Interview with Italian designer Lorenzo Argento of Brenta
Anja Eckart interviews Italian designer Lorenzo Argento – Winner of the European Powerboat Award of the Year for the new OT-60, designed for Omikron Yachts in Greece. He is the co-founder of Brenta Design responsible for the designs of the Wallygator, Beneteau First 36, Solaris 74, Y-Yachts Y8 amongst others.
AE: Congratulations on winning this prestigious Powerboat Award for the second year in a row. Last year, you even won two awards, one for the foiling CANDELA and Beneteau First 36. It seems like the jury highly appreciates your design approach. What do you think makes your way of designing so special?
LA: Well, I believe it’s always a team effort. I love working with passionate people. The individuals behind this new brand and boat are all very passionate sailors with an innovative approach. For a motorboat brand to commission two sailing architects, the other being Juan K., to design a new boat is special. And so is the result.
AE: The claim of the OT-60 is “The motorboat that feels like a sailboat.” Why would someone want to buy such a boat?
LA: This boat is built for people who enjoy the journey in style and luxury. Onboard the OT-60, the journey is the destination at a cruising speed of 8 to 12 knots. The top speed with the two Yanmar engines is 16 knots because the only way to be eco-sustainable is to go slow.
AE: And lightweight?
LA: Yes, that’s why it weighs only 18 tons. The superstructure is built with carbon fiber. No stabilizers are needed because the boat is very stable itself, also due to the water-maker; no big tanks are needed either. The CFD study of the hull also contributes to its lightweight performance. Most powerboat drivers could go fast, but most of the time, they cruise at our speed. So why equip it with big engines?
AE: What about fuel consumption?
LA: Fuel consumption is extraordinarily low. At 8 knots cruising speed, only 1.25 liters per nautical mile are needed. For a 60-footer, this is very good. Normal powerboats of that size use about three times more. Additionally, the solar panels add to the eco-friendliness.
AE: What was your biggest challenge in designing that boat?
LA: For me, the biggest challenge was the glass windows. We wanted to create a 360-degree view from the helm station, but they add weight. As a designer, you always have to make some concessions and find the best possible solution.
AE: Why does the boat feel like a sailboat?
LA: It feels that way because it is smooth and silent. The engines are mounted on silent blocks with thruster bearings to keep vibrations low, along with the soundproof isolation of the engine room.
AE: What is the feedback on the OT-60 from visitors at the show?
LA: Firstly, visitors who find the only motorboat here in the sailboat hall 15 are really interested in this new concept. Most visitors appreciate the high quality of the build. We receive positive comments on the interior concept, such as the double height of the saloon, the galley, and its light.
AE: What will be your next challenge?
LA: My next project will be an OT-80, a tri-deck that should look like a two-deck. Let’s see… here is my first drawing.
AE: What is your favorite boat to sail on?
LA: My favorite boat is my Beneteau First. I love it. For me, it is the perfect boat. If I want to go fast, I go sailing!
