Xpagoda is a radically innovative platform, revolutionizing superyacht design, luxury offshore experiences, charter business models, and financial and environmental sustainability.
Unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show
At the Monaco Yacht Show, Stefano Pastrovich presented an extraordinary new creation in collaboration with GMDesign&Service, Chartwell Marine, and Wolf. What stood out was the cohesive creative thinking that underpinned the entire project, as it introduces three radical changes to superyacht charter conventions that are set to completely transform the experience of exclusivity at sea.
Xpagoda, a new platform
Firstly, it is a groundbreaking new charter superyacht platform that is modular and highly flexible, offering numerous customization options ranging from the number and arrangement of guest suites and cabins to the complete personalization of public areas. This platform, known as Xpagoda, features catamaran hulls and a pillar structure that radically redefines the entire superyacht charter experience, creating an airy profile with overhanging decks that is a perfect blend of form and function. Its fully-aluminium structure has been developed in collaboration with Naval designer Chartwell Marine and the Rina Classification Society, evolving the code for 12-36 passengers. The choice of aluminum significantly reduces weight and draft for shallow water accessibility while enabling Pastrovich to rationalize the propulsion system for greater efficiency.
The attention to detail is truly remarkable. The pillar structure opens the spacious interiors to panoramic views. The overhanging decks – reminiscent of a pagoda – cast shade over the windows, enhancing visibility and reducing the need for air conditioning and frequent crew cleaning. The materials used for the interior décor have been carefully selected to create a premium experience of natural elegance, including fine woods and cotton-linen upholstery. Ideal for being stationed in small, glamorous marinas and anchored in the shallow waters of the most stunning locales, every aspect of Xpagoda has been meticulously designed to provide an exceptional lived experience, immersed in some of the most breathtaking seascapes on the planet.
Dedicated to a broader audience
Secondly, Xpagoda has been designed to enhance the accessibility of unique superyacht experiences, making them available to a much wider audience: the high-net-worth individuals known as “the millionaires next door.” These are individuals who cannot afford to buy a USD 59M superyacht or charter one for around USD 300k per week, but are willing to pay USD 2,000 per person per night for a luxury suite on a boutique charter that offers the full superyacht experience.
At 59 meters long, Xpagoda accommodates 20-24 guests in 10-12 luxury suites or up to 30 guests in 15 economy cabins. It has been specifically designed for Gen X travelers who prefer to diversify their vacations rather than invest in expensive properties. These travelers seek shorter cruise experiences while avoiding the crowds and the monotony of long days at sea.
Xpagoda: A High Level of Luxury
Unlike traditional superyachts, which typically feature large master suites and smaller guest cabins, Xpagoda’s suites offer high levels of space and luxury throughout. Similarly, its spacious public areas are designed not just for a single group of friends, as is customary with superyachts, but for multiple couples and groups seeking intimate leisure opportunities. Xpagoda seamlessly combines this with upscale amenities, including a sauna, wellness and massage facilities, a gym, and multiple pools and bars.
This innovative approach stems from a significant shift away from traditional superyacht charter thinking: Pastrovich intentionally designed Xpagoda for modular flexibility and serial production, utilizing cruise ship techniques to significantly reduce the unit price without compromising the style or quality typically associated with superyachts.
Xpagoda’s distinctive design extends harmoniously into its environment, featuring a sea-level bathing platform that blends seamlessly with the sea. Its goal is to deliver the richest possible experience of exploring the world from the sea, enabling guests to connect with some of the most sought-after destinations on earth. From the Maldives and Bahamas to the Caribbean, Galapagos, Thailand, Belize, Positano, and the Kimberly waterfall.
Finally, Xpagoda has been specifically designed to create groundbreaking boutique charter opportunities for the “millionaires next door.” Pastrovich even showcased a tested business model based on a conventional cruise company model, assuming a 300-day operating year with 80% occupancy at a cost of USD 2,000 per person per night. The outcome revealed an EBITDA of 25%, which rises to 35% with a fourth yacht. This clearly illustrates Xpagoda’s considerable earning potential for a fleet ranging from 1 to 4 vessels operated by a variety of potential buyers, including private owners, charter operators, boutique resorts, cruise companies wishing to provide high-end offerings, co-owners, fractional management companies, private clubs, and real estate funds.