Brokerage boat of the month: Wedge Too by Philippe Starck

Every month BOAT places a spotlight on one of the best-designed brokerage boats that have joined the market, changed agents or have had a significant price drop. For September, Wedge Too is our Brokerage Boat of the Month. The 65-metre Feadship is on the market for the first time since her delivery in 2002 and the broker is Alex Lees-Buckley of Camper & Nicholsons.

BOAT's brokerage editor says:

Wedge Too is unique firstly because it was Philippe Starck's first superyacht. He was responsible for both her exterior and interior design and like all of Starck's subsequent superyachts, her unconventional design took some stick from some of the more conservative corners of the superyacht brokerage industry when she first launched. Yet Wedge Too , along with Motor Yacht A and Sailing Yacht A, have gained in popularity over time and are now widely considered to be notable classics.Wedge Too, in particular, stands out thanks to the extensive use of wood on her superstructure, which gives a nod towards traditional wood yacht building and materials. 

The broker says:

Camper & Nicholsons' Alex Lees-Buckley said: "There’s only one word to describe Wedge Too and it’s ‘iconic’. She was built by the renowned Dutch builder Feadship with both interior and exterior design by Philippe Starck – his first superyacht. A true world cruiser with over 5,000 miles range, and at 65 metres length overall, she offers a total of nine guest cabins, including a full main deck owner’s suite comprised of two cabins, his and hers bathrooms and dressing rooms, and a private on-deck terrace. Her spacious interior is home to three saloons, a formal dining room and a guest lift to all floors. She has ample outdoor spaces with a spectacular sun deck and quite exceptional exterior lines. Wedge Too is offered for sale for the first time by her original owners."

Key features:

• Feadship pedigree and naval architecture. 

• Exterior and interior by Philippe Starck design. 

• Accommodation for 18 guests in 9 cabins. 

• Little use under original private ownership.

• Chandelier in the wheelhouse.

The designer says:

Philippe Starck exclusively told BOAT International: “I am and I have always been a man of the sea, a sailor. When I was a teenager, in Brittany, I used to teach how to survive when a boat capsizes. Today, I only live in seaside places where my boat is in front of my house."

He continues: "I have always loved boats, but I never thought I would like yachts. When someone first asked me to create them one, I initially refused. I had this vision that yachts were not for the pleasure of the people who lived on them, but somehow to show the world that their owners had money. I saw it as an aggression, an oppression against others. My challenge was then to create a yacht that wasn't structurally vulgar or offensive. How do you respond to someone's dream, without criticising but rather finding solutions?

"I set out to make a boat of extraordinary quality, while trying to cleanse it of these overwhelming social and financial representations. We worked for almost three years with its wonderful and charming owners, and with highly competent shipyard. And, in 1999, Wedge Too was finally launched. The challenge had been met. It is still a yacht, a fabulously expensive one, but with the excuse that these people live on it all year round, it is their home. I saw this boat coming out of the shipyard, profoundly elegant, it certainly wasn't oppressive. It was a home and not a pile of gold.”  Ph.S

Price comparison:

BOATPro data shows comparable yachts for sale to the 65-metre Wedge Too, asking €49,500,000 with Camper & Nicholsons.

63-metre 2018 Utopia IV, asking $45,900,000 with Moran Yacht & Ship; 70-metre 2007 Amadeus, asking €48,500,000 with Burgess; 62-metre 2001 Queen Mavia, asking €34,000,000 with Fraser; 65-metre 2026 new-build Origami, asking €48,000,000 with Moravia Yachting.