Netherlands

Porsius

In the first article in our new series “Ghost Yachts” where we take a look at the captivating tales of yachts that have been forgotten in time; SYT delves into the extraordinary build history of the 35.10-metre forgotten <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2706" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porsius (Company)">Porsius</a> vessel, now christened <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4395" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galapagos Angel35.1m (115'2&quot;)Unknown">Galapagos Angel</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/21000/image/large-da10c5ecf444d4aa8d18575f705607cd.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/21000">Yachts are known for crossing continents on their travels, but it's rare for one to do so before she has even been completed. However, the unfinished hull of a 35-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2706" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porsius (Company)">Porsius</a> vessel did exactly that.&nbsp; <iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7WafK9peeFc?&amp;wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> The journey of the 35-metre custom yacht began in 1991 when the hull of the yacht was started by the now defunct <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2706" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porsius (Company)">Porsius Shipyard</a> in Zaandam, the Netherlands. Constructed with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, the hull of the yacht was built to a design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/11" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Vries Lentsch (Company)">Willem De Vries Lentsch</a> at the PGH shipyard in West-Graftdijk, South of Alkmaar, the Netherlands for a Greek client. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/21001/image/large-b4c6eae42859459dbd3be3b608095ebd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/21001">Built to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1457" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RINA (Company)">RINA</a> classification, her original general arrangement shows she was constructed with a beam of eight-metres and a displacement of 250 tons. The 35-metre yacht had accommodation for 10 guests across five staterooms, with her master stateroom situated on the main deck, with its own private entrance, writing desk and ensuite bathroom. Her remaining four guest staterooms were situated on the lower deck, consisting of two doubles and two singles, all with ensuite bathrooms. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/21002/image/large-20f2b9d1e7d4b17da4004ade88d1807f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/21002">The 35-metre displacement yacht was expected to be powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> 835 horsepower engines, which would have powered her to a top speed of 14 knots, with a range of 3,800 nautical miles. She also had the option to include a helipad in her final design, but her original plans show that she was planned to be constructed without one. Although her hull and superstructure were completed around 1991/92, the yacht never made it to outfitting.&nbsp;Unfortunately, the shipyard ran into financial difficulties, which led to the vessel not moving on to the next stage of production. Due to these circumstances, the 35-metre hull lay dormant in storage at the Van der Heijden shipyard in Waalwijk, the Netherlands for several years. In 2014, the unfinished hull’s fate took a turn when she was listed for sale in her incomplete state, raising questions about her future.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/171031/image/large-29f2bfc8124cb8e5a81bcace057ace8e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/171031">Represented by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4578" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Compass International (Company)">Compass International Yacht &amp; Ship Brokers</a>, her listing provided additional details concerning the original construction of the yacht. She was offered for sale as an in-build yacht, with a two year warranty on all materials and workmanship, relating to her design, construction and delivery. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/171035/image/large-c8c8bb534df9bd4e47ad8b46cd995669.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/171035">In the wake of her listing, the trail of information regarding the yacht eventually went cold. No further details emerged about her status or future since that pivotal listing, leaving enthusiasts and industry observers in suspense about her future.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/171030/image/large-646517bf5a3235164e596291faa276de.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/171030"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/171034/image/large-c124ec9ad99f73ec57ba46b985a8f86b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/171034">However, an intriguing LinkedIn post was discovered by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4509" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SuperYacht Times (Company)">SuperYacht Times</a> intelligence team in 2020, shed light on a crucial milestone in her journey to rebirth. The yacht was reportedly sold to an Ecuadorian buyer and was transported and relaunched by August 2020, with the support of Peinemann and Van de Wetering Boat &amp; Special Transport. With the hull now floating for the first time in years, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5173" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="We Ship Yachts (Company)">We Ship Yachts</a> were then entrusted with the responsibility of organising the next stage of her transportation.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/171032/image/large-a7408d085d1cab63c173e562789db408.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/171032"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/171033/image/large-19c541285b4328f92421bc20c9795eb9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/171033">The 35-metre yacht then embarked on her first ever journey and was shipped to Ecuador on a heavy lift vessel, before details surrounding her progress fell silent. By 2022, the hull resurfaced at the Marina de Puerto Lucia in La Libertad, Ecuador, marking the first visible chapter in her revived narrative. However, news on the progression of this yacht construction decreased, with no updates about her completion reported for several years.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/226200/image/large-6cada0e9c4e5baa802b2062369c8735e.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/226200">It appeared that details surrounding the construction of the vessel were sparse and her future lay in the hands of her new owner, who was yet to announce any plans. However, in an exciting turn of events, work on completing the vessel resumed around 2023, heralding a fresh chapter in the vessel's transformation.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/298762/image/large-37918298b06ddabd7c68f2ed72261b83.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/298762">The once forgotten 35-metre motor yacht hull was recently announced as the newest addition to Royal Galapagos’ prestigious fleet. Operating in Ecuador, Royal Galapagos boasts one of the largest fleets of small exclusive cruise vessels and is the official sales operator of the family-owned high-end Galapagos mini-cruise ships.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299946/image/large-08196355ad24df22a156e033bd65f41c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299946"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299947/image/large-de0fd55f8e4759fe91d1aa5e23ab79c2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299947"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299951/image/large-7bc3483ece3238d7b59c7c1a3eaf3422.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299951"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4395" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galapagos Angel35.1m (115'2&quot;)Unknown">Galapagos Angel</a> will soon be available for four, five and eight day itineraries, visiting islands such as Santa Fe, Santa Cruz, Genovesa Santiago and Española from April 2024. She will offer two large suites and six convertible staterooms for up to 16 guests.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299953/image/large-3b58bc7e45387ae9acea89f950a98cad.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299953"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299952/image/large-bc85c7a85dad348f1812dc7e140a94c7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299952"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299955/image/large-47dcc41f8f5dff7dae049fd80788471e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299955">Boasting a beam of eight-metres and a draft of two-metres, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4395" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galapagos Angel35.1m (115'2&quot;)Unknown">Galapagos Angel</a> will be powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> Diesel V8 835 horsepower engines, providing her with a top speed of 11 knots. She will also be able to accommodate a crew of nine members, with a bilingual guide also onboard.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299958/image/large-fc03fa11e947a4315a185b85d12a14c7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299958"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299959/image/large-998b537bde817c791f81afd86b6e10f4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299959"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/299960/image/large-73523428f905f4d485d92d2d6645bf5a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/299960">Now proudly named <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4395" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Galapagos Angel35.1m (115'2&quot;)Unknown">Galapagos Angel</a>, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2706" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porsius (Company)">Porsius</a> hull encapsulates a story of perseverance and revival. She stands as a compelling testament to the wisdom of not abandoning hope for an ageing yacht, demonstrating that with determination and strategic decisions, even forgotten vessels can find new life and purpose.

History of 35m Porsius yacht Galapagos Angel

From a forgotten incomplete hull, to a luxury cruise vessel in the Galapagos Islands, we find out more about the history of Galapagos Angel.

Video: The resurrection of the 35m Porsius yacht Galapagos Angel

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2706" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porsius (Company)">Porsius</a>’ classic 1985 motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4391" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wizard30.48m (100'0&quot;)Porsius1985">Wizard</a> sold with Enrico Mortola of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/937" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mortola Yacht & Ship Brokers (Company)">Mortola Yacht &amp; Ship Brokers</a> representing the buyer, and Veronica Pizza and Kevin Ralph of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2529" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Worth Avenue Yachts (Company)">Worth Avenue Yachts</a> handling the selling side of the negotiations. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/170463/image/large-214c996febe0cd29e207944030664547.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/170463">The 30.48-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4391" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wizard30.48m (100'0&quot;)Porsius1985">Wizard</a> was launched in 1985 featuring an exterior and naval architecture penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/11" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Vries Lentsch (Company)">De Vries Lentsch</a>. She has undertaken two major refits in recent years: the first in 2008 which saw two new engines installed and major updates to other mechanics. While the second was in 2012 when she was extended by three metres and had new teak decks installed and was given a fresh lick of paint. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216530/image/large-a7a07735015eccd567e7f0b552655ab5.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216530"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216532/image/large-9865abb84a67a3d6f49322f1cdb02704.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216532"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216533/image/large-0637286a311f68430634af34e2292f27.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216533"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216529/image/large-3d026c4ba7664bdda074c4519ae48b6c.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216529">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2706" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Porsius (Company)">Porsius</a> yacht has 188 GT of interior volume and four staterooms, making her the ideal companion for as many as nine guests. Thanks to twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1823" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mercedes (Company)">Mercedes</a> engines, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4391" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wizard30.48m (100'0&quot;)Porsius1985">Wizard</a> can cruise at 21 knots. She tops out at 13 knots. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216528/image/large-73c65a2b9717b588828fe10380b6b669.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216528"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216517/image/large-1a03b2bcd9ce1ba5aa47b78484b24557.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216517"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216522/image/large-cec5023687b62bdb1a5266cded4e1de2.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216522"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4391" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wizard30.48m (100'0&quot;)Porsius1985">Wizard</a> was sold with a last known asking price of €1,325,000. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216525/image/large-49bec2c38b668dcd978d74f067e92f3e.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216525">

Porsius 30m motor yacht Wizard sold 

Porsius’ classic 1985 motor yacht Wizard sold with a last known asking price of €1,325,000. 

1985 classic 30m motor yacht Wizard by Porsius sold

Sometimes superyachts disappear off our radar for a while, only to re-emerge, looking fresh after an extensive refit. Such is the case with superyacht Searaz. She was originally launched as Alcor in 1986 in Holland by the Porsius shipyard, to a design by the German Naval Architect Gerhard Gilgenast. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/138716/image/large-dfb98b4265002a85ed6b9cd7aac5c892.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/138716">When she was sold to a new owner, and became Jimora in 2004-2005, superyacht designer Joachim Kinder redesigned her lines, extended her stern to 40 metres, and created a closed flybridge area. A freestanding cantilever staircase from the main deck to the sun deck was added, as well as a new deck arrangement. Inside, additional crew accommodation was created in the aft, as well as some decor modifications. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/138717/image/large-2a57b0efcc7f7dcb672146d95a71f4aa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/138717">The refit was carried out in Greece at the Lamda Shipyard.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/138718/image/large-dd9b37b714facffe9cd51cd9e606371f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/138718">Joachim Kinder planned a second refit in 2011, when Jimora became Searaz. This included an extension of the aft sun-deck and the integration of the tender stowage and redesign of the flybridge-house with an integrated gym. Inside, whilst maintaining the original layout, a refurbishment and modification of all interior areas was planned. However, this second major refit has not taken place yet.Joachim Kinder Yacht Design +49 (0)89 6012139 <a href="mailto:info@jkinder.de?subject=Searaz%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@jkinder.de</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jkinder.de/">www.jkinder.de</a> By Maarten Janssen