Construction continues at Alia Yachts as the yard confirms the keel has been laid for the 55-metre steel and aluminium yacht Al Waab II. The owner is expecting delivery during 2021 once the 24-month build schedule is complete. 
Photo: Alia Yachts
Photo: Alia YachtsWith Dutch design studio Vripack having contributed to the interior, exterior designs and naval architecture, Al Waab II is to be a sub-500 GT superyacht with an optimised hull shape for comfort at sea - a key requirement for the owner. “This is a hugely exciting project as it will be rated below the 500GT threshold, which is quite a challenge for a 55-metre yacht,” explained Alia Yachts President Gökhan Çelik. Vripack also created glass bulwarks and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows as part of their design, as well as a drop-down bulwark in the dining area. 
Photo: Alia Yachts
Photo: Alia YachtsThe owner’s brief called for a modern and fresh design, a home away from home that provides comfort, space, luxury, privacy and stability at sea. With large outdoor spaces such as the owner’s aft deck and beach club and a simple layout all priorities for the owner, Al Waab II can accommodate up to 12 guests in six staterooms, including a two-tier master suite with the stateroom on the upper deck forward and the dressing room and bathroom on the main deck below. 
Photo: Alia Yachts
Photo: Alia Yachts“I am thrilled to be working with three companies of such pedigree and calibre in the yachting sector,” says the owner, who plans on spending long periods on board. “I am very much looking forward to the yacht being completed and keenly await the day when I can experience life on board and travel the world with my family and friends.”
Photo: Alia Yachts
Photo: Alia Yachts
Photo: Alia Yachts“Since meeting the owner over a year ago he and I have established a great friendship,” says Francesco Pitea, CEO of SF Yachts, who are acting as both project manager and owner’s representative. “Throughout the year we discussed his desire to build a customised yacht that feels modern, fresh and most importantly like a home, and by that he means comfort, space, luxury, privacy and stability at sea. And that is exactly what 55-metre yacht Al Waab II is,” he added.
Photo: Alia YachtsCommenting on the collaboration with Vripack, Pitea says: “As a result of our collaborating on this project, SF Yachts and Vripack have together developed a new approach to the entire process of designing, tendering and building yachts.”
Photo: Alia Yachts