Since launching her own studio in 2018, Emma Maclean has created stunning interiors for apartments, hotels, clubs and boutique retail stores from Hong Kong to Paris. Now the talented designer and A&D Awards judge can add superyacht to her portfolio, after refreshing the interior of Silentworld, an elegant 39.6-metre motor yacht bought by a local family in 2021.

While the demanding project was a quantum leap from land-based design, it was also a labour of love for Emma, who as a young child sailed an Optimist dinghy in Discovery Bay and is now an active sailing member of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club.

The brief was to brighten and modernise the interior of the luxury yacht, built with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure by Spanish manufacturer Oassive in 2006. The first priority, says Emma, was to understand how the new owners and their three young boys planned to use the boat – primarily for family holidays and cruising in regional waters.

This helped inform everything from the layout of the living spaces to the refocusing of the diving platform below deck to a launchpad for kayaks and a jetski.

Next was working with specialist yacht broker and manager Adam Blackmore (photographed with Emma above) to help determine what could and couldn’t be done easily from a logistical perspective. There was only so long that the owners were willing to have the boat in dry dock to make the enhancements, and of course, there were also supply chain and cost considerations. Agreeing what wasn’t essential to change, such as marble fixtures in the six ensuite bathrooms, was just as important as deciding what could go, says Emma.

At one stage, the owners, who were personally invested in the refit, wanted to paint the exterior of the yacht in British racing green. Those plans were scrapped however when the time and cost involved proved prohibitive. So now the only reminder is a miniature model, painted in green, on display in the main deck salon!

Carpets were removed from most of the common areas to make way for timber flooring. Dark and dated ceiling panels were replaced with a light-toned “eco-leather” lining. New curtains and nautically themed furniture by Kettal, much of which can be used both indoors and out, brought a more relaxed and contemporary feel. Sturdy swivel chairs now surround a stunning Italian marble-topped dining table by Rimadesio.

Another important change, says Emma, was the lighting, which was transformed throughout the boat to direct light where it was needed and to create a more welcoming and family-friendly ambience. This was no easy task as there is limited ceiling space and an incredible 5 kilometres of wiring running throughout the vessel. The galley was completed gutted and upgraded with stainless steel benches and quality appliances. Silentworld carries 7 or 8 crew, including a full-time chef, and up 10 guests.

Emma notes that safety and weatherproofing are further points of difference between interior designs for yachts versus buildings. Furniture and fittings need to be steady and secure while the yacht is motoring on the open seas at 12 knots per hour, with a range of 4,000 nautical miles. Materials and surfaces need to be resistant to the corrosive effects of salt and moisture.

The interiors are cooled around the clock by air-conditioning, which runs from two massive diesel-powered generators. During Hong Kong’s hot and humid summer months, moisture and condensation are ever present, so dehumidifiers are vital. Timber surfaces need to be polished regularly to prevent discolouration. Interestingly all furniture is covered and lashed down when guests are not on board.

Emma with PERSPECTIVE’s Mike Yates

A unique feature of Silentworld are the full-length windows in the staterooms and ensuites, offering commanding sea views. The bridge deck living area, which has both indoor and outdoor spaces, is a favourite zone for the family to enjoy karaoke, play computer games or workout on the treadmill. There’s plenty of room for entertaining on the open upper deck, with lounges shaded by two canopies, along with a big jacuzzi.

All up, the often complex and challenging project took the best part of 12 months. While this is Emma’s second boat project, it’s the first time she has designed from concept to completion, under the studio’s new brand, EM & C. Based on the high calibre of her work on Silentworld, there may be plenty more to come.

Emma on the impressive bridge with Silentworld captain Ivan