Hakvoort has launched superyacht Apostrophe. Custom-built in every respect, Apostrophe features an elegant exterior profile from the boards of Reymond Langton Design Ltd., which was also responsible for the contemporary Art Deco interior. With naval architecture by Diana Yacht Design, exceptional support from Moran Yacht and Ship, and an owner determined to build the finest Hakvoort to date, Apostrophe is a testimony to how magnificent things can be achieved when people truly cooperate together.
A Russian Orthodox priest blessed Apostrophe on Saturday 13 April 2013 in a ceremony at the Hakvoort yard, which was attended by the owner, his guests and the craftsmen responsible for her construction. A new client for Hakvoort with a rich experience in boat ownership, the owner decided to make the step up to a fully custom superyacht of premium Dutch quality. At the keel laying ceremony three years ago he had described the project as his ‘baby’ and pledged to push himself to the limit make this one of the best vessels afloat.
“He was certainly true to his word,” explains project manager Alexander Speksnijder. “Every suggestion made by the interior and exterior architects was accepted regardless of cost, and there have been no compromises in any area of the boat. Looking back at the early renderings of the exterior colour scheme and the glass art aspects of the interior, it is extraordinary how Apostrophe has turned out to be everything the owner intended.”
During the launch ceremony, both the yard and the owner spoke openly about how the project had required everyone to pull together in a tough economic climate. “When we first signed the contract for Apostrophe five years ago we were living in a very different world,” said Klaas Hakvoort, co-director of the family run shipyard that bears his name. “Soon afterwards the recession began to bite and the usually cooperative banks refused to finance the construction. The owner’s business was also facing challenges and, together with the brokers Moran Yacht and Ship, whose contribution has been way beyond the norm, we came up with a unique solution. The fact that Apostrophe has already so successfully battled her first storm makes us all the more proud that she is one of the finest yachts ever launched by Hakvoort.”
The modern design by Reymond Langton features coloured tones, black windows and a striking grey hull, with contrast being offered by the gleaming white superstructure. A wealth of complex shapes in the profile combine with long-running lines from bow to stern to create a unique look. The curved windows in the owner’s area on the main deck are very special and mirrored in the sky lounge above. Taken as a whole, all these aspects make Apostrophe look significantly longer than 40 metres. The contemporary art deco interior features ebonised walnut and makassar joinery with lots of mother-of-pearl inlays, plus a wealth of fine detailing in stainless steel, brushed nickel and leather. Apostrophe’s main entrance is extraordinary – an open stairwell with a custom designed chandelier from Crystal Caviar. The latter company also supplied various artworks, including a glass piece in the bathroom with curved backlit panels and underwater motifs.
The full beam master stateroom on the main deck includes a fabulous bathroom furthest forward completely finished in Onyx marble. The stateroom itself has panoramic views through the curved windows and the owner’s area also includes a walk-in dressing room and office. Four guest suites on the lower deck each have their own individual style including in the bathrooms, reflecting the vast range of materials and fabrics used throughout the boat.
“Apostrophe confirms that there is no limit to what Hakvoort can create,” concludes project manager Alexander Speksnijder. “Despite the incredible complexity of both the exterior shaping and the interior décor, this sophisticated and challenging project has been finished to perfection.”
Hakvoort Shipyards
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www.hakvoort.com