Exclusive: The A Group Unveils Revolutionary 80m Superyacht Comete

The above video, produced and edited by Superyachts.com, charts The A Group’s journey through the ever-changing world of yacht design into a new era. Exemplified by one remarkable project which seeks to encapsulate all of the contradictory elements of modern yacht design into one against-the-grain package, we introduce the award-winning 80m Project Comete. 

Established by co-founder of Oceanco Richard Hein in 1985, The A Group was born from one very important philosophy. Richard tells us that it is this ethos of ‘Design To Build’ that has underpinned each of The A Group’s projects since inception, giving rise to icons of the sea such as 62m Lucky Lady and 101m I Dynasty. 

Today, under the stewardship of Yachting Director Matt Pegrum, The A Group’s multitalented team continues to innovate and inspire in everything it does. Client feedback and closely monitoring the way guests are using their yachts is a key part of this. ‘There is no single, typical user,’ Matt tells us. ‘But there are definite clear trends, particularly over the last two or three years, where we’re seeing a change in the way the boats are being used.’     

To illustrate these trends, we are joined by The A Group Designer Thibaud Le Merdy. Marking his first entry into the world of yacht design, Thibaud was awarded Designer of the Year two years ago for his forward-thinking superyacht design 80m Comete. Now a key member of The A Group’s design team, Thibaud has enlisted the help of Matt and the rest of the team to truly bring his vision to life. 

A perfect blend of Thibaud’s fresh take on design and The A Group’s wealth of construction expertise, 80m Comete’s living spaces and exterior form are integrated like no other project. ‘I wanted to go away from the traditional superstructure, to link the hull and superstructure together,’ Thibaud says. ‘I would say it’s fresh. It’s a fresh boat.’ 

With cutting-edge CGI by Mirage CG, we take a virtual journey through Comete’s avant-garde layout and sleek design. ‘We’re benefitting from some of the latest developments in technology, that allow us to break the mould,’ adds Matt. Drawing on clients’ demand for optimum outdoor-living, Comete’s design includes a subversion of the traditional layout with a large sheltered main deck area forward. The overall effect of this is, as Richard puts it, a sense that ‘you live inside, but you’re outside’.

Comete’s innovative design answers clients’ calls for a new way of living. The superyacht is proof of just how much can be achieved with the right approach to design. 

After 30 years, The A Group has perfected the exact measurements of creativity, knowledge and technology needed to break the mould. 

We have a feeling this is only just the beginning.