The Invictus ST550 combines thoughtful spatial design with vintage-inspired details
In a yachting landscape that is seeing increasingly large yachts and superyachts, labeling a 16.87m yacht with the name, Space may seem ironic. That, however, is exactly what Invictus Yachts has done with its new flagship vessel, the ST550 (the ‘S’ stands for Space). But as seasoned yachtsmen will attest, size alone should not be the sole factor when evaluating a vessel’s aesthetic allure and functionality.
The Invictus ST550 embodies this sentiment. Sporting a slightly curvaceous silhouette that is reminiscent of retro tender vessels, the yacht appears to offer a surprisingly seamless and expansive onboard experience. Designed by Christian Grande, the vessel boasts a substantial bow living area—a space often sacrificed for other areas in vessels of this size.
Invictus achieves this through a more cohesive approach to spatial design. Instead of taking the conventional approach of prioritising the aft and main deck, the shipyard divides the space for the ST550’s bow, stern, and main deck as equally as possible. While this sounds like it’d translate to three cramped spaces instead of just one, the design choice works, thanks to the seamless flow between the spaces and high bulwarks that provide privacy while maintaining a connection to the open waters.
Below deck, the layout is clear-cut and versatile: a full-beam Master cabin at the bow, a second cabin midship, and a central space that can be configured into a third cabin or a secondary galley, depending on how the yacht is meant to be lived in. Each cabin has its own bathroom, with the second doubling as a day head. The interior spaces are finished with materials that lean into texture and depth, favouring elements that feel solid underfoot and considered to the touch. Owners even have the option to replace teak with a glossy mahogany finish for a more stylistic flourish that lends the ST550 a vintage richness.
Of course, owners who desire more personalisation can customise the yacht through Invictus Atelier, the brand’s customisation program, which opens up the design process from the earliest stages. Colours, configurations, and materials are all in play—including two new paint options: ‘Stone White’ and ‘Deep Groove’. Even the outdoor upholstery can be reconsidered—breathable fabrics and synthetic leather trims standing in for the usual marine vinyl, with details more often seen on superyachts than on boats in this size class.
