From custom accommodations for his grandchildren to thoughtful spaces for entertaining, discover how Bill Bastian transformed his Fountaine Pajot Power 80 into the ultimate home away from home.
Bill Bastian’s summer was full of peaceful mornings with an ocean view, afternoons exploring the Mediterranean, and evenings making memories with his closest friends and family. That’s because he spent it aboard the Nana Marie as the newest owner of the Fountaine Pajot Power 80, the flagship of FP’s fleet of luxury motor yachts.
Through close collaboration with ACY Yachts and Fountaine Pajot, Bill and his wife Nan created a vessel that balances performance, comfort, and personalized design with the flexibility to accommodate their family’s unique needs. David Whidden of ACY Yachts sat down with Bill to discuss his experience of bringing his dream boat to life.
From a Lifelong Love of the Water
Presented by Dylan Ritchey, Marine Department – Brown & Brown Insurance.
Bill’s connection to the water began long before he became a yacht owner.
After a childhood of rowing boats on local lakes in Indiana, his passion for the sea really blossomed during his time at the United States Naval Academy. He served aboard nuclear submarines, traveling through the North Atlantic, the Mediterranean, and even to the North Pole.
After leaving the Navy, Bill joined his family’s automation and robotics business, which specialized in automated fulfillment centers. The company was eventually sold to Toyota in 2017, opening the door for Bill to pursue his dream of owning a luxury motor yacht.
When it came time to choose a vessel, the Fountaine Pajot Power 80 stood out for its combination of spacious living areas, elegant design, and cruising capabilities.
But finding the right yacht was only the beginning.
Making Nana Marie Their Own
What really drew Bill to the Fountaine Pajot Power 80 over the other motor yachts was its spacious design. With over 400 square meters for the guests and crew, this superyacht can host up to twelve guests and five professional staff members.
The Bastians selected a customized cabin configuration featuring a Maestro owner’s suite aft on the starboard side, a VIP cabin forward on the starboard side, and two additional guest cabins on the port side.
The layout also incorporates dedicated crew accommodations, allowing the yacht to comfortably support both guests and the professional staff on board.
But one of Bill’s favorite additions is a particularly personal touch. The forward starboard forepeak was configured with bunk beds to create a special space for his two seven-year-old granddaughters.
It’s a small detail in the grand scheme of a superyacht, but one that perfectly illustrates the thinking behind Nana Marie’s design and intention.
It’s All in the Details
Another feature Bill couldn’t ignore was the Fountaine Pajot Power 80’s stunning design. Plush carpets beneath your feet, topstitched leather, and opulent lounges mean you’re never compromising on style or comfort.
Bill made it his own by incorporating features throughout the yacht designed to make entertaining, relaxing, and exploring as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Some of Nana Marie’s standout customizations include:
- Forward-facing dolphin chairs: Positioned at the front of the two bows, these seats offer unobstructed views of the water while cruising.
- A customized hot tub: The seating configuration was adjusted so both occupants can face forward and take in the views together.
- Additional dining spaces: A table in the forward cockpit creates another opportunity for outdoor meals, while a dining table in the salon offers a comfortable alternative when the weather is windy or particularly hot.
- An expanded exterior galley: Complete with refrigeration, a grill, and space for a pizza oven, the outdoor cooking area makes entertaining guests and preparing freshly caught fish part of the cruising experience.
- Underwater cameras: Installed near the starboard bow and port aft section, these cameras provide underwater views that can be displayed on television screens throughout the yacht, allowing guests to enjoy the surrounding marine life.
All Aboard Nana Marie’s Maiden Voyage
After years of planning and collaborating with ACY Yachts and Fountaine Pajot, Bill’s dream boat was ready as he formed an ambitious itinerary for her inaugural voyage.
The Nana Marie allowed him to spend his summer celebrating his granddaughter’s 18th birthday in Portugal, exploring Spain, Mallorca, Greece, Croatia, and Sardinia with friends and family, traveling to France to catch the Cannes Yachting Festival, and embarking on a transatlantic passage to the British Virgin Islands.
Bill and Nan’s story reminds us that the most meaningful aspects of yacht ownership aren’t always measured in square footage, range, or luxury amenities.
They’re found in the memories you make, the destinations you discover, and the people you share those experiences with.
Ready to explore what yacht ownership could look like for you?
Whether you’re searching for your first yacht or looking to upgrade to a vessel better suited to your cruising ambitions, the team at ACY Yachts can help you navigate the possibilities.
Connect with ACY Yachts to explore the Fountaine Pajot fleet and discover how personalized yacht ownership can bring your vision to life.
