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boat all along. Though coming into the build as it finished, the owners have finessed the
original interior design to suit their needs. This meant removing some of the furniture – there
was simply too much of it, they thought – and changing some of the woods and carpets that
had patterns they found too busy. They also added about a dozen LED spotlights in the main
salon and dining room to change the atmosphere. The Books have further personalized the
yacht with their artwork, which brightens up every space. They like to bring back art and
mementos from every place they visit. Another personal touch is the nautical-themed
mezuzahs that grace each doorway,
made by an artist in Israel.
Book acknowledges that a yacht
purchase always involves some level
of compromise. But buying a yacht
so close to being finished means
some things are harder to change
than furniture or rugs. “The biggest
compromise I made with this boat was sharing a bathroom,” he says. Rather than separate
his-and-hers en suites,Book Endshas a standalone marble bath in the center of a large master
bathroom with a pair of hand basins to port and separate shower and head cubicles. This
design is seen on some of the other 47 meter sisters such asBlind Date.
Overall, the main deck master suite is suitably “light and bright,” with light gray paneling,
a white leather headboard and large windows. There are four guest cabins on the lower deck- two VIPs and two twins with Pullman bunks, ensuring enough space for the Book family,
which includes three adult sons as well as grandchildren who enjoy spending time on board.
“A boat is a great way to keep the family together,” says Amy. “You know [the expression]
‘if you build it, they will come’? Well, if you have a boat, your family will come and spend time
with you, and that’s the best – our children come, our grandchildren come.”
The 47 meter series offers great flexibility in its layout, the builder points out. “It can also
work very well with a private owner’s deck on the upper deck,” Gioanola says, “which was [the
arrangement] onLady PetraandCelestial Hope.”
The detailed raised ceilings in the master suite and the salons add a sense of space, making
each area seem larger. Indeed, the overall headroom and spaciousness in the crew areas
was a plus for Book, who points out the high ceilings in the pilothouse and the wide
crew passageways.
The crew are very much a part of the family, and it was important that they have comfortable
accommodation and be able to move around the boat with ease.
“There’s so much storage on this boat,” says Amy. “Usually your crew will be complaining
there’s not enough storage, but we have more storage than they’ve been able to fill.”
After the Books’ long-time captain passed away at a young age, their friend Andrea Bocelli,
the renowned Italian singer and songwriter, recommended an Italian ex-navy officer and his
former captain, Antonio Gerini, for the job. He was instrumental in readying the boat for its
maiden voyage in the Mediterranean, bringing valuable knowledge of summer cruising
grounds around Italy.
“The boat is the strongest boat I’ve been on, even more than an explorer vessel,” Gerini says.
During the trial voyage to GibraltarBook Endswent through days of six meter waves. “The
seas crossed the bow and were hitting the wheelhouse, but she still felt sturdy.”
The sky lounge is a particularly peaceful spot. Its circular walls are mimicked by rounded
“LIGHT AND BRIGHT” COULD SUM UP THE BOOKS’
DESIGN ETHOS. THEY HAVE A PREFERENCE FOR
WHITE CARPETS, OF WHICH THEY PLAN TO ADD
MORE, AND VIBRANT ARTWORK
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