Bugatti is known for luxury vehicles, but its $4 Million Niniette 66 takes that high-end lifestyle to a whole new nautical level. This super yacht is on a pedestal that even the most discerning sea-lovers will be blown away by.
For a car manufacturer with a rich history of catering to the wealthiest consumers, Bugatti's entrance into the yachting world is a thing of beauty, both inside and out. While the original announcement brought intrigue and hope, the final product brought applause and excitement. For those with an eye for style, this wonder of the water checks so many vital boxes.
The Concept
In 2015, Bugatti set forth towards the great blue yonder when it announced plans to produce a series of three decadent vessels in collaboration with famed yacht builder Palmer Johnson. The series, entitled the "Niniette,” was actually based on the nickname given to daughter Lidia who, much like the company's latest venture, is the pride and joy of company founder Ettore. In typical Bugatti form, the ships are adorned in trademark Bugatti blue and covered in the iconic carbon filter that the manufacturer is oft to feature.
Timur Mohammed, CEO of Palmer Johnson, explained to Yacht Harbor that this particular series of watercrafts were crafted with the finest tastes in mind. In Mohammed's own words, "The challenge was to create an experience and a persona as much as a yacht, from streamlined luxury, sophisticated style and unprecedented quality. For owners of tomorrow, Niniette will lift your expectations of life even higher."
The Look
The Niniette 66 is Bugatti's first in the epic series and has been wowing fans since its initial glimpses. With a length ranging between 50 to 80 feet, the sight is a thing of beauty to behold. Holding true to so many of Bugatti’s signature engineering calling cards, like symmetry and an impeccably smooth curvature, the aesthetics that make roadsters like the Bugatti Chiron so appealing to car buyers are all there for their boating counterparts.
With a relatively shallow draft, measuring out at only about 2.7 feet, sailors will be able to maneuver to all regular ports of call, even those that have traditionally shallow waters. The risk of running aground is minimal, but running the party of the year is fairly high.
This piece of floating art also boasts a stabilized hull which allows for efficient speed with minimal issues. At the same time, the ultra slim main hull allows for higher speeds with lower input power and fuel burn.
The layout is both vast and gorgeous. The deck is not only spacious but, with its leather and blue oak, you'd be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't agree that it's both functional and artistic. The bog-wood it features is widely known for being able to remain free of decay for, literally, thousands of years. It not only gives a peaceful scene, but peace of mind for those who worry about the life of their vessel.
The Extras
The problem with getting in the water when you're on a yacht is that you need to jump overboard. The Niniette 66 is well aware of that fact and that's why they've included an option that not only takes the danger out of a dip, but adds bubbles. This yacht has a Jacuzzi. Yes - a jacuzzi.
If that addition isn't enough to remind you that you're riding in style, then perhaps the firepit is. All together, this ship is designed with an eye for filling space with the most enticing features possible.
The Bugatti website promises tiered lounges, hand-crafted in curves for a stunning visual feast, and maximum space to spread out and entertain. With two social areas, both unique while connected, its sundeck and champagne bar brings the entire concept together to make any enthusiast question whether they might want to trade turf for surf and a never-ending voyage at sea.
Under The Hood
If you're looking to race through the waters, this isn't the ride for you. With a maximum speed of 44 knots, or 50 miles per hour, this vessel wasn't created for the speed racers. While not a slow boat by any stretch, the Niniette 66 is more about a smooth ride and a relaxing day at sea. After all, too much wind in your sails would interfere with that fire pit. Remember that? It has a fire pit. Come on.
This series is inspiring to other luxury car manufacturers as many have pulled out of the garage and into the harbor to follow suit. In January 2017 Lexus announced its 12.7m Sport Yacht concept. A year earlier, Aston Martin teamed with Dutch boat builder Quintessence Yachts to unveil its 37-foot Aston Martin AM37 powerboat. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Bugatti should be flattered so much that they're faces are red from blushing.
Although that might just be the heat from the fire pit and jacuzzi.
Sources: The Verge, Yacht Harbor, Men's Health, Bugatti, The Richest YouTube