Named after a prize-winning race horse, High Chaparral offers the ideal combination of private pleasure and chartering opportunities. She was created by the De Vries yard for clients who already owned a motoryacht of a similar size, yet felt the time was right to raise the barrier to Feadship standards of quality.

High Chaparral's length of 49.99 meters (164') was non-negotiable as she had to be able to moor in the owners' favorite spots along the French Rivera. Within these parameters, the pedigree team of De Vries Shipyard, Terence Disdale Design and De Voogt Naval Architects had to meet a number of very specific challenges.

A key requirement was for a low-profile yacht without any reduction in the height of the interior ceilings. Typically, a Feadship of this length would be substantially higher above the waterline, with the ceiling overheads housing such features as the wiring, piping and air-conditioning. Some serious (pre-)engineering was therefore required to ensure that High Chaparral still enjoyed access to the sophisticated technologies that are part and parcel of a 21st-century Feadship. Working with around 40 percent less overhead capacity, the elite workforce at De Vries had to pull out all the stops.

Another challenge successfully met on High Chaparral drew upon all of the De Vries yard's phenomenal experience in noise and vibration attenuation. As a result, this is probably the quietest Feadship launched to date. Every part of the engine room is flexibly mounted, a simple statement that belies the complexity of the task involved when there are hundreds of wires and tubes connected to powerful engines: Even one hard connection could double the noise levels, such are the 'low' standards set here. And the entire interior is also flexibly mounted, proving once again that achieving a whisper-quiet superyacht requires more than insulation alone.

High Chaparral is also one of the smoothest Feadships launched to date, with KoopNautic zero-speed stabilization ensuring maximum comfort at sea and at anchor. She has an optional helipad: Should a helicopter be used to bring in or pick up guests, a landing area can be formed on the specially extended sun deck. For this purpose, a section of the aft bulwark is made of lightweight and easily removable composites.

The tenders are stowed on the forward deck, reflecting both the owners' personal aesthetic taste and the practical way in which the boat is used. For instance, the crew can swiftly place the tenders into the water without intruding on any guests who might be enjoying lunch on the aft deck. Should high waves dictate a need for the tenders to be transferred from the foredeck to the helipad, there is a gigantic crane completely concealed in the bridge deck bulwark on the port side for this purpose.
As this is only likely to occur on extended trips, a time when the owners are not expected to be on onboard, the foredeck placement is a perfect solution for this particular usage profile.

One of the major features of High Chaparral's layout is the full beam arrangement forward on the main deck, which creates lots of extra space in the hull. This space has been used to incorporate a large freezer and bonded stores area on the tank deck, which in turn further enhances the yacht's already impressive bluewater sailing capacity.

High Chaparral's entire aft bridge deckhouse is also full beam, which significantly increases the facilities available to enjoy the cruise. It provides for a gigantic upper lounge that, when combined with the elongated aft deck area, creates a breathtaking space for relaxation and entertainment. The fact that the deck is full beam did require some smart logistical planning to ensure premium service levels and a smooth everyday operation. There are staircases rising from the main deck forward where this becomes full width, while the bridge deck aft has an additional unobtrusive stairway.

High Chaparral was built to X 100 A1, SSC, Yacht, Mono, G6, X LMC and UMS class specifications, and in full compliance with the large yacht commercial code (MCA).

The exterior design is by Terence Disdale, with fine-tuning work by De Voogt Naval Architects. An array of intricate angles and elegant curves are contained within a sleek and streamlined profile, which at the same time conveys an air of masculine strength. Her sleekness comes to a significant degree from the relatively long foredeck, the size of which was partly determined by the housing of the tenders in this area. The wheelhouse is positioned further aft compared to other high-volume, 50-meter boats. With the weight of the boat shifted aft and the low overall profile, High Chaparral synthesizes power and elegance.

The extension of the sun deck to create an emergency helipad might have resulted in a bulky exterior profile to aft. This has been avoided on High Chaparral by painting the inset top part of the superstructure in a stylish, bright and slightly reflective silver-gray paint. The bridge deck aft area is naturally more shaded than normal due to the helipad extension, so this deck was also extended to ensure that there was plenty of room for sunbathing. Again, the silvery gray treatment of the aluminum stern area meant that the elongation of the outside deck in no way impacted on the aesthetics of the overall profile. In fact, the entire extension disappears from most viewing angles. The upshot of all these maneuverings is an increase in real estate without compromising on the sleekness.

One final aesthetic point that might not be immediately noticeable is the different exterior paint jobs. While the hull, top decks and outside bulwarks are in cloud white, the walls of the superstructure have been painted a subtle cream color.

As was the case on the owner's previous boat, High Chaparral's interior has been designed by Terence Disdale. The flexible layout and logistics keep the specific requirements of chartering in mind. In styling terms, this is an elaborate and high-end interior with masses of fine detailing and a wealth of special finishes and textures. It is also very tactile: Sponge effects and ripples in the paintwork, fluted and ribbed joinery, woven leather walls, fine parchments - there are very few plain surfaces onboard High Chaparral.

An exceptional number of hand-made features combine with oak wood and off-white satin gloss ceilings to engender a relaxed overall atmosphere. Comfort has clearly been the key driver in the furniture selection, and the marbles are always of a subtle hue. All the bathroom hardware is nickel plated, custom-made in a 'bamboo' style with matching wardrobe and drawer handles.

Although the main entrance to the boat sets the standard in terms of the quality of finish, it actually has a different design emphasis to the rest of the boat, The floor is of Belgian black stone with an oak border, while the liberal use of mirrors enhances the space in the passageway leading forward and aft.

All areas of the main deck benefit from low windows, especially the main deck lounge.
The tone of understated luxury that pervades High Chaparral is immediately apparent in this open-plan space, where the formal dining area is situated to aft. Three sofas, upholstered in contrasting fabric types and leather, surround a giant coffee table. The fourth side of the square is a large bronze lacquered cabinet containing a plasma screen TV, part of a genuine surround sound cinematic experience. These delights are best savored on the lounging sofa opposite, with its oversize seating cushions.

Situated forward on the portside, the well-equipped galley is unusual for having no direct connection to the dining room. This reflects the owner's preference for guests to be served from the hallway during formal dinner parties rather than via a door which opens up into a bustling galley. This philosophy - a more restaurant-like approach to the dining experience - is further complemented by the galley itself being very well insulated, while being fitted with commercial equipment and everything required to create first-class food. There is also a good-sized pantry, like the galley attractively fitted out in Absoluto Nero granite.

The owners stateroom is situated furthest forward on the main deck, and is entered via a small lobby/study area to starboard. Superb views are available on either side of the bedroom thanks to the large vertical windows - one can even watch the ocean lying in bed. A distinguished decorative scheme contrasts tortoiseshell/lacquer cabinetry with various shades of white and brown.
There are relaxation areas either side of the room, ensuring the most is made of the full beam. Two separate bathrooms with Crema Marfill marble are found furthest forward, joined by a spacious dressing room and wardrobe.

Aft of the owner's stateroom on the port side is a gymnasium equipped with a low impact aerobic cross trainer and various other exercise facilities. Two Pullman bunks and other amenities mean the room can be easily converted into an extra cabin when chartering, or used by the owners for security or visiting staff members. A bathroom with a shower and toilet supports both the gym and the cabin concept.

Returning amidships, the main stairway ascends into an attractive lobby entrance to the bridge deck. Here, a combination of wood paneling and a high faux skylight effortlessly counteract the lack of windows (this being the center of the yacht). The lobby also has a surprisingly large powder room, making full use of the extra space granted by the full beam. Portoro marble is used in this and the other powder room in the main deck lobby.

The entire upper deck is full width with the exception of the wheelhouse, and the outcome in visual terms is most spectacular in the saloon. The massive curved glass doors leading out to the aft deck help create a memorable 180-degree vista, which can be enjoyed from three different seating arrangements in the saloon itself. Other highlights of this space include two plasma televisions and a large bar topped in Giallo S. Cecilia marble. Further service options are provided by a spacious pantry with a direct lift connection to the galley below.

The motive for having such extensive entertainment facilities becomes clear at the flick of a switch. As the phenomenal double aft doors silently slide open, it feels as if the whole wall has disappeared. Combined with the full beam, the outside/inside feeling generated by the semi al fresco space is hugely impressive. It is also, of course, ideal for large parties.

Moving forward, the full width layout increases the room available for the Captain's cabin and the radio & communications room. The wheelhouse houses a semi-integrated bridge that is as smart in operation as in looks. Completely in tune with the current Feadship state of the art, five large screens flank a highly sophisticated central control system. An elegant leather observation sofa offers splendid views for guests.

The layout of the guest accommodations makes optimal use of the available space, with all four staterooms accessible via a central lobby with a bronze lacquered refrigerator cabinet. The two guest cabins forward have double beds, bathrooms and dressings rooms, while the aft cabins have twin beds and bathrooms.

Here too, the vanity tables, bedside cabinets and audio cabinets have been given the satin sponge effect finish that is characteristic of High Chaparral's suave interior style. Another unifying feature is the electrically operated wooden blinds: The effect of being positioned on the waterline and having the light filtering through the wood at night is very pleasant.
The bathrooms include some cool medicine cabinets, and the marbles here are Perlato Daino, with Belgium black bordering for the floors.

Located amidships on the lower deck, the engine room is very well thought through, with excellent access to all systems, parts and equipment. Described by the captain as "a delight to walk into", this area also includes a separate control and switchboard room. The twin Caterpillar 3512B-DITA engines are slightly more powerful than would normally be fitted to a Feadship of this size, and provide the 15-plus knots top speed requested by the owner.
The 86,800-liter fuel tanks give a range of around 4,500 nautical miles at the cruising speed of 12.5 knots. Catalytic exhaust gas cleaners on the generators make sure the yacht is environmentally friendly. In addition to the 145 kW Caterpillar 3306 DI-TA generators, there is an emergency generator on the top deck.

Situated forward on the lower deck, the crew area contains five well-proportioned cabins, each with two beds. Finished in ash, there is also a spacious mess with two tables. The
large tank deck below has ample room for storage and freezer capacity, bonded stores and a climate controlled wine cellar.

Outdoor facilities
As is the case 'indoors', the theme of comfort is very much to the fore throughout High Chaparral's imposing outdoor spaces, where teak decks play host to a broad selection of dining facilities, furniture and relaxation options. All outside deck areas have stereo CD, satellite TV or radio 'sound', radio, CD juke box and wireless internet access.

Because the aft section of the sun deck doubles as an emergency helicopter landing pad, the onboard party has an enormous area to play with for the vast majority of the time. Features include shaded dining for up to 20 people, a BBQ, a dedicated bar with three stools, a large Jacuzzi and a convertible sun bed/dining/cocktail area forward. There is also lots more sunbathing available on either side and to aft, plus a plethora of shade for those who prefer a different form of chilling out. An internal stairway leads from the bridge deck pantry to a sliding glass hatch adjacent to the sun deck bar - another example of the careful consideration given to onboard service logistics.

There are also two distinctive areas on the bridge deck aft such is its size. Closer to the superstructure, a round table offers sheltered dining for up to 12 people, while the stern section sees three plush rattan sofas nestling around two coffee tables. There is also a full BBQ set-up.
The main deck aft offers more shaded dining options. Forward on the main deck are two identical 6.2-meter Ribtec tenders, with ultra-quiet Yamaha 115 hp 4-stroke outboards.

On the lower deck, the lazarette stores a comprehensive collection of watersports equipment, including two Yamaha wave runners, windsurfer, water skis, wakeboards, inflatable tow-alongs, and lots of snorkeling and dive gear. A separate toilet is included on the swimming platform, once again demonstrating how every detail has been taken into account on this exceptional vessel.

Photo credit: Maarten Janssen