The Netherlands — Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

70m SuperYacht GALACTICA SUPER NOVA Hits Water at Heesen Yachts

March 08, 2016

Heesen Yachts have announced the launch of their largest yacht to date, the 70-metre mega yacht project KOMETA, now called GALACTICA SUPER NOVA. The newly-launched luxury superyacht is amongst the top 200 largest yachts in the world and one of the fastest in her size range.

Heesen superyacht GALACTICA SUPER NOVA christening – Dick Holthuis

GALACTICA SUPER NOVA was built with a revolutionary Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) technology devised by van Oossanen Naval Architects, which Heesen Yachts were the first to utilise in construction. GALACTICA SUPER NOVA is fitted with a third engine to power a booster jet, and will be able to reach a maximum speed of over 30 knots.

Heesen GALACTICA SUPER NOVA yacht christening – Dick Holthuis

With building experience since 1978, Heesen Yachts have became world-leaders in this sector. Boasting exterior lines by Espen Øino and interior design by Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design, GALACTICA SUPER NOVA is an evolution of Heesen’t long experience in the superyacht building and also the result of what is perceived as a growing market demand for fast transit speeds, perfectly brought together with the highest level of comfort and space traditionally associated with displacement yachts.

GALACTICA SUPER NOVA – photo by Guillaume Plisson

The vessel is also equipped with a great selection of amenities and water toys, including a tender and quad ski, which are housed in the garage situated in the forward part of the hull. This arrangement allowed for a development of a fabulous beach club that provides the owners and their guests with the possibility to enjoy a lifestyle closer to the water.

MOTOR YACHT GALACTICA SUPER NOVA – photo Guillaume Plisson

Additional notable features include a 13,500-litre contra-flow swimming pool situated on the main deck aft, also featuring a waterfall and integrated Jacuzzi for relaxation, while the glass bottom of the pool allows for natal light to filter into the beach club below. Further forward on the main deck is the touch-and-go helipad, which also doubles as an outdoor cinema that seamlessly completes the luxury lifestyle aboard this magnificent vessel.

GALACTICA SUPER NOVA SUPERYACHT – photo Guillaume Plisson

GALACTICA SUPER NOVA’s head-turning exterior design by the respected international designer and naval architects Espen Oeino, who worked on a pre-established engineering platform provided by Heesen’s in-house experts, features striking lines and beautiful appearance. The designer has been able to develop a profile that celebrates Heesen’s DNA, yet at the same time brings in new design elements that make GALACTICA SUPER NOVA a truly unique vessel in Heesen’s galaxy.

GALACTICA SUPER NOVA – photos Guillaume Plisson

Accommodation is laid out to welcome twelve guests on board, providing comfortable six staterooms, including a main deck master suite forward, four guest cabins on the lower deck and a VIP stateroom located on the wheelhouse deck aft. The Owner has chosen the famous Dutch designer Sinot to create light, pure and well-balanaced interior with a sophisticated equilibrium between monochromic and soft colours. The ambience on board is relaxed and informal, understated and inviting, yet extremely refined. A wide range of leathers – from galuchat to very soft calfskin – form the bases of the interior decor that includes a variety of stones such as calacatta luccicoso and various onyx. The stand-out feature in the interior is the central staircase with a crystal elevator. Steel, nickel, chrome, wood and leather flow together to form a fabulous and imposing architectural helix.

GALACTICA SUPER NOVA – main saloon – Photo Dick Holthuis

Following her launch, GALACTICA SUPER NOVA will now go through comprehensive tests in the North Sea before her scheduled delivery in May, 2016. Once delivered, she will undertake her maiden voyage from the Netherlands to Montenegro, following which she will cruise the summer in the Mediterranean, and final premiere at the Monaco Yacht Show in September.

90ft ARCADIA at Claasen Shipyards Nearing Completion

March 07, 2016

Written by Eva Belanyiova

The Truly Classic 90ft ARCADIA superyacht is nearing completion at the Dutch Claasen Shipyard and is believed to surpass even her much-admired predecessors. Designed by Hoek Design Naval Architects, ARCADIA is an innovative sailing yacht constructed to the highest standards.

TC90 ARCADIA at Claasen Shipyard

The hull and insulations are now ready and the jobs on carpentry have already started. Technical and electronic installations are carried our by Cornelis Jongkind Yacht Installation, which recently began the preparation work by fitting the piping and cabling.

Truly Classic ARCADIA under construction

Arcadia’s interiors are also being worked on and will continue from the forward and aft extremities of the boat towards the middle, beginning with the forward crew cabins. All the woodwork is being put into the interior and installed. The master suite and guests cabins are more than half complete, with all furniture in place. The owner suite will have direct access to the amidships section of the yacht, which boasts the saloon with spectacular panoramic views.

Truly Classic 90 Yacht

The generators, air conditioning system, watermaker and all the hydraulics have already been installed in the engine room, with just the main engine to follow. All deck hatches are also installed, the cap rail is currently being mounted and the exterior finished with beautifully varnished teak details. The giant 35.60-metre keel-stepped mast and 11.40-metre boom are being made in carbon by Hall Spars in the Netherlands. The sail package will be supplied by Doyle and includes a mainsail, yankee and staysail, all of which will be operable from the cockpit. There is also a brilliant red and white top-down furling A3/asymmetrical. ARCADIA’s hull will feature a pristine white colour with a distinguishing red underbody.

Acadia is scheduled for launch in May 2016. In addition to this new Truly Classic 90, Claasen is currently also busy with a 77 ft Pilot Classic.

Striking 43M S/Y TOPAZ Winner of ShowBoats Design Awards for Naval Architecture

March 01, 2016

Written by Eva Belanyiova

One of the winners at the recently held 2016 ShowBoats Design Awards is, unsurprisingly, the striking 43M Sailing Yacht TOPAZ, which has received the Golden Neptune trophy for her Naval Architecture category, carried out by Andre Hoek. She was launched in 2015 by Holland Jachtbouw, to the original design by Frank Paine for the 1937 America’s Cup, while optimised to suit the current J Class Association Rules.

Sailing Yacht TOPAZ

This very special vessel boasts a number of innovative features, which were created in-house at Holland Jachtbouw. These include a specialist below deck winch system for the spinnaker pole, an under deck fitted hydro-cylinder system for the mainsheet traveller and a smaller quadrant cable steering system fitting below the floor with optimised feedback from the helm. Furthermore, she is equipped with one of the most advanced hybrid power and propulsion systems built to date, developed by the engineers at HJB.

Superyacht UNFURLED received Full Running Rigging Program by RSB Rigging Solutions

February 24, 2016

Written by Eva Belanyiova

Last year, RSB Rigging Solutions supplied the running rigging package for one of the most important sailing yachts sailing our waters, the 46-metre UNFURLED constructed by Vitters Shipyard and launched last year.

SY UNFURLED by Vitters Shipyard

UNFURLED is the latest sailing yacht By Vitters, and the newest in the long line of yachts with the name “UNFURLED”, replacing the 34-metre Royal Huisman built yacht, that was recently sold and renamed SPIIP.

Allan Wester heads up the RSB Rigging Solutions splicing department, he states:

‘This was the 2nd highly prestigious project of 2015 for which we provided a full running rigging. Being a relatively small splicing team, we are incredibly proud of our growing resume. This goes to show the level of expertise for which we are now becoming known in the industry.’

UNFURLED

Steve Branagh, founder of RSB Rigging Solutions, has recently returned from S/Y Unfurled’s debut appearance in the Caribbean, and shall be competing with them in their first ever regatta, Loro Piana Caribbean Regatta and Rendezvous which begins on the 9th March, followed by the St Barths Bucket.

Steve comments,

‘The new Frers designed Unfurled has been an amazing project for RSB to be involved with. Having supplied all the running rigging and lock strops to the boat, it has been great to sail on-board in Antigua. As the boat was delayed into Antigua due to the shocking European winter weather that made the Atlantic crossing a game of cat and mouse with the storm systems we were unable to take part in the Antigua Super Yacht Challenge. However, we spent a very productive week putting the boat through her paces, checking that the full wardrobe of Norths 3Di sails fit and go up and down as they should, whilst also starting the data logging processes that are so critical with these large super yacht projects.

She is a very powerful boat with a huge amount of sail carried on the 63m tall mast. The mainsail is a square topped sail made of Norths 3Di cloth and combined with the full size blade jib gives us around 1200 square meters of upwind sail area. Off the wind with the mainsail, A4 spinnaker and spinnaker staysail set we carry a shade under 3000 square meters of sail meaning that boat handling and crew work is at a premium to keep the boat under control and going in the right direction. In the trade winds off Antigua we spent plenty of time working at upwind angles and speed followed by long downwind sessions with plenty of gybes and manoeuvres and came away very impressed with the boat speed and how easy she is to drive.

The onboard crew and race team have gelled together well with many of us having sailed together on various other projects. We realise that it will take some time to learn the best methods of handling these huge sails and getting the boat around the corners on the race course but have high hopes for this years regattas in the BVI’s, St Barths, Sardinia and finally the Super Yacht Cup in Palma de Mallorca.’

Unfurled is also a finalist at the World Superyacht Awards for Sailing Yachts 45m and above. RSB Rigging wishes the owner and Unfurled team the best of luck for all her appearances this year.

2016 ShowBoats Design Awards Winners Announced

February 23, 2016

Written by Eva Belanyiova

Yesterday, the 22nd of February, saw the winners of the prestigious 2016 ShowBoats Design Awards announced at the K3 KitzKongress in Kitzbuhel, Austria. Double Olympic gold medalist, Shirley Robertson OBE presented the winners with the coveted Golden Neptune awards at the presence of the sell-out audience of superyacht owners, designers and icons of the superyacht industry from around the world.

ShowBoats Design Awards 2016

Baltic Yachts’s sailing yacht NIKATA took home four Neptunes, whole Feadship’s motor yacht SAVANNAH received equally impressive three awards. Below is the full list of the winning superyachts:

Tender Design Award Winner:
Hodgdon Yachts’ 11,4-metre Limo Tender for M/Y INFINITY, with naval architecture by Michael Peters, exterior styling and interior design by Michael Peters and Hodgdon Yachts.

Hodgdon Yachts – Limo Tender for Motor Yacht INFINITY

Exterior Design & Styling Award – Motor Yacht Below 500GT Winner:
49,9-metre motor yacht SIBELLE with exterior styling by AB Studio – Omega Architects, constructed by Heesen Yachts.

Superyacht Sibelle by Heesen Yachts – Photo by Richards Vision and Heesen Yachts

Exterior Design & Styling – Motor Yacht Above 500GT Winner:

Superyacht SAVANNAH with exterior styling by CG Design and built by Feadship, De Vries shipyard.

SAVANNAH by Feadship

Exterior Design & Styling – Styling Award Winner:
NIKATA with exterior styling by Nauta Design and built by Baltic Yachts. Naval architects Judel/Vrolijk.

Baltic 115 NIKATA under sail – Photo by Guido Cantini

Interior Layout & Design Award – Motor Yacht Below 500 GT Winner:
RUYA with interior by Sorgiovanni Designs and constructed by Alia Yachts.

47m Heesen RUYA

Interior Layout & Design Award – Motor Yacht Above 500 GT Winner:
SAVANNAH, boasting exterior styling by SG Design and constructed by Feadship.

Interior Layout & Design Award Winner:
NIKATA with exterior styling by Nauta Design, built by Baltic Yachts

Naval Architecture Award – Displacement Motor Yacht Below 500GT Winner:
RUYA with interior by Sorgiovanni Design and constructed by Alia Yachts.

Naval Architecture Award – Displacement Motor Yacht Above 500GT Winner:
MADAME KATE constructed by Amels with naval architecture by Amels and Damen Group

AMELS Superyacht MADAME KATE

Naval Architecture Award – Semi-displacement Motor Yacht Winner:
IRON MAN with naval architecture by Azimut Benetti Spa and constructed by Benetti Shipyard

Fast Displacement IRON MAN – Photo credit Quin BISSET

Naval Architecture Award – Sailing Yacht joint Winner:
NIKATA with exterior styling by Nauta Design and built by Baltic Yachts

Naval Architecture Award – Sailing Yacht joint Winner:
TOPAZ with naval architecture by Andre Hoek to original lines by Frank Paine, constructed by Holland Jachtbouw

TOPAZ

Holistic Design Award – Motor Yacht Winner:
SAVANNAH with exterior styling by SG Design built by Feadship

Holistic Design Award – Sailing Yacht Winner:
NIKATA with exterior styling by Nauta Design and built by Baltic Yachts

Young Designer of the Year Award Winner:
CERCHIO by – a student from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. 45-metre motor yacht, designed to entertain the guests of a female Italian fashion designer.

Baoxi Xiao – CERCHIO concept

Lifetime Achievement Award Winner:
Frederik “Frits” De Voogt of Feadship

Mulder Shipyard begins construction of 36m Superyacht – Their Largest Project to Date

February 19, 2016

Written by Eva Belanyiova

Mulder Shipyard has announced the start of the construction of their largest to date superyacht – the 36-metre motor yacht. The new project represents the second project built to the exacting new LY3 standard and an important milestone for this Dutch shipyard. Their latest launches and deliveries to date include the 28,65m Mulder Voyager FIREFLY and the 34-metre custom constructed SOLIS from 2015.

Mulder 36 M due for completion in 2017

“The basic concept behind this exciting new yacht is to make the most out of a volume not exceeding 300 GT,” explains yard director Dick Mulder. “This will open up excellent possibilities for both private use and chartering, with the possibility of having a relatively small crew on board when the owners are onboard.”

This striking fast displacement vessel will be constructed with full RINA MCA LY3 certification and have a transatlantic range. “She will be fitted with many features normally associated with far larger yachts in terms of both operation and design,” adds Mulder. “Special features will include a large William Dieseljet 625 tender, a beach club, two Jet Skis, a large whirlpool bathtub and plenty of sun pads. We are convinced that the end result will be truly exceptional for this size of yacht.”

Thanks to its previously successful partnership on an earlier constructions, Mulder Shipyard recommended to the customer that Claydon Reeves Design and International Yacht Register serve as owners’ representative. Van Oossanen are responsible for the naval architecture, ensuring the finest cruising characteristics.

“We enjoyed working closely with Mulder Shipyard during the fast-paced design and build development of Solis,” says Mike Reeves from Claydon Reeves Design. “We share similar values and aim to achieve a high-quality, authentic product. As a result, the new 36-metre yacht will be practical, finely detailed and have a wide appeal.”

“The quality and workmanship of Mulder Yachts speak for itself,” states Stephen White from International Yacht Register. “We look forward to working with all parties to build on that success and help the latest build surpass expectations. Mulder Shipyard is certainly on the move and we are delighted to be associated with them.”

The new 36-metre superyacht will boasts an elegant and discerning modern exterior with a sleek aluminium construction and a continuous window line which finishing in a contemporary plumb bow. The design will boasts the Van Oossanen patented Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) to ensure comfortable sailing and fuel economy at all speeds. This will not compromise performance as the twin 847 kW engines will ensure a maximum speed of 17 knots.

A full beam design will allow the volume and privacy in the owners’ area to be maximised. The slender, fluid design will go against the current fashion of ballooning beams, as the hull will measure no more than eight metres at its widest point. The slender hull and long waterline will together ensure outstanding seakeeping capacities in rough seas, enhancing comfort for owner and guests alike.

Five spacious cabins on board will accommodate up to ten guests. The exceptional features of the full beam master suite will be heightened by dedicated access to a private seating area in the bow – a tranquil nook from which to contemplate the horizon. An impressive saloon, dining room and bar area will be located on the main deck, with floor to ceiling windows providing panoramic views all around whilst also flooding the interior with lots of natural light. The dining experience will be enhanced by the addition of a folding side balcony, which will bring seascape panoramas right to the table.

Further entertainment space can be found outside the saloon, where the large outdoor cockpit area will provide plenty of shaded al fresco seating and dining possibilities. The flybridge/sun deck above the beach club will include generous seating, lots of sun pads, a whirlpool bathtub with room for eight and a comfy dining place – a perfect backdrop to relaxing, sunbathing and socialising.

For those who wish to be closer to the water, the 36-metre design will incorporate a beach club that is substantially larger than what one would normally expect on a yacht of this size, with further seating and a small day head.

The new Mulder 36-metre motoryacht is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2017.

VANISH by Feadship – A Striking Superyacht on her way from Royal van Lent to Rotterdam

February 18, 2016

Written by Zuzana Bednarova

Danny Romani has kindly shared with us the video below, showing the brand new 66m VANISH by Feadship on her way from Royal van Lent to Rotterdam this morning, on February 18, 2016. This striking and impressive vessel was spotted in Alphen aan den Rijn in the Netherlands.

With an impressive beam of 12 meters and a gross tonnage of 1380 tons, the breath-taking VANISH boasts such remarkable features as a free-standing staircase flanked by a glass wall over three decks, an innovative extendable balcony for the owner’s stateroom and a very original transom design. Built to the desires and wishes of her owners, she is the result of close collaboration between the shipyard and Eidsgaard Design.

Classic Yacht SULTANA - Master Ensuite

Blue Moon - Bridge deck cocktail bar

LABRADOR Bridge

ANCALLIA - Master

ANCALLIA - Ensuite to VIP Twin

Motor Yacht GRAVITAS - VIP cabin

There are more charter yachts built by Feadship here.

Feadship Luxury Yacht VANISH leaves Kaag Island

February 18, 2016

Written by Zuzana Bednarova

Early this morning, on February 18, 2016, the Feadship luxury yacht VANISH has left Kaag Island in the Netherlands. The excellent result of a collaboration between the shipyard and Eidsgaard Design, this brand new 66,25-metre vessel was launched during a rock’n’roll ceremony on January 23, 2016. The photos of VANISH below were shared by Feadship Fanclub.

Brand new Vanish – Photo by Josh Walet and Feadship Fanclub

Vanish – front view – Photo by Josh Walet and Feadship Fanclub

Luxury Yacht Vanish – Photo by Gerrit & Bianca Bouma and Feadship Fanclub

Vanish by Feadship – Photo by Maureen van der Toolen and Feadship Fanclub

Vanish – Photo by Hanco Bol and Feadship Fanclub

Vanish by night – Photo by Gerrit & Bianca Bouma and Feadship Fanclub

LABRADOR Twin Cabin

Yacht BELUGA - Foredeck

DAYBREAK Main Salon

Pegasus - Sundeck

Cruising with ROTA II yacht

Yacht SAMADHI - Aft deck

There are more charter yachts built by Feadship here.

Launch of NEW Van der Valk Continental Four Superyacht SANTA MARIA T

February 17, 2016

Written by Zuzana Bednarova

Dutch builder, Van der Valk Shipyard, has announced the launch of the new Continental Four superyacht SANTA MARIA T. At 36,80m, she represents the largest trawler vessel ever built by Van der Valk, and the first of a new generation of designs created in collaboration with Guido de Groot. Moreover, SANTA MARIA T is the first yacht in the world fitted with an all-new two-axis fin antiroll damping system that provides stabilization both underway and at zero speed without compromising performance in either circumstance.

Santa Maria T by Van der Valk Shipyard – Photo by Giovanni Romero

Boasting a classic, timeless yet clearly distinctive style, SANTA MARIA T was built to endure the toughest weather conditions. She is a full displacement motoryacht with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, with a large fuel capacity that ensures a transatlantic range.

Santa Maria T underway – Photo by Giovanni Romero

Both the exterior as well as interior of the vessel were fully customised to its owner’s wishes. The lower deck hosts the owner’s quarters as well as guest accommodation. The owner’s stateroom is positioned amidships and is fitted with a bed upholstered entirely in leather, as well as a huge walk-in wardrobe, office, lounge and en suite bathroom.

Santa Maria T – Helm station

Santa Maria T – Galley

Santa Maria T – Dining

Santa Maria T – Saloon

Guest accommodation includes a double VIP suite in the bow, a twin guest cabin to port, and a twin queen-sized bunk bed cabin to starboard. All of the guest cabins have their own private bathroom. The crew premises aft comprise three cabins with direct access to the engine room and lazarette, a spacious galley, a crew mess and two bathrooms.

Santa Maria T – Master stateroom

Santa Maria T – Owners Bathroom

Santa Maria T – VIP Stateroom

In addition, luxury yacht SANTA MARIA T also boasts a huge flybridge. At almost 20 metres in length, it is fitted with a full aluminium hardtop, two spacious dining/lounge areas, a kitchen/wet bar with refrigerators, ice maker and a barbeque, an area dedicated to sun beds, as well as a crane with a capacity of 1200 kg for launching the custom 6,40-metre carbon fibre Beachlander tender.

Heesen Yachts announce delivery of head-turning 45m Sports Yacht AMORE MIO

February 16, 2016

Written by Zuzana Bednarova

Heesen Yachts is delighted to announce the successful delivery of the head-turning 45m AMORE MIO (YN 17145) to her international owners as scheduled. This striking semi-displacement vessel represents the largest and most powerful sports yacht ever built in the Netherlands.

AMORE MIO by Heesen at full speed – Photo by Dick Holthuis

AMORE MIO was handed over to her Owners following intensive sea trials in the North Sea that took place from January 18 to 21, 2016 in southeasterly prevailing winds and waves of 0,5 to 1 metres. Run by twin MTU 16V diesel engines, the vessel reached a thrilling top speed of 30 knots, meeting not only all the contractual speed requirements, but also proving to be very quiet and highly maneuverable.

AMORE MIO from above – Photo by Dick Holthuis

AMORE MIO’s Captain, Tripp Hock, commented: “Heesen added a third day to their standard sea trial program, which they are calling the Captain’s Day. This was a welcome addition and allowed me free scope for requesting all kinds of further testing like crash stops, dead ship operations and single engine maneuvering. As the first Heesen sea trialed at ‘light load’, I was eager to see in particular how the gyro stabilisers would function on such a buoyant ship in the North Sea. To my relief, all the coffee cups stayed on the tables.”

With a range of 2,750 nautical miles at 12 knots, AMORE MIO can cross the Mediterranean with ease or cruise the entire length of the Caribbean from St. Barths to Grenada, stopping off at as many islands as one chooses on just one tank of fuel. Moreover, she is capable of both rapid acceleration and a very smooth ride, thanks to the solidity and integrity of her semi-displacement, aluminium hull design.

AMORE MIO underway – Photo by Dick Holthuis

With naval architecture by the yard’s in house team and exterior design by Omega Architects, AMORE MIO is a performance yacht that delivers equal parts power and sophistication, setting her apart from every other sportster on the market.

She is the first vessel to be delivered by Heesen in 2016. Later in the year two more will follow: the 70m flagship Project Kometa, as well as the 50m semi-displacement Project Akoya. At the moment, Heesen has ten yachts in build.