Netherlands

Intersona

The 41-metre, full-aluminium <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4472" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dynamiq Yachts (Company)">Dynamiq</a> GTT 135 Stefania has been launched from the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4472" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dynamiq Yachts (Company)">Dynamiq</a> shipyard in Massa, Tuscany. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/186744/image/large-d16fa411db6443c59e63a6352f5c8638.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/186744">SuperYacht Times was invited to tour the yacht shortly before her launch. Sitting in the build shed, the striking exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2445" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dobroserdov Design (Company)">Dobroserdov Design</a> and dazzling metallic gold paintwork certainly set her apart from most other yachts on the water. Fitting out of the artful interior by Miami-based <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4979" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Giuseppina Arena (Company)">Giuseppina Arena&nbsp;</a>was in full flow during our visit.As the latest in the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4472" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dynamiq Yachts (Company)">Dynamiq</a>’s series of round-bilge superyachts, in many ways the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4472" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dynamiq Yachts (Company)">Dynamiq</a> GTT 135 represents the culmination of the ethos that company founder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2445" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dobroserdov Design (Company)">Sergei Dobroserdov</a> has proposed from the beginning: ocean-going, fast displacement cruisers that are carefully engineered and easy to order or customise.&nbsp;“Stefania is the evolution of our full-aluminium Gran Turismo Transatlantic concept that began with 39-metre Jetsetter,” says <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2445" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dobroserdov Design (Company)">Dobroserdov</a>. “The difference is that the design and engineering has now been developed to the utmost degree.”<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Uy58GhmHc-U?&amp;wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4472" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dynamiq Yachts (Company)">Dynamiq</a> has continued its collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Oossanen Naval Architects (Company)">Van Oossanen Naval Architects,</a> but this time they were also engaged as project engineers and worked closely with the brand’s other international consultants and suppliers. This has resulted in specific technical solutions to enhance the comfort, liveability and operation of the GTT 135. &nbsp;&nbsp;Like Jetsetter and the GTT 115, a Fast Displacement Hull Form by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Oossanen Naval Architects (Company)">van Oossanen</a> provides remarkably low resistance and fuel consumption. The addition of a Hull Vane further improves hull efficiency and motion comfort. A double spray rail and tweaks to the reverse bow shape at entry ensure the foredeck will remain dry. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/186743/image/large-9709d97cd45575ea6fedd423a27d0a92.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/186743">Very low noise and vibration levels were a priority for the owner. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4472" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dynamiq Yachts (Company)">Dynamiq</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Oossanen Naval Architects (Company)">Van Oossanen</a> consulted with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6098" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Intersona (Company)">Intersona</a>, noise and vibration specialists in the Netherlands with over 45 years’ experience in the marine field. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6098" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Intersona (Company)">Intersona</a> analysed the hull structure and noise-emitting components to achieve the contractual levels.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6098" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Intersona (Company)">Intersona</a> recommended Rubber Design, another Dutch company specialised in anti-vibration technology for propeller shaft installations on yachts, and the GTT 135 is fitted with a Torque Compensation System that reduces structure-borne noise by more than 25dB. Consisting of two rubber spring elements supporting the gearbox and two air springs that produce a counterforce to compensate for torque displacements, the TCS control unit works by adjusting the air spring pressures to maintain the engine gearbox in a neutral position and reduce the excitation forces transmitted to the hull structure. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/186747/image/large-0c5b4b77aa7996f7a2ea3ea7effd3e1f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/186747">To reduce engine exhaust noise, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4472" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dynamiq Yachts (Company)">Dynamiq</a> specified 2.8-metre mufflers by UK-based Halyard that provide noise attenuation of more than 40 per cent. Cavitation is another source of noise and vibration and the GTT 135 is equipped with SIP Marine propellers. The Dutch firm uses CFD analysis, proprietary software and VR technology to reduce pressure fluctuations on the hull and shaft for cavitation-free prop designs that still provide optimal thrust and energy consumption.The design team chose to install curved Vector fins from Side-Power by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3601" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sleipner Motor AS (Company)">Sleipner Motor</a>. These generate more vertical net force than flat fins that operate parallel to the angle of the hull’s deadrise, creating an anti-roll force that is more efficient that that of straight fins. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/186746/image/large-67f1d0d239a0209a37325c10b85353f4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/186746">Even the HVAC system by Termodinamica is more efficient. Using a gas refrigerant instead of chilled water, the air handlers work at a very low temperature to offer better dehumidification, less condensation and power consumption is reduced by at least 50%.“Yacht builders are like chefs – we use the same machinery or ingredients but in different combinations and proportions,” says <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2445" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dobroserdov Design (Company)">Dobroserdov</a>. “Yes, we have some exotic components aboard Stefania like the Torque Compensation System, but more comfort and efficiency gains can be made by refining hull lines, props, rudders, and so on, than by installing the latest space-age technology.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/186745/image/large-858718e555e40d4bec54dfdf68a6d4a4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/186745">The project also drew on the operational know-how of Captain John Scullard as shipyard captain. Formerly captain of the GTT 115, his input included rerouteing the mast ventilation for the grey and black water tanks to avoid back pressure, improving the position of the mooring gear in the stern for faster and safer operation, and making sure the engine room layout provides easy access for maintenance.Stefania is equipped with aerosol firefighting equipment that uses non-conductive dry powders in areas where applying normal extinguishing agents, such as water or foam, might cause more damage than the fire itself, especially around electrical systems.Unusual for a yacht of this size, the GTT 135 has a forward garage so the tender and toys are stored as far away as possible from the guest areas. Unlike a transom garage, it also means the 5.3-metre tender can be deployed at any time, even when docked stent to in port. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/102087/image/large-536d1c71bbdeda4cd48f9635b153a078.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/102087">Twin MAN V12 1650 engines provide a maximum speed of 20 knots with an ocean-going range of 3,500 miles at a cruising speed of 12 knots. Her shallow draft of 1.8 metres is ideal for cruising the cays and shoal waters of the Bahamas.The yacht is built to RINA Commercial Class, Comfort and Green Star Plus certification. Once the fitting out and sea trails are complete, following delivery the yacht will be based in Monaco and available for charter through <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4561" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arcon Yachts (Company)">Arcon Yachts</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/102090/image/large-d33cc9999c3a5087000b60effa6212db.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/102090">“It’s always exciting to see a yacht on the water that was first sketched some years ago,” concludes <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2445" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dobroserdov Design (Company)">Dobroserdov</a>. “We’re very happy with how the GTT 135 looks: she’s modern, fresh and elegant with lots of design details and interesting elements. We‘re now looking forward to the sea trials to check how her many technical innovations take performance and comfort to the next level.”&nbsp;

41m Dynamiq GTT yacht Stefania hits the water 

The 41m Dynamiq GTT 135 yacht Stefania has been launched from the Dynamiq shipyard in Massa. 

41m metallic gold Dynamiq superyacht Stefania launched

After completing an ambitious global <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/51235" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Travel around the world with 69m Game Changer (2020-05-21 13:00:00 +0200)">circumnavigation journey</a> last year that amounted to nearly 50,000 nm, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen</a>-built expedition yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5955" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Game Changer72.0m (236'3&quot;)Damen Yachting2017">Game Changer</a> returned to the Netherlands in early 2020 for some much-needed downtime. Armed with a list of maintenance tasks and new ideas on how to further improve the vessel as a luxury explorer, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5955" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Game Changer72.0m (236'3&quot;)Damen Yachting2017">Game Changer</a> entered an intensive refit period at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/429" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ICON Yachts (Company)">Icon Yachts</a> shipyard in Harlingen.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/178403/image/large-97d9ab0965ea866be85fc9118dbd776e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/178403">Over the next 10 months, virtually every corner of the boat was affected by the new upgrade which ranged from visible exterior cosmetic changes like the new paint scheme all the way down to skin-deep modifications including vibration and noise control. Project managed by the owner’s team, the project brought together the skills and talents of the yacht’s own crew with a team of industry-leading subcontractors.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/178406/image/large-c9e00f483e24a1cc66345d59f99334bb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/178406">Making full use of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/429" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ICON Yachts (Company)">Icon Yachts</a>&nbsp; facilities, such as the 150m dry dock and 90m floating dock, the project team engaged all the subcontractors that carried out the works which were identified during <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5955" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Game Changer72.0m (236'3&quot;)Damen Yachting2017">Game Changer’s</a> extensive travel program in just about every type of weather condition. “The original idea was always to use the boat and get a feel for it, only then could we have fully understood what we needed to adapt to give the owners exactly what they want,” explained Captain Mike Rouse.&nbsp;The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5955" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Game Changer72.0m (236'3&quot;)Damen Yachting2017">Game Changer</a> we see today has come a long way from the first iteration which she was launched as back in 2017. Run with a continuously improving philosophy, the yacht has undergone several changes, most notably the addition of a new lounge and dining space on the tender deck in 2018 - a new structure custom-built for the yacht. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/50755/image/large-3473073d654690f446a753e508e34870.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/50755">Operating as a stand-alone expedition yacht with a strong focus on diving operations, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5955" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Game Changer72.0m (236'3&quot;)Damen Yachting2017">Game Changer</a> and her crew used this latest shipyard period as an opportunity to streamline every operation out on deck as well as throughout the guest spaces inside. Appealing to adventurous charter guests, the first-hand knowledge gained from cruising around the world has now been invested in the overall guest experience on board. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/178399/image/large-6c61fb5cad0be4e2c2708ba57acea7a4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/178399"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5955" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Game Changer72.0m (236'3&quot;)Damen Yachting2017">Game Changer's</a> entire stern has been remodelled with an extension that includes a new swim platform, all executed by the steel experts at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5062" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Scheepswerf Talsma (Company)">Talsma Shipyards</a>. “Very early on we recognised the swim platform was too small," Rouse explained. "For a boat that is heavily dive-orientated, it just wasn’t the most practical space. Now, when we are diving with a group of 10 or 12 guests, we can have several people on the swim platform without it getting too cramped.” With this new addition, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5955" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Game Changer72.0m (236'3&quot;)Damen Yachting2017">Game Changer's</a> overall length was extended to 72 metres. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/178398/image/large-47d3c9b97c148750ed09235a31b24ea2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/178398">From the swim platform, access leads down into the inviting beach club area which is being optimised as a comprehensive toy store. The entire space is now heated for those chilly mornings in Antarctica, and a new <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6061" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feebe (Company)">Feebe</a> passerelle has been installed here that gives the yacht even more mooring flexibility.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/178400/image/large-b03eb2f8054ed23cb264239fc54aa981.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/178400">Another obvious exterior enhancement can be found on main deck where the inner superstructure is now finished in jet black, building on the same contrasting aesthetic as the wheelhouse and saloon structures. The separation this new paint scheme provides has <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5955" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Game Changer72.0m (236'3&quot;)Damen Yachting2017">Game Changer</a> appearing as a larger yacht and shifts the visual focus to the fore and aft parts of the vessel while stainless steel covers on top of the rub rails add a touch of sophistication and protect the paintwork against any line chafing.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/178597/image/large-518aafc6336547df6731446d3c1b43e9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/178597">The customisation didn’t end there, and following requests from guests for more natural light in the cabins on the tender deck, the once letterbox-style portholes were enlarged and now drastically changes the atmosphere in the cabins. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5955" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Game Changer72.0m (236'3&quot;)Damen Yachting2017">Game Changer</a> worked with the same glass manufacturer which installed the original panes to keep a familiar look to the new design without compromising the build quality. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/178407/image/large-67602afeded365b29ea71d94844ce6de.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/178407">Not visible in these cabins is the new sound insulation measures hidden below the floorboards and behind the bulkheads. As a result of a new dynamic positioning system installed on board, these cabins had to be protected from the possible noise and vibration caused by the bow thrusters two levels below. “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6098" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Intersona (Company)">Intersona</a> did a full noise and vibration analysis and identified the areas that can be focused on to suppress any disturbances from the thrusters.” Structural-born vibrations are mitigated through new dampened floorboards and insulating frames were installed over the windows, creating a more comfortable environment than ever before. A new interior theme throughout the yacht was realised by the interior masters at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Struik & Hamerslag (Company)">Struik &amp; Hammerslag</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/178402/image/large-161e04bf2703f36f4d4856ab301a1819.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/178402">The operation of the dynamic positioning system was optimised on the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2323" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alphatron Marine B.V. (Company)">Alphatron</a> bridge through custom functions created by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6096" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Praxis Automation (Company)">Praxis Automation Technology</a> along with new joystick control for pin-point accuracy. A new air-injection system and a counter-rotating operation by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Veth Propulsion (Company)">Veth Propulsion</a> further decrease any vibration caused by the two bow thrusters. Elsewhere underwater, new stabiliser fins were also installed which are expected to add to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5955" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Game Changer72.0m (236'3&quot;)Damen Yachting2017">Game Changer’s</a> seakeeping capabilities. “The once linked rudders were also split and now operate independently,” added Rouse. “This, together with a new trawling mode on the gearboxes means an already very manoeuvrable boat is now even easier to control." <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/178419/image/large-db7a1a901e20a6a72ed9bfd5641ecee2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/178419">The yacht’s main crane was returned to <a href="https://www.heila.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Helia</a> for a complete overhaul and was modified so as to reduce its operational lifting height. “By fitting a new block at the end of the crane, we saved a metre in the lifting height required to clear the deck,” says Rouse. This, in addition to new removable deck railings, make for more efficient and smoother operation. &nbsp;“New load sensors added to the crane also give us better control over the stability of the vessel.” A new WASSP sonar was installed to support the custom <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1535" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="U-Boat Worx B.V. (Company)">U-Boat Worx</a> submersible and its underwater operations that is rated to 1,140 metres below the surface. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/178408/image/large-4d4bb235ba634bc6f60e51263d9c78cb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/178408">Despite the challenging times under which the project took place with travel and work restrictions to navigate, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5955" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Game Changer72.0m (236'3&quot;)Damen Yachting2017">Game Changer</a> emerged from her 10-month transformation in October looking as good as ever. Talking to her captain, it is clear that it came down to the facility and the professionalism of the subcontractors involved. “The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/429" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ICON Yachts (Company)">Icon</a> yard is an excellent facility and I think with the new management, it is moving forwards in a very positive direction. Geographically, the shipyard is surrounded by very strong Dutch and German subcontractors which are all involved in building some of the best yachts in the world, so that is a big benefit to any refit operation.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/183020/image/large-575254c3b0b8aed27dff5fd2238d11ae.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/183020"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5955" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Game Changer72.0m (236'3&quot;)Damen Yachting2017">Game Changer’s</a> own crew too were heavily involved in the project and could apply their own intimate knowledge of the boat to add to the future efficiency of the vessel. “A lot of pressure was also on the crew and they were involved in a lot of tasks that are not exactly common,” said their captain. “They have really stepped up and helped make the operation possible.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/178405/image/large-8d4c5b14364218ec0bbe00ca12099751.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/178405">Another aspect of the project’s success was the ability to document the entire process through photographer Tom van Oossanen’s creative eyes. “It has been a pleasure having Tom on board documenting every stage of the project,” said Rouse. “It has been so important to capture the changes that have been made over the years. Being able to keep the owners updated on the progress through professional material was fundamental, especially during this time of restricted travel.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/183021/image/large-20bae94fa4fe7924e4f6b6da9df86812.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/183021">Up next for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5955" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Game Changer72.0m (236'3&quot;)Damen Yachting2017">Game Changer</a> is sea trial testing on the North Sea ahead of having all the new systems signed off, in time for her next and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/124" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Edmiston (Company)">charter adventure with her charter CA Edmiston</a>. Follow the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5955" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Game Changer72.0m (236'3&quot;)Damen Yachting2017">Game Changer</a> journey through their official <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gamechanger_yacht/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Instagram account</a>.

Expedition yacht Game Changer refit

The world-cruising luxury expedition yacht Game Changer has reemerged from an intensive refit in the Netherlands. Go behind the scenes here. 