Japan

Niigata Shipyard

The 45-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3012" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Niigata Shipyard (Company)">Niigata</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> sold in a deal with John Kearns of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7342" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SeaBoats (Company)">SeaBoats</a> introducing the buyer and Alex G. Clarke and David Johnson of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/833" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Denison Yachting (Company)">Denison Yachting</a> representing the seller.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234597/image/large-978e4a90e0a982850dafe3988271f3c9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234597">Delivered in 1996 from Japan, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> was originally used as a scientific research vessel before she underwent an extensive refit to become a specialised expedition vessel. She features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6786" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Periscope Naval Architects (Company)">Periscope Naval Architects</a>, with naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3012" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Niigata Shipyard (Company)">Niigata Shipyard</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234589/image/large-0fa438b97d18cd85d022c1368e6086ac.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234589"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/233638/image/large-fbde4e937595837ed10c419f7cc80471.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/233638"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234586/image/large-aa5d3abbc2a7ba32d569689f602dbf3a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234586"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> features interior design penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6785" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ashley Sutton Design (Company)">Ashley Sutton Design</a> and combines modern contemporary style with glimpses into her former life. She showcases a relaxed yet functional atmosphere with plenty of sumptuous furnishings.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234590/image/large-b9e37de631a77a68853738a27eedb5ec.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234590"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> can comfortably sleep up to 12 guests across a six stateroom configuration and offers 337 GT of interior volume.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234595/image/large-7f8edde1881826dc13badad762ca4c3b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234595"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234593/image/large-d827801051e27a4d3c1b5958dabf246f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234593"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234592/image/large-98a35608253bbc30b20da7c27385a55a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234592">In terms of performance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> is equipped with twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6787" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Niigata Power Systems Co.,Ltd. (Company)">Niigata Power Systems</a> engines, providing her with a top speed of 12 knots and a cruising speed of 10 knots. At the time of her sale, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> had a last known asking price of $3,950,000.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234591/image/large-fbdb2438c730f61f3ac47587e30eb7e3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234591">

45m Niigata motor yacht Immortalis sold

The 45-metre Niigata superyacht Immortalis sold with a last known asking price of $3,950,000.

45m Niigata conversion superyacht Immortalis sold

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11879" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="J7 Explorer120.0m (393'8&quot;)PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard2022">PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard</a> has delivered the 120-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11879" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="J7 Explorer120.0m (393'8&quot;)PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard2022">J7 Explorer</a> yacht, marking a momentous milestone in the nation’s shipbuilding history. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11879" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="J7 Explorer120.0m (393'8&quot;)PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard2022">J7 Explorer</a> is not only the largest yacht delivered by the shipyard, but the largest from the nation – surpassing her predecessor <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5648" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lamima65.2m (213'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2014">Lamima</a> by an incredible 55-metres.&nbsp;<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5cNAGGFkL5c?&amp;wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54420" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Radical 100m+ J7Explorer superyacht launched in Indonesia (2022-01-13 13:45:00 +0100)">The explorer was launched earlier this year</a> from a beach in Indonesia, rolled into the water in traditional fashion on large inflatable balloons, and she cascaded into the water with dramatic effect. Very little is known about the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11879" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="J7 Explorer120.0m (393'8&quot;)PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard2022">J7 Explorer</a>, except that she has an estimated interior volume in excess of 8,000 GT and is constructed with a steel hull and superstructure. Construction started on the great Indonesian explorer back in 2019.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6594" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard (Company)">PT Bahtera Bahari</a> is located in the southeast of the island of Batam and was founded in 2005. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11879" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="J7 Explorer120.0m (393'8&quot;)PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard2022">J7 Explorer</a> is the first recorded superyacht launched by the shipyard, as it typically builds commercial vessels. It has also undertaken a number of conversion projects, one of the more recent projects was the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55595" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="In conversation: Converting the 45m explorer yacht Immortalis (2022-07-19 13:00:00 +0200)">45-metre Niigata Shipyard explorer Immortalis</a>.&nbsp;

120m J7 Explorer yacht delivered

PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard has delivered the 120m J7 Explorer yacht. This is the first recorded superyacht that the shipyard has delivered. 

Indonesia’s flagship: The 120m J7 Explorer delivered 

SuperYacht Times Synopsis July

The SuperYacht Times Synopsis, as brought to you by SYT iQ, gives you the rundown of the top business stories and market reports from last month.

SYT Synopsis: Top yacht news from  July

Pandemic projects came in many shapes and sizes but not many were the size of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a>, a 45-metre converted explorer project that evolved from Japanese research vessel to boutique go-anywhere explorer in just 18 months. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234584/image/large-9981a8a5b3145dea01aceb74d78a4a1f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234584">The plan was to convert <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> over three phrases, with the first leg being a quick three-month refit to get her ready for family expeditions and hydro-graphic survey work. &nbsp;But with the pandemic kicking with such vengeance it just made sense to roll the whole project out in one go – and she looks spectacular as a result. “We’ve had a couple of family trips with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> and we’re extremely happy with her,” the owner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> said. “She’s given us loads of fun and allowed us to safely cross borders and get us to some incredible remote locations and &nbsp;surfing spots around Indonesia.” &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234585/image/large-07a8f953ea2271ed2419d187ade9d9c6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234585"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> can easily accommodate as many as 12 guests and the owner ensured that his healthy lifestyle and his passions for exploration, surfing, yoga and travel were fed directly into her design. “The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3012" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Niigata Shipyard (Company)">Niigata</a>-built vessel was perfect for us; she matched our lifestyle and could be used to support our marine conservation efforts,” the owner explained. “I love the build quality of these vessels but the Japanese Government clings to these vessels so tightly, they’re really hard to come by – it took me two years to get my hands on one!” &nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234586/image/large-aa5d3abbc2a7ba32d569689f602dbf3a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234586"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234589/image/large-0fa438b97d18cd85d022c1368e6086ac.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234589"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3012" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Niigata Shipyard (Company)">Niigata Shipyard</a> delivered the vessel in 1996, building her to the highest standards for the Japanese Government to use for research and training. She was kept in turnkey condition during her national service, undertaking a number of maintenance appointments, which kept her engines and equipment in immaculate condition. The platform was perfect for round-the-world exploration, and her owner had already closely followed the conversions of her two sister ships: the 40.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4956" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sharkwater40.8m (133'10&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1997">Sharkwater</a> and the 45.4-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5861" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cklass Nautique45.4m (148'11&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1992">Cklass Nautique</a>. &nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234587/image/large-52f73e7500a476712a992d19316491ea.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234587">Unlike her sisters though, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> was booked into <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6594" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard (Company)">Bahtera Bahari Shipyard</a> for her conversion. “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6594" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard (Company)">BBS</a>’s portfolio is outstanding,” her owner said. “And the yard has recently launched an amazing rebuilt 100-metre plus superyacht – we were sold!” Shaun Phelps, Director of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6786" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Periscope Naval Architects (Company)">Periscope Naval Architects</a>, oversaw the project, and her owner enlisted the naval architects involved in the previous <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3012" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Niigata Shipyard (Company)">Niigata</a> conversions as consultants. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234588/image/large-22804f6d0d7205dbc4dee80dcd95ff85.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234588">“After seeing two earlier conversions and spending time onboard them both, we knew what works for us,” her owner said. “There were areas that these earlier projects did well and others not so well – we capitalised on this and were able to refine <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> to maximise her potential.” It was important to keep her core DNA and research credentials, as her owner and his family are serious about conservation. The directive was to create a purposeful superyacht that is luxurious, highly capable at sea and which can support major marine research projects and carry lots of equipment for extended periods at sea. Immortalis has kept most of her original laboratory, but the space underwent substantial refurbishments to uphold a synergy with the styling of the rest of the yacht. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234590/image/large-b9e37de631a77a68853738a27eedb5ec.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234590"> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> has a strictly modern interior design that’s light, breezy and brimming with charm. Her main saloon is cavernous and wrapped in glass, allowing onboard guests to unwind with the luxury of space while enjoying the breathtaking backdrop of their chosen cruising ground. The saloon is open plan and doubles down as a casual dining area, making the space multifunctional and the epicentre for socialising inside onboard. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234595/image/large-7f8edde1881826dc13badad762ca4c3b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234595">Any explorer worth her salt offers plenty of outdoor space – and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> brings an abundance of it. As a research vessel, she was more than generous, but during her conversion she had her hull extended to really open up her aft area. Immortalis has a brimming toy box and can carry a number of tenders: two 8-metre ones on the aft deck, a 5-metre one on the swim platform and a 6-metre on the Mez deck. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> also carries some Jet-skis. These tenders are deployed by the newly installed aft deck crane. Another key feature of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> is her touch-and-go-helipad up top. &nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234596/image/large-e021e6918951bea9a56ab061d1c01275.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234596">Even with all her tenders and toys onboard, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> offers plenty of space for guests. Her wide-open decks have been designed as a playground for yoga and fitness enthusiasts. As the deck spaces have been cleared, it makes them ideal to host large functions and events. The three bars at the sundeck and aft deck allow for additional outside entertaining space for different groups of people to socialise. &nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234592/image/large-98a35608253bbc30b20da7c27385a55a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234592"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a>’ silhouette is strictly utilitarian and there is no doubt that she’s a world-cruiser. “You can be out at sea for months with her,” her owner said. “She’s got a 7,500 nautical mile range, the capacity to store 110,000 litres of diesel onboard, and she can carry pretty much anything. The beauty of her is that she can withstand a serious battering at sea and can cross oceans without an issue, irrespective of the weather conditions.” When she comes into port everyone is interested in knowing more about her.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234597/image/large-978e4a90e0a982850dafe3988271f3c9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234597">When pressed about what brought on the decision to sell her, the owner explained that “She needs to get out and do some serious expedition work; <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> deserves to have her glory and we are not using her enough. She is such an amazing seaworthy hull built for the biggest oceans in the world and we are using her on a lake, so to speak. We’ve already had a number of inquiries from film directors to feature her in movies, and other research specialists (including Nat Geo) to use her for scientific work.""<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> has received a massive amount of interest since it hit the market two weeks ago," David Johnson of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/833" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Denison Yachting (Company)">Denison Yachting</a> added. "We are receiving inquiries from around the world from buyers that are interested in using it for a shadow boat for a superyacht, an expedition vessel for research and another for luxury surf and dive charters."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234598/image/large-27472acc38d1309475af5d619de8d4f9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234598">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55522" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="41m converted explorer yacht Sharkwater sold (2022-07-12 09:30:00 +0200)">41m converted explorer yacht Sharkwater sold</a>“Covid provided us with this great opportunity to do a beautiful refit, which was probably more than we thought we would do. But now she’s a bigger boat than we need, really. That’s the reality.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/12252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Immortalis 45.0m (147'8&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1996">Immortalis</a> is listed for sale through <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/833" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Denison Yachting (Company)">Denison Yachting</a>.

Niigata 45m motor yacht Immortalis 

Niigata Shipyard's 45m Immortalis has been converted into a go-anywhere explorer, and SYT caught up with her owner to hear all about it

In conversation: Converting the 45m explorer yacht Immortalis

The converted 40.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4956" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sharkwater40.8m (133'10&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1997">Sharkwater</a> yacht sold with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fraser (Company)">Fraser</a> as an in-house deal. Joaquin Genrich represented both the buyer and seller during the negotiations.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/32304/image/large-84843d1f9acbe940dc43bbadea7983b4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/32304">The Japanese shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3012" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Niigata Shipyard (Company)">Niigata</a> delivered the vessel in 1997, constructing her out of steel. The shipyard handled her original exterior design and naval architecture. The yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4956" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sharkwater40.8m (133'10&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1997">Sharkwater</a> served as a dive research vessel, until she was converted into an explorer yacht in 2012.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4956" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sharkwater40.8m (133'10&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1997">Sharkwater</a>’s conversion took place in the Philippines at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2959" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Gecko (Company)">Ocean Gecko</a>, located in Subic Bay. During the subsequent years, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4956" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sharkwater40.8m (133'10&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1997">Sharkwater</a> has been well maintained and has undertaken two appointments with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/646" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marine Group Boat Works (Company)">Marine Group Boat Works</a>.The 287 GT explorer yacht can accommodate as many as 10 guests, across five staterooms. She has a cruising speed of 10 knots and a top speed of 13 knots.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4956" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sharkwater40.8m (133'10&quot;)Niigata Shipyard1997">Sharkwater</a> was asking $2,495,000 at the time of her sale.&nbsp;

Niigata 41m explorer yacht Sharkwater sold

The converted 41m Sharkwater yacht sold with a last known asking price of $2,495,000.

41m converted explorer yacht Sharkwater sold 

Cklass’s history dates back to 1992 when she started life out as a fishery patrol vessel for the Japanese Government named Sakea Maru. She has since been transformed from her previous state as a rugged ocean going vessel into a luxury explorer superyacht by Philippines-based shipyard HYS Yachts. Her long range capabilities have been used as a platform to create luxury blue water expedition cruiser.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156722/image/large-f672bf6faa59ef43374e114b81f8244a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156722"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156723/image/large-a57f05700684beaac9256982fdf80ffb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156723">After the vessels retirement from state service in 2011, HYS purchased the vessel in 2012 and began with developing a conceptual design that would allow a potential client to be involved in a well organized and extensively planned refit project. One such client expressed his interest in the yard and work subsequently started in spring 2013.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156724/image/large-fa3d662ee82b456d16c80c151aad3c4f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156724"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156725/image/large-4a344588ab2b4c328da75f23723b715f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156725">The vessel was stripped down to only reveal the hull, having removed the entire superstructure. A new superstructure was constructed using aluminium to keep top weight to a minimum, which would result in greater stability at sea. All auxiliary equipment was replaced in the engine room, leaving only the main engines and propulsion system in place.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156726/image/large-a42f2ecad4f2864b2c465bb4a43ec8f6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156726"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156727/image/large-0d6af11a8e5310d8fc1383c9ae9d9960.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156727">As part of the design, her narrow hull was lengthened and fitted with bow and stern thrusters as well as zero speed stabilisers to be used underway or at anchor. Along with these underwater works, all through hull fittings were replaced and new underwater lights installed before any of the deck work could begin.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156728/image/large-373564472f9abac04ccbd9420f17b27d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156728">What followed was the installation of the new aluminium deckhouses, fairing and painting of the steel hull and the running of new cabling that would serve the on board entertainment systems and navigation. Carpenters could then get to work on stalling the custom interior. A custom made elevator was shipped from the USA to be installed on the new yacht.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156729/image/large-5700816510cc53de34cfa333f79c0dd9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156729"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156730/image/large-f1f612e68ed0599aacc8faacdd143280.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156730">Trials of the vessel took place in April and May in 2015, and Cklass was handed over to her owner in 2015. The yacht was put up for sale directly after the delivery, with the owner commissioning HYS to start work on an even larger project for him.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156731/image/large-5148204993dd40670bed5320dc24334a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156731"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156732/image/large-88d9a219677ff30e5794123c6bf2bf72.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156732">Today Cklass features a list of luxury superyacht features such as a 45 sqm owner’s penthouse on the top deck with its own Jacuzzi forward and large open air lounge on the aft deck.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156733/image/large-4314e3eb23e2bed1a6495ce7744f0d53.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156733"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156734/image/large-f7255dd0af86b7541583976632ebf193.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156734"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156735/image/large-2dffa1c3debf92648c33fc8a640345e6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156735">On bridge deck aft is a 70 sqm helicopter landing pad that can be converted into an outdoor entertainment platform when not in use. One deck below, on the 80 sqm main deck aft, is where Cklass houses her two tenders. This is used as beach club once the tenders have been launched, with its own fold-out water level terraces.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156736/image/large-f0daa92ed3a007c4cad29bbd7235791a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156736"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156737/image/large-7d195598c39cc737f3b2f7989cff848e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156737"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156738/image/large-4e771106c39e694a24f61224b8d9291c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156738">Other guest amenities include a gym, cinema and four en suite guest cabins.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156739/image/large-ebd96ce698e6fb59bc2a23a7116ecdeb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156739"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156740/image/large-5283edc123bd96525b72b80a87796169.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156740"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156741/image/large-9c56ee10215743a4abbfcbb7b1bc36ed.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156741">By Charl van Rooy