With planning beginning in 2018 and her delivery taking place in 2023, the 26.82-metre full carbon custom catamaran Crazy Love is more than a yacht, she’s a passion project that derived from her owners’ love of the ocean. From conceiving the project, to the design, construction and launch of Crazy Love, the catamaran’s entire production journey has been closely documented by owners Sean and Jamie Maas on their YouTube channel Sketch To Sea, offering a rare insight into the owner’s perspective. Met with a range of challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, SuperYacht Times takes a closer look at their journey and how they brought their floating home to life.Photo: Merijn de Waard / SuperYacht TimesHitting the water for the first time in July of last year and completing her sea trials in September, Crazy Love’s construction process was no easy feat. Conceived with the intention of living onboard, Sean described how the yacht selection process involved narrowing down the most vital components that would enable him and his wife Jamie to “take our home and explore the world”. This involved selecting a fast-cruising catamaran as it offered a more affordable option, ensuring there was plenty of space onboard to accommodate a crew from time to time and designing a vessel that could navigate a range of water and weather conditions, from here the idea for Crazy Love was born.
Photo: Sean MaasWhen selecting a naval architect, the owners were intent on finding a firm who had experience in carbon construction naval catamarans, Morrelli & Melvin Design quickly became the top choice for design and engineering. China-based Hudson Yacht & Marine Co., more specifically the company’s luxury brand, HH Catamarans, were just the company to build it. Despite having limited experience building a catamaran of this size, a tour of HH Catamarans’ yard and observing the construction process put the owners’ minds at ease. Collaborating closely with the yard, Sean and Jamie became the owners of the first HH88 yacht, displaying both a carbon fibre hull and superstructure, in addition to a distinguishable deep crimson exterior.
Photo: Sean MaasWatch: Sketch To Sea Episode 4: The Players Involved
Working closely with the naval architects, the owners visited Morrelli & Melvin in California in 2019. They were involved in the yacht’s design, from ceiling heights to seemingly minute details such as the shape of the ice cubes in the machines onboard. While experiencing this process they were met with challenges regarding the yacht’s interior layout, which led them to amend their original contract in January of 2020. The decision was made to extend the catamaran’s length to ensure the staterooms remained spacious and comfortable, increasing the construction process by only a few months. 
Photo: Sean MaasCommenting on the construction of Crazy Love, the CEO of HH Catamarans Paul Hakes stated, “The first HH88 has become one of the world’s largest and most impressive catamarans. Built entirely out of carbon fibre, never before has there been a greater combination of luxury and performance in a single yacht.”
Photo: Sean MaasUndertaking a build process during the COVID-19 pandemic was no easy feat. During the mid to end of January 2020 the workers at HH Catamarans’ factory were impacted by the travel restrictions and the yard in China was instructed to close. Following the implementation of strict protocols, HH Catamarans was permitted to reopen in March 2020, surprisingly resulting in only a 10 day construction delay.
Despite limited delays during the construction of HH8801, the COVID-19 pandemic did have a significant impact on the yacht’s interior. Decisions regarding the yacht’s interior detailing had to be made by the owners from afar; they couldn’t browse the veneers and fabrics at the yard in person, given China’s travel restrictions and quarantine rules.
Photo: Sean Maas
Photo: Sean MaasImagined by Paul Hakes and brought to life through the combined efforts of Morrelli & Melvin Design and Jamie Maas, Crazy Love showcases four guest staterooms and a large master suite. The HH88 yacht displays a spacious main saloon, complete with a backlit onyx-adorned bar, in addition to an enclosed flybridge helm station, chef’s galley and an expansive eight-person Jacuzzi. 
Photo: Sean Maas
Lacquered wooden surfaces characterise the main saloon, featuring two large sofas, surrounding both a dining and coffee table, defined by unique blue-toned onyx finishes. The VIP stateroom showcases a large walk-around king-sized bed, plenty of storage and an ensuite situated forward, complete with his-and-hers sinks. The flexible queen stateroom can be used as a one bed or converted into two singles, featuring a plush sofa. The master suite is situated on the main deck forward, equipped with 180-degree sea-views, a cosy lounge area and customisable warm LED lighting, in addition to a disappearing flat-screen TV with a 5.1-surround sound system. Alfresco dining is also available for guests on the exterior deck, surrounded by seating for up to 10, situated next to the opulent Jacuzzi.
Watch: Sketch to Sea: HH8801 Sea Trials- First Sail
Initial sea trials commenced in July of last year, with the final sea trials concluding in late September, ultimately leading to the yacht’s delivery. Since her delivery, Sean has discussed the experience of bringing a crew onboard, the importance of interior lighting and more. To follow along with Crazy Love’s progress and gain a greater insight into life onboard the catamaran, Sketch to Sea keeps followers updated on their Instagram and YouTube channel. 
Photo: Merijn de Waard / SuperYacht TimesThis article is featured in Issue 48 of the SuperYacht Times newspaper. Subscribe now to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue.
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