, while a second 5.5-meter tender is stored in the aft garage with a starboard side opening.

The engine room of the Columbus Atlantique 43 houses two Cat C32 Acert diesel engines, each producing 970 kW. The yacht tops at 15.5 knots, with a cruising speed of 14.5 knots.

The clients envisioned a light, airy, and open yacht that could serve as both a floating home and a space for relaxation with friends or hosting business meetings. Following its successful debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival and later at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2024, Frette was delivered to the Far East, where, according to the owners, it has exceeded all expectations.