Turkey

Venture Yachts

The sweet sub-500 GT spot is desirable for shipbuilders and owners alike; lower <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4531" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maritime Organization (Company)">IMO</a> regulations need to be adhered to for one, but then you also have additional running and crew costs, pricier berthing rates, and limited cruising grounds in shallower waters. There is also the benefit of added privacy, as while you don’t have as much onboard space you can travel with less crew, making excursions all the more intimate. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/208212/image/large-391ca1c70a6822b2c89fe2ca519bf6b3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/208212">A beauty of this segment is that you’re not limited to production yachts either, as there is a &nbsp;plethora of astounding designers penning one-of-a-kind fully custom sub-500 GT superyachts, which are typically around 45-55 metres in length. “As the process of designing a full custom yacht is time-consuming, this is a sector pretty much exclusively reserved for experienced owners,” Jan Jaap Minnema, sales broker at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fraser (Company)">Fraser</a>, explained.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/32758/image/large-b1924d2b13548bb868b7e704f857c44e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/32758">While this has traditionally been the case, with recent events blocking a number of Russian clients out of the market, things could change. “Shipyards may need to reinvent themselves,” Frank Laupman, Founder of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega Architects</a>, speculates. “If this situation continues, shipyards that build major 100-metre plus projects could lose a lot of clientele, the cruise sector would be a logical move for them. With these yards elsewhere, clients could be inclined to opt for mid-size projects with other shipyards.”&nbsp;There is also the issue of rising fuel costs. While this isn’t usually a persuading factor in this industry, the state of things at the moment may push owners to consider less fuel-consuming yachts. Another trend that has the potential to emerge in the future is from new money earned from crypto and the US tech boom. I posed this question to Albert Hakvoort of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/40" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Hakvoort Shipyard (Company)">Royal Hakvoort</a>, who said “these clients haven’t made it to his yard, but it could happen down the line after they’ve spent time enjoying chartering and production yachts.” &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/206774/image/large-0405788646cb74c5f73f5e9358392f0f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/206774">The current demand for mid-size fully-custom superyachts is as diverse as the yachts themselves, with clients coming from all over the world. There is a unifying factor though: these clients are experienced owners with high expectations. “My clients looking to go the custom route have usually enjoyed the ownership of production yachts, such as the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/212" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Benetti SpA (Company)">Benetti</a> classics,” Jan Jaap Minnema. “So they know exactly what they like. I ask them to write a wish list of everything that’s important to them, this provides the foundation for the general arrangement. My role as a broker is to manage expectations, acting as an intermediary between the client, shipyard, and designer, every step of the way.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/206771/image/large-e447c2e3dfa8a45448296c422b1d9dbf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/206771">The process is lengthy, but pure customisation is the pinnacle of luxury; the bar doesn’t go any higher than taking a client’s perfection from a wish list to delivery. And when it comes to designing one-off bespoke superyachts there aren’t many designers with such a heritage as the Dutch studio <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega Architects</a>.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega Architects</a> has been in operation for more than 25 years and has designed over 100 yachts in that time, many of which are full-custom projects. If we reign the scope to the turn of the century, then <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega</a> has more than 20 sub-500 GT motor yachts either delivered or under construction. Six of these are with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> and part of the Dutch yacht builder’s semi-custom series; while the remaining motor yachts are full custom and each with a story to tell. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/206775/image/large-233bde91a402a83b801ad5a733d85419.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/206775">I caught up with Frank Laupman to discuss two recent projects of his: &nbsp;the 43.9-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abydos43.9m (144'0&quot;)Venture Yachts2021">Abydos</a> by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4909" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Venture Yachts (Company)">Venture Yachts</a> and the 45.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7921" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Milele45.2m (148'4&quot;)Royal Hakvoort Shipyard2022">Milele</a> by Royal Hakvoort, both designed in-full by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega</a>.The 43.9-metre motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abydos43.9m (144'0&quot;)Venture Yachts2021">Abydos</a> is a true point in case Laupman explained. “We were approached by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4909" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Venture Yachts (Company)">Venture Yachts</a> with a brief from a very experienced Turkish client which specified small, but important details, such as circular portholes across the profile and vertical windows for the wheelhouse. We started with these small details and built the design around his taste.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/22891/image/large-6659764749b44d025009ec8b1da1397f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/22891">“It was actually the interior that required the most attention for this project though”, Laupman confessed. The owner was very specific on certain aspects and features; for instance, he wanted the same vanity fitted that he has in his home. The vanity is large and incredibly ornate, which required <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega</a> to design the master stateroom around this piece of furniture.Something else that was very important for this owner was to have a well-connected and open galley and dining area. “As <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abydos43.9m (144'0&quot;)Venture Yachts2021">Abydos</a> is full custom we had plenty of scope to stretch and pull the dimensions to meet the family’s needs,” Laupman explained. “The owner’s wife loves to cook and spend time preparing food for her family, so the galley plays a very important role in the experience of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abydos43.9m (144'0&quot;)Venture Yachts2021">Abydos</a>.” So much so that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega</a> remodelled the superstructure to allow light to fall directly onto the appliances.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/206769/image/large-71309b71a1bcac840c600ab18df7b78e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/206769"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/206766/image/large-1839468fa009bf5a23e14212715c454f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/206766"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4909" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Venture Yachts (Company)">Venture Yachts</a> handled the construction of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abydos43.9m (144'0&quot;)Venture Yachts2021">Abydos</a> and between the Turkish shipyard and the Dutch studio, a highly charismatic sub-500 GT motor yacht came to life. “The client could have easily afforded an 80-metre superyacht, but he didn’t care. He wanted a yacht which he could cruise down rivers and enter certain bays; for this, he needed a yacht under 45-metres.”&nbsp;While small details can have a seismic effect on the overall design, not all requests start small – as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega</a> experienced when it was penning the 45.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7921" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Milele45.2m (148'4&quot;)Royal Hakvoort Shipyard2022">Milele</a>, which is being built at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/40" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Hakvoort Shipyard (Company)">Royal Hakvoort</a>. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7921" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Milele45.2m (148'4&quot;)Royal Hakvoort Shipyard2022">Milele</a> is a sub-500 GT motor yacht and her owner was keen to stow an arsenal of toys onboard, including a submarine.&nbsp;“Our client really didn’t want to exceed 45-metres with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7921" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Milele45.2m (148'4&quot;)Royal Hakvoort Shipyard2022">Milele</a>, so we had a lot of work to fit his wish list into a sub-500 GT package. Tenders and toys are important to him so we designed a large garage and additional storage foredeck, which is where a newly designed <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> submarine is located.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/245840/image/large-fee429dfaf097131fb9556a2db214514.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/245840">The level of detail found on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7921" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Milele45.2m (148'4&quot;)Royal Hakvoort Shipyard2022">Milele</a> is astonishing and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega</a> went to painstaking lengths to shape and design every aspect, including the stairs and rails. “These rails,” Laupman explained, “go up in increments from deck to deck. The client wanted them to be rounded and tapered forward. The design itself looks simple, but this is far from reality.”&nbsp; <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/245839/image/large-6aebbb15dd9c290e2f91d82a6109c2b5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/245839">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54894" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The great crossroad of design: At the studio with Omega Architects (2022-04-08 11:45:00 +0200)">The great crossroad of design: At the studio with Omega Architects</a>“On production yachts or semi-custom production yachts, adding so many features just wouldn’t be possible,” Albert Hakvoort, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/40" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Hakvoort Shipyard (Company)">Royal Hakvoort Shipyard</a>, said. “But fully-custom projects allow for the flexibility to meet these types of needs. That’s not to say there weren’t any challenges. With a submarine it's not only size you need to consider, but also the weight. &nbsp;And this owner wanted a fast yacht, one which exceeds 25 knots, so we had to get clever with her construction.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/50918/image/large-5a02c54b2c1cc743cf7059d8577b68f2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/50918"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/50917/image/large-aaf0e99b7ae63ef7d86fca493af57c1c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/50917">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55238" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="45m Royal Hakvoort motor yacht Adur launched in the Netherlands (2022-05-27 16:30:00 +0200)">45m Royal Hakvoort motor yacht Adur launched in the Netherlands</a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/40" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Hakvoort Shipyard (Company)">Hakvoort</a> has a great dynasty of building and delivering fully-custom bespoke projects, and the team very clearly enjoys these projects. “Playing around with the general arrangement of a superyacht is fun to do,” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/40" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Hakvoort Shipyard (Company)">Hakvoort</a> said. “You can pretty much do anything, as long as you adhere to the rules and regulations.”This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-times-issue-42" target="_blank">Issue 42 of SuperYacht Times newspaper.</a>&nbsp;To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper,&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Omega Architects on full-custom yachts 

SYT joined Frank Laupman of Omega Architects to discuss the trends of mid-size full-custom yachts. 

Exploring the full-custom mid-size yacht segment with Omega Architects 

Druten may not have the reputation or stature as some of the major Dutch cities, but it does have that certain familiarity as all quintessential rural towns do. It's a town where heritage and the modern-age are just as present, and also the town where <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega Architects</a> chose to set up shop. Both town and superyacht design studio seem to ponder the same question: how to find the perfect intersections between tradition and modernity? <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/222326/image/large-36687fa48b2c1172fb85d91adc58e416.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/222326">As founder, Frank Laupman, explained his (and by extension, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega</a>’s) design language is “characterised as being romantic and modernist, while simultaneously being contemporary and innovative”. To date, Frank has designed more than 120 yachts and there are many more to come. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega</a> needs no introduction and its insignia is held in high esteem in the yachting sector. In the last 12 months, six superyachts featuring a design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega Architects</a> have hit the water and the firm has some exciting projects that they’re currently working on.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/222330/image/large-b44030e6be2719893764e15486cbc8d0.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/222330"> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega</a> has partnered up with the Turkish-bashed shipbuilder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4909" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Venture Yachts (Company)">Venture Yachts</a> on three forthcoming projects: a 24-metre, currently in-build; a 43-metre, in the design stage; and a larger tri-decked yacht in the preliminary stages. There are also ongoing “conversations about a 65-metre project to be built in Turkey,” Frank divulged. The team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega</a> is also working on a 42-metre project with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2496" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alia Yachts (Company)">Alia Yachts</a>. The last time this collaboration was forged, we were graced with the highly charismatic 60.3-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5673" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Samurai60.3m (197'10&quot;)Alia Yachts2016">Samurai</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/88624/image/large-82fb0cf80f81c247e8fb334590558373.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/88624">For this forthcoming model, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega</a> will also handle the interior styling and will incorporate features such as glass sliding doors from the saloon to the aft deck. She’ll also feature a beach club that can be completely open. “We’ve shaped her with a very sleek, traditional rake bow; however, she looks very modern,” Frank said. “She’ll also be fast, with a top speed of around 23/24 knots.”&nbsp;Closer to home, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega Yachts</a> is further enforcing its relationship with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>. The Dutch duo has already launched more than 70 yachts and they currently have five models either in-build or pending. Three 55m Steels are forecasted for the coming years – Project Serena, the most recent to be announced, and Project Gemini the next to be delivered (2022). Frank described the model run as “somewhere between a stereotype and the distinguishable <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> heritage” The series is as much proud as it is proper – the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> 55m Steel are not sport yachts, they’re yachts.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/78406/image/large-796b461fd3e75633e78a2567f93943c5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/78406">The 50-metre Book Ends also has a 2022 delivery date; while the largest of the batch, the one-off 60-metre&nbsp;Project Skyfall is penned in for 2023. “Skyfall exudes power and speed in every single detail,” Frank explained. “She’ll be the most powerful, diesel-driven yacht (no turbines, just jets) to be built in the Netherlands, to date. Her aggressive paint scheme serves to further highlight these characteristics. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/206344/image/large-57640c1b3e6af16785796ffe8e1ace58.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/206344"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/177071/image/large-f617cb52abe59bd6b94ac931b8b35979.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/177071">We started the process with a normal yacht, which had to be unique, in terms of design and technical properties. But as we designed her for a keen angler, we altered her to meet the owner’s needs, to include a fully operable fish cockpit.” The owner also has a shadow vessel, which will be built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5752" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vanquish Yachts (Company)">Vanquish</a> and designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/234" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Guido de Groot Design (Company)">Guido de Groot</a>, in-build that will mirror the mothership.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/222325/image/large-93db274829026a7921924245772c7cca.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/222325">The following year, 2024, Heesen will launch two more <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega</a>-designed yachts: the 56.7-metre Akira and the 49.98-metre Project Jade. The former has a profile that carries long horizontal lines which are soothing, yet subtly aggressive and sporty. “Her superstructure is relatively aft-leaning compared to other <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega</a> designs,” Frank said. “And the nearly vertical bow points out her sturdy and stately character. The large amounts of glass were preserved in this new design, creating a visual indoor/outdoor relationship.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/71072/image/large-5896eba81178daf094c4e21175a5c3e6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/71072">Project Jade, however, falls more into the remit of tradition. “She is the third from our 50-metre series – <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7333" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aquamarine49.98m (163'12&quot;)Heesen Yachts2021">Aquamarine</a> being the first – and combines the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega Architects</a> heritage with the one of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a> as a builder of elegant and sporty aluminium motor yachts,” Frank explained. “Jade features the ‘integrated hull and body design’ which was firstly featured in the iconic 65-metre Galactica Star,&nbsp;now called <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3676" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Illusion65.0m (213'3&quot;)Heesen Yachts2013">Illusion</a>. Her raised aft-deck features a full height beach club which directly connects to a flush swim platform level, and is harmoniously combined with this ‘integrated hull and body design’.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/222247/image/large-3e2f4aea36c277fc9178aa42cbf2834f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/222247">The engines of the design process are in constant motion and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega</a> is busy drawing up new concepts and new designs, which they were kind enough to give SYT a sneak peek of. The collection all exceed 60-metres and is diverse in styling. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/222248/image/large-819eca4ac740db723faff85cd4abcf59.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/222248"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/222246/image/large-56103a5a9782d99191d98203c1e94466.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/222246">The 70-metre Project Elle is characterised by long, sinewy lines that taper to aft. She is sleek, modern and incredibly generous for outdoor living space. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega</a> has wrapped her midship with glass, adding additional sports-like charm, while also providing views from the main saloon. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/222252/image/large-d6949596f8a56c5540976ed958c27d83.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/222252"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/222250/image/large-bd1ee84c5cd9327cbcad82bf68d17f61.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/222250"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/222249/image/large-1cc9511bb6bd0f66fcb3568e47c80a85.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/222249">There is an ongoing conversation in yacht design about how to strike a harmonious balance between the exterior and interior spaces. Many are heading down the route to remove all barriers, but for Frank and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega</a> the exciting challenge is “to not conjoin the spaces, but to harness them so they communicate in an intelligent and interesting way without blending them into one unit.” The second concept takes this same approach, but from an entirely different angle. She has an enclosed superstructure that is broken up by long stretches of black, tinted glass. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega</a> has opened up the aft with three large, cascading decks. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/222253/image/large-0bfdfe1e441b7c18a858124e899eb8fd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/222253"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/222251/image/large-c145f546ef8c4d2a0265d4647ba819a2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/222251"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega</a> also presented a 70-metre support vessel, akin to an explorer. It boasts heaps of space to aft to carry a hoard of tenders and toys, as well as a fully certified helipad. While <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega</a> isn’t famed for designing explorers, with the rise in requests for this type of vessel with more rugged capabilities and space for tenders, they’re furthering into the space. “We may not yet be explorer specialists,” Frank said. “But we come with a unique approach and exciting ideas.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/222328/image/large-6e792bc5931cab58571e7af30610751e.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/222328"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/222296/image/large-61e9e66b1764b77a23680738fb25f08f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/222296"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/222295/image/large-c99e6223e61c6a198bc7304119e30b2a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/222295">Spending time at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega</a> proved to be a great opportunity to hear about how the design process has adapted over the years, and Frank was more than happy to share. “The process itself hasn’t exactly changed, but client expectations are now higher than they used to be. It is more common to be joined by technical representatives and not just the captain. As the yachts develop there are more specialists involved.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/222257/image/large-5a34ae8bd5b8ec1b8f73a9b46009bdb1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/222257">“Designers then also manage people and teams – and our clients are well aware of this. If an owner is building his first yacht, he has likely built up factories, businesses and sales teams. He understands the value of communication between teams. There is more of this now than there was before.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/222256/image/large-4194c0312fa121069a606c37580b8b88.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/222256"> <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/222255/image/large-c84904a3474066cfe9bd2d9dc7edcae8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/222255">“The interior/exterior conversation is just one point in question – both frequently work in each other’s field so good communication is paramount. It’s in everyone’s interest to stay on the same page. This isn’t a negative either as it spurs on innovation as design is driven by conversations and people.”The challenge of a designer is how to make something unique and special, but importantly possible. A designer is constantly testing the pliability of the crossroad where tradition and modernity meet, and the continual fleet of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega Architects</a> pays testament to this.&nbsp;

At the studio with Omega Architects

SYT paid a visit to Omega for an exclusive "behind the scenes look" at the Dutch design studio. 

The great crossroad of design: At the studio with Omega Architects

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4909" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Venture Yachts (Company)">Venture Yachts</a> has announced that it has launched and delivered its 43.9-metre superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abydos43.9m (144'0&quot;)Venture Yachts2021">Abydos</a> to her owner. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abydos43.9m (144'0&quot;)Venture Yachts2021">Abydos</a> is the flagship vessel of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4909" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Venture Yachts (Company)">Venture Yachts</a> and has just completed her maiden voyage, from Istanbul to Rhodes.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/206774/image/large-0405788646cb74c5f73f5e9358392f0f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/206774">Constructed of carbon-hybrid composite, the superyacht features both an interior and exterior design from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega Architects</a>, while her naval architecture was completed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/357" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Laurent Giles Superyacht Architects (Company)">Laurent Giles Superyacht Architects</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/206771/image/large-e447c2e3dfa8a45448296c422b1d9dbf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/206771"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/206775/image/large-233bde91a402a83b801ad5a733d85419.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/206775">Her interior, which is finished in neutral tones with ample light, is home to a spacious main saloon which features full-height windows, a formal dining area and lounge space. On the main deck forward, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abydos43.9m (144'0&quot;)Venture Yachts2021">Abydos</a> has a 45 square-metre open galley.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/206769/image/large-71309b71a1bcac840c600ab18df7b78e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/206769"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/206766/image/large-1839468fa009bf5a23e14212715c454f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/206766">The 372 GT yacht accommodates as many as 11 guests across five staterooms, including three VIP and a twin stateroom on the lower deck. The owner’s suite, situated on the lower deck amidships, spans the full-beam of the yacht and features a spacious bathroom and walk-in closets.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/206770/image/large-a28830c891133d56f6da67dd969462eb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/206770"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/206772/image/large-f9a7ed45a8a5c78aadbca6b180918acf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/206772">On deck, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abydos43.9m (144'0&quot;)Venture Yachts2021">Abydos</a> features a lounge area to the fore, which includes a U-shaped seating area. Twin staircases from the main deck aft lead to a spacious swim platform.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/206773/image/large-f1914c00f9cb2fdf3c1b918b3154cbf2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/206773">Equipped with twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> 12V 4000 M93L diesel engines, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8105" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abydos43.9m (144'0&quot;)Venture Yachts2021">Abydos</a> reaches a top speed of 24 knots and has a range of 3,600 nautical miles when cruising at 11 knots.

Venture Yachts delivers 44m superyacht Abydos

The 44m superyacht Abydos, built by Venture Yachts, has been launched, delivered to her owner, and has completed her maiden voyage.

Venture Yachts’ 44m superyacht Abydos launched and delivered

<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/alpha-yachts" target="_blank">Alpha Custom Yachts</a>’ flagship project <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/piccolo-37m" target="_blank">Piccolo</a>, built by <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/venture-yachts" target="_blank">Venture Yachts</a> in Istanbul, is conducting sea trials ahead of the vessel’s imminent delivery. The 38-metre composite motor yacht is the result of design work by <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/h2" target="_blank">H2 Yacht Design</a> and <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/laurent-giles-superyacht-architects" target="_blank">Laurent Giles Naval Architects</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/171547/image/large-a73488023210d2df4938513417628257.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/171547">Designed and built for long-distance bluewater cruising, <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/piccolo-37m" target="_blank">Piccolo</a> has a range of 2,300 nm and can reach a top speed of 15 knots thanks to her efficient hybrid hull form, which also gives her a spacious beam of 8.4 metres.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/171549/image/large-253c4bd3f613aaa6490e53423bd5d9ee.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/171549">Inside, the yacht can accommodate up to 12 guests in the five staterooms that are located on the main and lower decks. In addition, up to seven crew members can live aboard.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/171568/image/large-7fae011d33e3b8a33ab6f750e76c967f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/171568"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/171546/image/large-f9da8b145d908bebf3a6ff440fb19036.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/171546"><a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/venture-yachts" target="_blank">Venture Yachts</a> is expected to deliver three additional projects in 2020 and 2021: their largest project to date - Venture 144-05, a 44-metre carbon fibre fast motor yacht, and two more projects for <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/alpha-yachts" target="_blank">Alpha Custom Yachts</a> – Spritz 102-06 and Alfresco 125-07, in addition to the recently delivered <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/andreika-iv" target="_blank">Andreika IV</a>.

38m yacht Piccolo launched

Alpha Custom Yacht's 38-metre flagship yacht Piccolo is conducting sea trials in Istanbul ahead of its delivery later this season. 