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Yachts at the New Zealand Millenium Cup 2020

Adele

Netherlands-based <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters Shipyard</a> has signed the contract for a new 68-metre ketch. The aluminium superyacht will be the eighth collaboration between <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters Shipyard</a> and Hoek Design.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/287325/image/large-0a2df8548c197ff358ace2ba3abbfc8f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/287325">The 68m ketch is an evolution of several highly successful sailing yachts including the 54.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1842" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adele54.64m (179'3&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2005">Adele</a>, the 54.64-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2411" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marie54.64m (179'3&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2010">Marie</a>, the 52.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/149" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Anne52.5m (172'3&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2009">Anne</a> and the 49.7-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6791" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Meraki49.7m (163'1&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2020">Meraki</a>, all of which were a result of this design and build partnership.The 68m <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters</a> ketch features exterior, interior design and naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/33" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hoek Design Naval Architects B.V. (Company)">Hoek Design Naval Architects</a>, with American designer Bunny Williams responsible for interior decoration. Van Ineveld &amp; Co will also work as the owner’s representative during her build.The 68m ketch has been commissioned by a highly experienced repeat client, who wanted increased accommodation and the ability to cross the Panama Canal. “The ketch rig provides the so-called Panamax mast height to allow the yacht to clear the Bridge of The Americas at the southern end of the waterway,” commented Andre Hoek.Key design features onboard the 68m ketch include three deck houses, with the owner and guest accommodation aft and the crew forward. A large, central guest cockpit will be the focal point of the deck layout and all the deck houses will be clad in wood.&nbsp;“Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) testing and velocity prediction programmes (VPP) have been developed in-house and used extensively to optimise her hull shape and appendages,” explained Andre Hoek.&nbsp;“The yacht’s fixed keel features a trim tab on the fin to reduce leeway and improve balance with the ketch rig, and she is designed with a single rudder with mechanical steering, which provides the helmsman with the ‘feel’ required to help sail the boat to her optimum performance.”The new yacht will be equipped with a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2447" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Spars (Company)">Southern Spars</a> rig package, providing her with an extensive collection of sails. She will also be powered by a low emissions diesel electric propulsion and charging system.&nbsp;A permanent magnet electric motor will provide charging for the battery bank and propulsion when leaving a harbour or anchorage, enabling the yacht to be run for a considerable ‘silent’ period, with all systems working off her battery bank.The yacht’s aluminium hull and deck will be fabricated in-house at their Zwartsluis premises, with the keel due to be laid in April 2024. “This is the eighth project we have worked on together with the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/33" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hoek Design Naval Architects B.V. (Company)">Hoek Design</a> team and it’s also great to be working with Van Ineveld &amp; Co, the owner’s representative, who is familiar with both Andre’s team and the build team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters</a>,” concluded Bas Peute, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters Shipyard</a>’s Sales and Marketing Manager.

Vitters Shipyard signs contract for new 68m ketch superyacht

Vitters Shipyard has signed the contract for a new 68-metre ketch, with her keel due to be laid in April 2024.

SYT Synopsis: December's roundup

SYT looks back at the last month, drawing stats and figures powered by the inhouse SYT iQ. 

SYT Synopsis: An overview of December

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/172211/image/large-00a927700f261d3a951144fa12cfab86.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/172211">Built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters Shipyard</a> and launched in 2005 for her original owner<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/31698" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Interview with Jan-Eric Österlund – the (former) owner of Adèle (2008-03-06 23:00:00 +0100)">&nbsp;Jan-Eric Österlund</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1842" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adele54.64m (179'3&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2005">Adele</a> is a world-cruising ketch designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/33" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hoek Design Naval Architects B.V. (Company)">Hoek Design Naval Architects</a> in the Netherlands. Nearly 10 years after changing ownership, Adele returned to Holland for a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/46149" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht Adèle sets sail following Huisfit refit (2016-07-20 14:10:00 +0200)">major refit</a> at Huisfit - the refit division of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> shipyard - to prepare the vessel for another intensive global expedition to the Pacific. Just some of the completed works included an overhaul of propulsion, generators, thrusters and other on board systems, replacement of batteries as well as the upgrade and replacement of navigation and communication system electronics.&nbsp;Seen here anchored in Newport, USA, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1842" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adele54.64m (179'3&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2005">Adele</a> today cruises with her dedicated chase boat named Stargazer - a 23-metre motor yacht built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1221" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Claasen Shipyards (Company)">Claasen Shipyards</a> in the Netherlands and launched last year. She shares a design by Andre Hoek with her mothership and the day cruiser yacht was created to transport guests ashore from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1842" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adele54.64m (179'3&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2005">Adele</a>, serve as a diving vessel to reach shallower cruising areas and accommodate extra crew and guests. She can cover an impressive 900 nautical miles at 15 knots and reach 25 knots under maximum power.&nbsp;

The Vitters sailing yacht Adele in Newport

The Dutch-built sailing yacht Adele and her chase boat Stargazer together in Newport, RI. 

The 55m sailing yacht Adele in Newport

Following three nail-biting days of racing in the Bay of Islands in the world's most southerly superyacht regatta, the winner of the 2020 <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="New Zealand Millennium Cup 2020">New Zealand Millennium Cup&nbsp;</a>has been crowned: the 34.14-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/36" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Derecktor Shipyards (Company)">Derecktor</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2250" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kawil34.14m (112'0&quot;)Derecktor Shipyards2000">Kawil.&nbsp;</a>Delivered by the US yard in back in 2000, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2250" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kawil34.14m (112'0&quot;)Derecktor Shipyards2000">Kawil</a> was a new entrant to the competition this year.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/112174/image/large-5eae3a07a92a485d545a6e4759fafc22.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/112174">Hot on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2250" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kawil34.14m (112'0&quot;)Derecktor Shipyards2000">Kawil's&nbsp;</a>heels were the four other sailing yachts vying for first place: the 33.8-metre<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/474" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yachting Developments (Company)">&nbsp;Yachting Developments&nbsp;</a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/842" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silvertip B33.8m (110'11&quot;)Yachting Developments2002">Silvertip,</a>&nbsp;the 34.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman&nbsp;</a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2334" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sassafras34.2m (112'2&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2000">Sassafras</a>&nbsp;- delivered in the same year as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2250" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kawil34.14m (112'0&quot;)Derecktor Shipyards2000">Kawil&nbsp;</a>- the 39.75-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/60" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alloy Yachts (Company)">Alloy Yachts</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1640" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Janice of Wyoming39.75m (130'5&quot;)Alloy Yachts2005">Janice of Wyoming</a>,&nbsp;and by far the largest boat of the bunch, the 54.64-metre<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">&nbsp;Vitters</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1842" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adele54.64m (179'3&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2005">Adele</a>,&nbsp;which was awarded second place in the competition.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/112164/image/large-b37e94bc270d6a4f39499cb7286dbf5e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/112164"> <img src="/uploads/store/photo/112158/image/large-7354f6806f3b690f8b8b02e000095f3b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/112158">The final day of racing was exciting from the beginning, with the 33.83-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/842" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silvertip B33.8m (110'11&quot;)Yachting Developments2002">Silvertip</a>&nbsp;and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2334" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sassafras34.2m (112'2&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2000">Sassafras</a>&nbsp;displaying impressively well-timed runs to the start line and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1640" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Janice of Wyoming39.75m (130'5&quot;)Alloy Yachts2005">Janice of Wyoming</a>&nbsp;sailing so close to the starting line that she crossed two seconds early, incurring a penalty as a consequence.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/112159/image/large-bb36ea5df1dc48fd3bb8fc835e919534.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/112159">Heading into the wind, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/842" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silvertip B33.8m (110'11&quot;)Yachting Developments2002">Silvertip&nbsp;</a>took a lower approach than the other yachts before sharply turning her knuckle bow towards the Ninepin Mark. Meanwhile, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2250" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kawil34.14m (112'0&quot;)Derecktor Shipyards2000">Kawil</a>&nbsp;had been out in front from the start. Despite some speculation from onlookers that she had overshot the mark, her perfect turns displayed the skills of her crew and kept her in check. Although <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/842" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silvertip B33.8m (110'11&quot;)Yachting Developments2002">Silvertip</a> and the others displayed exceptional racing throughout the day, it was newcomer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2250" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kawil34.14m (112'0&quot;)Derecktor Shipyards2000">Kawii</a> who would secure the top spot on corrected time.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/112161/image/large-a3f45e43fc3f62cc6cfa3aaba9724a85.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/112161"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/112169/image/large-5c07bf50ca61b299ad2a8a104bf4ed83.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/112169">The prize-giving ceremony was officiated by Peter Montgomery MBE, with the prizes presented by Orams Marine's managing director, Craig Park and Bas Isselman, sales manager at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman.</a> Montgomery commented on the setting of the racing, calling it a paradise and commenting that "If this isn't heaven, then it's just next door,"&nbsp;with spectators at the event also entertained by the appearances of a local dolphin pod.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/112155/image/large-6e08b9e6548fcb8628da97e9ce9a9bcf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/112155">The owner of repeat competitor <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/842" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silvertip B33.8m (110'11&quot;)Yachting Developments2002">Silvertip</a>&nbsp;commented on the event, calling the regatta "extraordinary" and stating that "It's a great privilege to be here [...] it's fantastic fun to be here in the Bay of Islands."<img src="/uploads/store/photo/112153/image/large-1428ad05fb7eebad2479c020d8cfac99.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/112153">As well as securing her second prize, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1842" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adele54.64m (179'3&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2005">Adele&nbsp;</a>also saw success in the Cup's traditional skiff regatta, which took place after the second day of racing, in which the superyacht crews rowed in pursuit of the 20-litre barrel of Mount Gay Rum prize, which was won by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1842" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Adele54.64m (179'3&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2005">Adele's</a> Team A. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/112176/image/large-bd18e424b21a4a21a1415d82a7e8bece.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/112176">The 2021 edition of the New Zealand Millennium Cup regatta will take place between 15-18th February. Thanks to the flock of superyachts expected to head to New Zealand for the America's Cup, next year's regatta is expected to be a bumper edition, with over 40 entries anticipated<img src="/uploads/store/photo/112156/image/large-bc389e1d06518a7205bc0b382ceb8e8b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/112156">

34m sailing yacht Kawil winner of 2020 New Zealand Millennium Cup  

New entrant Kawil, a 34-metre Derecktor superyacht, has won the 2020 New Zealand Millennium Cup. Find out more about the nail-biting result on SYT.

34m sailing yacht Kawil wins 2020 New Zealand Millennium Cup

Tucked away in the Dutch city of Edam, Hoek Design Naval Architects was founded by André Hoek in 1986 and boasts one of the world’s most impressive portfolios in custom and semi-custom sailing yacht designs, with a track record of designing more than 250 Dutch flat bottom yachts and over 120 ocean-going sailing yachts during their 31 years in business.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/17021/image/large-6f4cbdcc53ad3159f27ae639e1b284ab.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/17021"> Andre Hoek and Ruurt Meulemans with their new Turquoise motor yacht project In response to both the transforming superyacht market and the changing needs of their clients, interestingly, Hoek Design has recently moved into the motor yacht market. We sat down with company founder André Hoek and his business partner Ruurt Meulemans to hear more about this new direction.&nbsp;For both Hoek and Meulemans, it was their passion which brought them into the yachting industry. Hoek has been an avid sailor since the age of five and Meulemans admits candidly that his earliest enthusiasm was actually for motoryachts, not sailing yachts. “When I was a young kid I also grew up in boats and sailing boats, and when I was really young I always wanted to have power boats because they’re much more exciting!” &nbsp;For Hoek, it was optimising his brother’s traditional Dutch leeboard skûtsje for sailboat racing which marked the start of his yacht designing career. Since then, he built up a reputation for his optimisation of traditional Dutch flat-bottomed boats for racing alongside his jobs working for, amongst others, the design office of the Canadian yard C&amp;C yachts in 1979 - at the time, one of the world’s leading design offices. &nbsp;On arriving back to the Netherlands from Canada in early 1980, Hoek was confronted with limited work in yacht design offices at the time, and so took on a position in an offshore salvage and heavy lifting company, where he subsequently worked for six years - of course continuing to indulge in his passion of designing all kinds of yachts on the side. During this time, Hoek also took on an MBA with a marketing background: a move which would prove vital in the foundation of Hoek Design. “After one year I decided to stop my job and do a full-time MBA. When I quit my job, then all of a sudden in 1986 I got all kinds of requests from left, right and centre. That’s how I started what would become Hoek Design.”&nbsp;From its humble beginnings in the attic of Hoek’s Amsterdam house, Hoek Design moved to Edam in 1988 and the first yachts in their recognisable ‘Truly Classic’ line were born.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/17019/image/large-4db379155e8b49e1cd88b436bf4dce28.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/17019"> The 54.64m Vitters-built Adele The first two early, classically styled 70-foot sailing yachts were characterised by a classic hull shape, wing keels and spade rudders. “On this side of the pond we were the first ones to develop these kinds of boats, and from there on we started to develop different kinds of boats - bigger boats,” explains Hoek. Since its foundations, Hoek Design has designed custom and semi-custom yachts in a wide range of styles and sizes, ranging from the Truly Classic to the ultra modern.A year before Meulemans joined the company in 1999, Hoek Design expanded and launched Hoek Brokerage, a company which, as Hoek makes clear, is completely separate from the design company to avoid any possible conflicts of interest. In fact, the brokerage side of the business was really established in order to offer an additional seamless service to Hoek’s clients looking to sell their yachts or upgrade - not with personal financial reward in mind. As Hoek explains: “From the very beginning, our brokers work on a salary basis, not a commission basis. For new yachts being built, we never ask for commissions. It is just the design office involved in that process, not the brokerage company. We do fair and honest business: it takes forever to build a name but you can destroy it pretty quickly.”&nbsp;Hoek and Meulemans have established this name for themselves by carrying out the entire design process in-house - a strategy which sets them apart from a number of their main competitors. “We are different because our office can do basically everything. We do in-house structural engineering, CFD work, interior design, exterior design and a lot of optimisation work,” explains Hoek.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/17016/image/large-55be7c0e85ed8630450c59a4a7db72b6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/17016"> The 62m Athos, built by Holland Jachtbouw in 2010 Hoek’s J-class racing yachts and Truly Classic range with growing sizes have remained enduringly popular - an overwhelming advantage in the somewhat dwindling sailing yacht market. Both partners are active racing sailors themselves. Meulemans has been sailing all year on the winner of this year’s World Championships, the J-Class Lionheart, and Hoek raced on the J-class, Topaz. Since the last America's Cup, Hoek Design experienced increased interest in these classic yacht designs from younger owners, with their new Vitters-built J-Class Yacht, Svea, being launched for a new owner in January this year.&nbsp;Continuing their philosophy of innovation, Hoek Design has been on the cusp of sailing yacht market developments in recent years. Their newest, custom sailing yachts, such as the 46-metre Pilot Classic, Elfje - built at Royal Huisman in 2014 - focus on performance to appeal to a younger clientele but still retain their classic designs. As Hoek explains, “Why do people build boats that are classically styled? They are beautiful and they will still be beautiful in 10 years time. There are not many clients who want to know from the moment that they launch a boat that they have lost half of their investment. Look what happens to the modern styling of boats. It’s different, but there will be another boat that’s going to be even more extravagant than that one and then all of a sudden that one is outdated again, so, regardless of age, the financial side is also important.”<img src="/uploads/store/photo/17017/image/large-1444cb82fda64080f94acffe43e26279.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/17017"> Elfje The decision for Hoek Design to move into motoryachts was a natural one for the partners, with the changing needs of their clients at the forefront of their minds. “Quite a number of our clients are getting older and they want to go from sailing into motor yachts, so we wanted to develop something with the same philosophy in mind that we have had for all of our boats”, Hoek told us. With numerous motoryacht projects currently underway, one of their most recent is the 56-metre expedition yacht currently in build at Turquoise Yachts in Turkey. “There’s a big trend at the moment in expedition yachts, and a lot of people think that when you do expeditions you have to do something agricultural. That’s not the case: we wanted to design something that is both beautiful, performs and keeps its value”, explains Hoek. The 56-metre vessel is RINA classified as ‘Ice Class B’ and can reach the Arctic, Antarctic and Northwest passage, with an ice-breaking bow and 12-metre tenders stored under her decks. “It’s got everything that you could imagine on a new, modern boat,” says Hoek.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/1457/image/large-d6cc5ac6f9dfa094e6d24fa7edc8ffb4.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/1457"> Lombok Regardless of their new motor ventures, it is undoubtedly the sailing background of Hoek Design which gives them a unique approach to motoryacht design. “We are designers that focus on the styling and the proportions of the design, more than perhaps a motoryacht designer does. Many motoryacht designers just take on the exterior design of a project, whereas our office is responsible for exterior styling, naval architecture and sometimes interior design work too, as is the case with our 56-metre at Turquoise,” says Meulemans.&nbsp;Looking to the future, Hoek and Meulemans hope to establish a recognisably Hoek design for their motoryachts. As Meulemans puts it, “Many people around the world can see when a boat is located at anchorage, that it’s a Hoek design. It would be fantastic if people can see that on a motoryacht too - we want people to look at all of our vessels and immediately say: ‘This is a Hoek Design’.” With a planned launch date of their Turquoise project scheduled for February 2019, Hoek and Meulemans won’t have to wait too long to see this desire turned into a reality.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title=""><img src="/uploads/store/photo/13976/image/large-0479ea0b23567c145bad5ee46c7a49e8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/13976"></a>This issue was featured in the latest edition of the SuperYacht Times newspaper.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;now to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue.

Hoek Design: From Truly Classic to truly modern

Having arrived at Royal Huisman’s refit division, Huisfit, in November last year, the 55 metre sailing ketch Adèle has spent the past seven months out of the water at the shipyard’s facility in Vollenhove. A skilled team worked closely with the yacht’s crew in not only restoring the 2005-built vessel to launch-day condition, but also prepare Adèle for an epic world voyage together with her adventurous owner.<img alt="" src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/161174/image/large-e568596d14db33e1aea0d661c2981dcc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/161174" class="legacy">Shortly after completing their extended refit hall, Adèle became the first yacht to make use of Royal Huisman’s upgraded facility. Just some of the completed works included an overhaul of propulsion, generators, thrusters and other on board systems, replacement of batteries as well as the upgrade and replacement of navigation and communication system electronics. Outside, Adèle is now fitted with a new teak deck and had certain parts of her capping rail replaced.<img alt="" src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/161175/image/large-a6259112391de964976bdcea8a29fb13.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/161175" class="legacy">Owner’s representative Andre Engblom gives an insight into the planning that goes into such an extensive refit project: “We started planning 18 months in advance. This pre-planning process was really important from the perspective of ensuring accurate project management to avoid conflict between the various trades. This in turn allows for seamless progression through the work list with optimal efficiency. The input of Project Manager Taco Zwarts leading up to the refit was invaluable, both technically and financially.”<img alt="" src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/161176/image/large-98f8fd921d794c45035c3b22f88ed0dd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/161176" class="legacy">Both Engblom and Zwarts’ involvement of the original build of the yacht at Vitters Shipyard in 2005 proved extremely useful during the recent refit project, and together with Huisfit’s expertise were able to assist in an on-time and budget delivery.<img alt="" src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/161177/image/large-c29c9e31aad7dc1156ef6c5f642f63f9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/161177" class="legacy">Since departing the shipyard, Adèle has sailed to Norway and Svalbard after which she will head to Central America and navigate the Panama Canal to explore the Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;Photos by Priska van der Meulen

Adele refit completed at Huisfit

Superyacht Adèle sets sail following Huisfit refit

The 2005-built Vitters sailing yacht Adèle has been booked into Dutch shipyard Royal Huisman’s refit and repair facility Huisfit where she will receive a series of refit and renewal works over the coming winter season. Adèle is the first yacht to visit the yard’s newly increased Vollenhove refit facility since last summer.The facility is designed to accommodate one yacht up to 90 metres with another three sheds able to receive yachts up to 60 metres. The two paint halls are fitted with high intensity lighting, along with air flow, temperature and humidity controls that are exceed the highest requirements set by world leading paint manufacturers.Work to be completed on Adèle includes the servicing and overhaul of her propulsion system including generators, thrusters and on board control and monitoring systems. Inside, she will receive an update cooling system and air ducting as well as a replacement of some navigation electronics and alarms. Once completed she will sport a new teak deck and caprail as well as a repaint of the hull, superstructure and rig.Royal Huisman will be attending the METSTRADE this week, which kicks off today. Visit them at their stand located in the Superyacht Pavilion.By Charl van Rooy, photos by Daniel Rawlins and Hans Westerink

Sailing yacht Adèle visits Royal Huiman’s Huisfit

Huisfit, Royal Huisman’s refit, repair and maintenance division has announced that three of their current projects are approaching completion for delivery this spring, with other yachts in the pipeline for next winter season.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/153744/image/large-82674c3ab0e47bdca2b2eedcebf5cd83.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153744"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/153745/image/large-21416cb809ac7fc1eeac10d850e03bc2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153745">Hyperion, the 47 metre Royal Huisman sloop launched in 1998, returned to Vollenhove following a Scandinavian cruise last summer to execute a series of procedures intended to keep her up to date for the distant future. The Huisfit team reports that she is currently undergoing the final touches to a master list that includes upgrading the propulsion shaft and propeller, installing new gensets and a new main switchboard, upgrading her navigation and communication systems (including the PLC hardware and alarm &amp; monitoring software), overhauling and painting her hull and superstructure, and installing new teak decking.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/153746/image/large-223927ef08e950fab7e3a3b968066b3a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153746"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/153747/image/large-4f7424edcba396a394f1b8f1d4eff808.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153747"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/153748/image/large-3f709cec5b08ca07093e35f09d6e714b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153748">Huisfit also welcomed back Antares, the 40 metre ketch built by Royal Huisman in 2005. Capitalising on the requirement to undergo a 10-year Lloyds survey for classification, Antares is close to completing a renewal and maintenance programme in Vollenhove. The overhaul has included rebuilding her gensets, installing new teak decking, servicing her thrusters, surveying the rig, and repainting her hull, superstructure and spars.The 71 metre superyacht Skat launched by Lürssen in 2002 also returned to Huisfit after their last visit in 2012, and was booked in for an extensive programme to service her main engines and gensets, update the onboard systems, replace all her teak decking, repaint the hull and superstructure, overhaul her sewage plant, and service the transom doors, passarelle, side-boarding platforms and cranes.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/153749/image/large-cf3e18295e6302f7d69330f0878390dc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153749"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/153750/image/large-9882c98bf1b235c823ad989352f347fb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153750"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/153751/image/large-ff36c34708bc3135c1f300b41c87579b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153751">These three major projects follow on from the completion of a cosmetic and technical refit at the end of last season on Athena, the 90 metre three-masted schooner delivered by Royal Huisman in 2004. Taking advantage of a stopover in the Mediterranean during her busy cruising schedule, the Huisfit team travelled to Palma to oversee the overhaul that included refreshing her interior varnish work, updating the electrical systems, and inspecting her rod rigging.The last announcement from the Huisfit team is that the 55 metre ketch Adèle has already booked a slot for next winter in Vollenhove. Huisfit report ongoing enquiries from 12 yachts representing an overall length of approximately 738 metres.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/153752/image/large-9e8823b26dff2ee7a8b682eefb169181.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153752"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/153753/image/large-4b4422600dacc4399588cd4fb2c33993.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153753">The Huisfit team will be exhibiting at the upcoming Palma Superyacht Show which will be held from the 30th April to 4th May.By Gemma Fottles

Projects underway at Royal Huisman’s refit division, Huisfit

With four maintenance and renewal projects conducted in Holland (Flyer One, Samurai, Heartbeat, Juliet) and a fifth carried out by the Huisfit team in Antibes (Borkumriff IV), it has been busy for Royal Huisman’s refit department so far this year, and it doesn’t look like slowing down anytime soon. Four upcoming projects include Skat and Hyperion, who both recently arrived in Holland to start their refit programmes, with Huisfit also announcing that Athena and Adèle will be undergoing work by the Huisfit team.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150408/image/large-22e9b377c2f45bac2ae969d6d8fe2e33.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/150408">Following on from her visit to Harlingen in 2012, the owner and captain of the 71 metre Lürssen motoryacht, Skat has recently arrived at the Huisfit facilities. Work on the project has commenced and includes: the servicing of the main engines and gensets, systems updates, new teak decking for all decks, painting of the hull and superstructure, the servicing of all transom doors, passarelle, side boarding platforms, cranes, etc. and the overhaul of complete sewage plant.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150409/image/large-5c40ac7af6a12090dde45e1d6c876294.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/150409">Following a Scandinavian cruise this summer, the Royal Huisman built sloop, Hyperion, launched in 1998 has returned to Vollenhove. Work on the 47 metre vessel includes upgrading of the propulsion shaft and propeller, the replacement and installation of new gensets, a new main switchboard, upgrading of navigation and communication electronics, upgrading of PLC hardware and Alarm and Monitoring software Maintenance, overhaul and painting of hull and superstructure and new teak decking.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150410/image/large-3ab19e6ef697084793a59e7abd465f5e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/150410">Since her delivery 10 years ago the 90 metre Athena, has been engaged in extensive world cruising. Taking advantage of a stopover in the Mediterranean, the Huisfit team will refinish work on the interior varnish, conduct updates of the electrical systems and a rod inspection of her rig.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150411/image/large-271e61c5f7e62e3ba80f4431523eeae6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/150411">The 55 metre superyacht Adèle is scheduled for a visit to Vollenhove in 2015-2016. The project will include the servicing and overhaul of propulsion, gensets, thrusters and various board systems, climate control update incl. new chiller, fancoils and ducting, replacement of batteries, replacement of various existing lights with LEDs, upgrade and replacement of various electronics (nav, com, alarm and monitoring, interior touch-ups and repairs, new teak deck and partial replacement of the caprail, servicing of hatches, winches and various deck equipment, painting of inside of hull and parts of the interior, and finally, the repaint/varnish of the hull, superstructures and rig.By Gemma Fottles

Huisfit signs refit contracts with Skat, Hyperion, Athena and Adele

The 55m Ketch Marie, built by Vitters Shipyard in 2010 has won the renowned St Barths Bucket Regatta. Marie’s tactician Tony Rey described the excitement of 38 of the world’s finest superyachts racing around the island as follows: “I didn’t need sun screen because there was so much shade from all the sails around us.”<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/147918/image/large-6b43f4664337b847f1bc3791b884c303.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/142324">With her good results in the Elegantes class, S/Y Marie ended up first overall in her class. These spectacular race results also won her the overall honours, based on turning in the best cumulative score among all classes.

Marie wins St. Barths Bucket

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/142324/image/large-d0a560e9535fd780d1b352d1e25923e5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/142324">Sailing Yacht Marie The black hulled sailing yacht <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2411">Marie</a> was built by the Dutch Vitters shipyard in 2010 and designed by Hoek Naval Architectes. The owner is a keen admirer of antique weapons and there are some two tonnes of antique weaponry onboard. <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2411">Marie</a> has a classic profile that belies a modern underwater hull – an evolution and lighter version of the award-winning ketch <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1842">Adele</a>, designed and built by the same Vitters/Hoek/MCM team five years ago.Photo by Bob Paylor

The 55 metre black hulled sailing yacht Marie 

Hoek Design in the Netherlands will celebrate its 25th anniversary in August 2011. The leading design and naval architecture office is still run by its founder, Andre Hoek, who today shares the boards with a range of specialists from across the spectrum of luxury sailing and motoryachts. The company will mark its silver jubilee in style by hosting a special Hoek Design Cup event within the Superyacht Cup in Palma in June. Eight superyachts designed by Hoek Design have already agreed to participate and more are expected to confirm in the coming weeks.<img alt="" src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/132861/image/large-d745553beaae56c5d316911c8acc8b1f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/132861" class="legacy">After graduating as a naval architect, Andre Hoek started his design career in 1979 with C@C Yachts in Toronto. The Hoek Design office was officially opened in August 1986 and three years later moved to its current location in a spectacular 16th century building in Edam, a Dutch city famous for its cheese and architecture. The design team consists of ten naval architects, hydrodynamicists, structural engineers, interior designers and stylists.Andre now shares the office helm with partner and technical director Ruurt Meulemans. The present portfolio of Hoek Design covers a wide variety of design work, from classic to modern styled sailing and motoryachts for both cruising and racing. Current new projects include a 30 ft daysailer, a 66 ft daysailer, a 148 ft ketch, a 158 ft sloop, a 200 ft sloop and two motoryachts.<img alt="" src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/123978/image/large-293714de83fd9877680de6060d29a31b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/123978" class="legacy">The first years of Hoek Design concentrated on the Dutch market for traditional gaff rigged sailing yachts with leeboards, yachts that Andre had raced successfully as Dutch open champion in various classes. While the early design work focussed on optimising the performance of existing yachts, new designs were soon being made, tank tested and wind tunnel tested, then optimised by an in-house developed velocity prediction program. Over the past quarter of a century more than 300 of these new craft have been built to Hoek designs and the yachts continue to dominate the racing scene.<img alt="" src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/131658/image/large-ec4474c6b0637a3c39095824631a8cf7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/131658" class="legacy">It is for this client base that Hoek Design started to draw oceangoing classic yachts in a similar way, combining excellent performance with a strong emphasis on styling and perfection in detail. The office was one of the first to develop a concept of classically styled yachts above the waterline with high tech underwater configurations, optimised and fine tuned for speed and manoeuvrability. Early successes included the 70 ft sloop Joss and the ketch Kim', followed by a string of Truly Classic yachts, a brand name that is now widely used internationally for these craft. Over 80 such yachts are now sailing in lengths between 30 and 210 feet, making Hoek Design market leader in this style.<img alt="" src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/126377/image/large-823e54c9e0ed21614a0f89a1cb1482bc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/126377" class="legacy">The ongoing success of Hoek Design was inspired by its clients, many of whom became and remain repeat customers whose yachts have grown in size over the years. Landmark designs include:- The racing lemsteraak&nbsp;'t Vliegent Hart. - Truly Classic, the first of the successful series built yachts. - The Truly Classic 80s Mulligan and Palmyre. - The Truly Classic 90s Kealoha and Atalante and two more currently under construction. - Sapphire (now Sea Dragon) one of the early 100 ftrs that inspired many other clients. - The 105 ft sloop <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1118" data-legacy="true" href="#managed-by-application">Happy Four</a>. - <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/609" data-legacy="true" href="#managed-by-application">Aphrodite</a>: Hoek Design has created four timeless sailing yachts with the same name for the same client. - <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1842" data-legacy="true" href="#managed-by-application">Adele</a>: A triple-award winning 180 ft ketch launched in 2005. - Launched in 2008, the spectacular 175 ft sloop <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/149" data-legacy="true" href="#managed-by-application">Erica XII</a> was inspired by Adele. - <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/21" data-legacy="true" href="#managed-by-application">Athos</a>: The largest privately owned schooner afloat. - The recently launched J Class yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2079" data-legacy="true" href="#managed-by-application">Lionheart</a>. - The Wally Nano and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/YachtModel/650" data-legacy="true" href="#managed-by-application">Pilgrim</a> designs for Wally yachts. - The recently launched 115 ft race classic <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3677" data-legacy="true" href="#managed-by-application">Firefly</a>.Over the past 25 years many of these yachts have won and been nominated for prestigious international superyacht design awards. With countless exciting projects in the pipeline, the next quarter of a century promises much for Hoek Design and its global fleet.

Hoek Design celebrates silver jubilee in style

Following her launch and the stepping of her masts the latest superyacht from the Dutch Vitters shipyard, the black hulled ketch Marie, is getting ready for her sea trials. Marie, a sister ship to the award-winning sailing yacht Adele, has been designed by Hoek Design who together with the New York based designer David Easton also designed the interior. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/131977/image/large-e7c1dfc547d2d7e5835de0cb6e7288cc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/131977"><a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2411">Marie</a> has been built to ABS classification and MCA specifications. On the owner’s behalf the construction was overseen by Nigel Ingram of Marine Construction Management (MCM), who will also manage the yacht after delivery. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/131978/image/large-68b903ad767310719ad4d88a039b4867.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/131978">Look out for superyacht <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2411">Marie</a> at the 2010 Monaco Yacht Show from 22nd until 25th September. By Merijn de Waard

Vitters sailing yacht Marie ready for sea trials

Following its acquisition by shipbroking giant, the Barry Rogliano Salles Group (the BRS Group), in July 2008, Yachting Partners International (YPI) now reveals its new look. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127457/image/large-0906bb7d12ebefb6f9b8c6b6e55c0011.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127457">“I really like it,” says Bertrand Vogèle, YPI Président Administrateur Délégué &amp; Group Managing Director, “it takes the very best of Yachting Partners International from the last thirty-seven years and adds something new. Alex (Alexander K Braden, Group Founder and Chairman) has done so well building and maintaining the success of this Group. I want to make sure that we continue the steady and sustainable growth we have done in the past.” Designed by London-based Creative Agency, Sector Light, the new look dispenses with the longstanding YPI wave and introduces a new metallic insigne. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127458/image/large-08ce2cd6f36b06d0b6332efe6c32ca93.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127458"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127459/image/large-fb33556b2761dc8ff4699bdb613b2674.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127459">“It seems to symbolise strength, resilience and honesty,” comments Group Founder and Chairman, Alex Braden. “These are values this company has always stood by.” An important aspect of the new look has been to get across these values of honesty and integrity. “Transparency has always been and will continue to be the fundamental focus of YPI and BRS,” Bertrand Vogèle reiterates, “this is why we have so many clients whose families have been working with us for generations. We deliver. And we deliver because we tell the truth. There’s no question of hiding something just because we think it’s not what our clients want to hear.” <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127460/image/large-e2b998e7960da5decd5f6fb69a9815cb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127460"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127461/image/large-06a541d3abd4ff305c314fcf2da704ed.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127461">The new look not only sees a new metallic insigne and five new logos for the Group and each of its four Divisions – YPI Brokerage, YPI Charter, YPI Management and YPI Crew – but also a new look to the website and a special 29th edition of the company’s own, and much awaited, Yachting Annual. “The new look is not just about changing the logo or deciding to use black when maybe before we used beige,” says Group Marketing Manager, Mark Duncan, “it’s about reinforcing who we are as a Group.” The new-look publication is a stunning example of what the new YPI is all about. “The articles and themes explored in our new edition are there because we believe they are important to the industry and our clients today,’” says Mark Duncan. “We discuss how to get better value for your money whether you are building, buying or chartering a superyacht; we discuss what we as an industry can and are doing to protect the very environment that makes our yachting such a pleasure, and we get right back to basics asking Jan-Eric Österlund, former owner of the superb <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1842">sailing yacht Adele</a>, and yacht aficionado Sir Michael Smurfit how they get the very best out of their yachting.” And of course there is over 100 pages of the finest yachts for sale and charter any where in the world today. “Our business is not one built purely on money and profits,” says Alex Braden, “our business, and the success we enjoy, starts with a very real passion for yachting. Doing business in yachting comes afterwards…and we’re quite passionate about that as well.” <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127462/image/large-8599f27a506ce4cde50245248140e9eb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127462">The YPI website also enjoys a facelift bringing it in line with the new brand look. It includes a lot more YPI news and information with up-to-the-minute details of all the latest Charter and Brokerage yachts being added to the fleet. “We want to make the site as user friendly as we can,” explains Asa Wetterwald from the e-Operations marketing arm. “As well as making sure visitors are getting more of the information and help they need quicker than ever before.” It seems to be working - over 140,000 visitors from over two-hundred territories around the world have generated over 1.5 million page views in the last twelve months alone. The website has been substantially developed over the last year or so and is still seeing a massive amount of new technology being poured into it, technology that includes the incorporation of more audio and video to further show off the amazing yachts in the YPI charter and sales fleets. “But we are keeping it fairly low key,” says Bertrand Vogèle of the new-look launch. “We are not so bothered about all the showing off. Our business is helping clients get the best out yachting - that’s where we are putting the best part of our energy.” Yachting Partners International (YPI) Mark Duncan +33 (0) 493 65 50 00 <a href="mailto:mark.duncan@ypigroup.com?subject=YPI%20%28SuperYachtTimes.com%29">mark.duncan@ypigroup.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ypigroup.com">www.ypigroup.com</a>

Yachting Partners International reveals a new look for the new Group

On Friday 20 February, Marie - a 55m Hoek designed ketch and hull sister to the renowned world cruiser Adele (another MCM project) - was rolled over at Vitters Shipyard, Zwartsluis, The Netherlands. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127052/image/large-c8b4e28cc66fb83a8150290db0168df4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127052">Owner’s construction manager, Nigel Ingram, one of the founding partners of MCM Newport says: “This is the first hull that Vitters has built in-house for some years. She is bang on schedule and exhibits a high level of metalwork skills.” The final construction details will be completed over the next months including the addition of the two deckhouses and the hull will move to Vitter’s finishing hall on May 1st. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127053/image/large-1ec722000618bcb2e62e9167f1e010e9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127053">MCM, with offices in Newport, USA and Palma, Mallorca, celebrates its 21st birthday in 2009 having managed the construction of well over 60 large yachts. MCM Newport +1 401 849 3387 <a href="mailto:info@mcmnewport.com?subject=MCM%20Project%20151%20%28SuperYachtTimes.com%29">info@mcmnewport.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mcmnewport.com">www.mcmnewport.com</a>

MCM updates on Vitters’ S/Y Marie

Dudgeon, the Knightsbridge-based luxury sofa maker, has recently been awarded an order to make all the bespoke upholstered furniture for a superb new sailing superyacht the 62 metre schooner SY Athos. Designed for private European clients by André Hoek and being built at Holland Jachtbouw in Zaandam, The Netherlands, Athos is scheduled for launch in summer 2009 and will be the 57th superyacht commission (and the 18th sailing yacht commission) for Dudgeon since its first such order in 1992. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/126588/image/large-d309eecd35c4a8458c84e9f6a91abf1b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/126588"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/126589/image/large-cddb1cb5f5035691f82d0b36cadc7447.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/126589">This furniture commission, comprising bespoke sofas, bespoke banquettes and chairs, will form a key part of the overall interior design of Athos, with many of the pieces designed to be integrated into interior woodwork by de Ruiter Interiors of Purmerend, with whom Dudgeon worked on the international award-winning ketch, SY Adèle, also designed by André Hoek. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/126590/image/large-cef41d2bd6a711505466971f220f8bf7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/126590">Following a brief to create the most comfortable seating possible for the saloons and deck houses, the furniture will be made to the superb standards of luxury on which Dudgeon has built its sixty year old reputation. Among the many pieces, the three curved main saloon sofas will be made using traditional springing and pure down cushions to create an unparalleled level of comfort. Styling for the furniture will be classic but contemporary using elegant shapes, discrete curved arms and mahogany showwood bases. The furniture will be made at Dudgeon’s London workshops, and will be fitted on site by the company’s own craftsmen. In the sixteen years that the company has made furniture for the superyacht industry, it has designed and fitted furniture in boatyards around the world, mainly in Europe but also as far away as New Zealand. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/126591/image/large-f910606e4b211ce1d62efe6d09d955a0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/126591">“We are delighted to have won this order,” said Dudgeon managing director, Hugh Garforth Bles. “It is always pleasing to be asked to make special furniture for clients who appreciate our skills and quality.”Dudgeon +44 20 7589 0322 <a href="mailto:sales@dudgeonsofas.com?subject=Furniture%20S/Y%20Athos%20%28SuperYachtTimes.com%29">sales@dudgeonsofas.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.dudgeonsofas.com">www.dudgeonsofas.com</a>

Dudgeon wins major order for luxury furniture for new superyacht, Athos

Hoek Design in the Netherlands has announced the signing of a contract for a sister vessel to the triple award-winning sailing yacht Adele. The 180 ft ketch Marie will have an identical hull, keel, rudder and sail plan to Adele but features a new and entirely customised interior and deck layout. She will be built at Vitters Shipyard and is due to be launched in the spring of 2010. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124691/image/large-b24caa082799d8a4bfd8627e2acc3a16.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124691">The fabulous looks and sensational performance of <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1842">Adele</a> has already inspired the owners of the 174 ft sloop <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/149">Erica 12</a> (currently under construction at Vitters) and the 204 ft schooner <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/21">Athos</a> (currently under construction at Holland Jachtbouw). On <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2411">Marie</a>, the main deckhouse will be enlarged and there will be no forward deckhouse. This allows the entire deck and interior layout to be tailored to the owner’s taste and requirements. An extensive weight saving programme will be implemented with composite rigging, high modulus carbon spars, furling booms and lightweight interiors improving an already outstanding performance even further. The hull will be constructed in Alustar to ABS and MCA specifications. Marie's interior will also be designed by Hoek Design and features the renowned privacy concept developed by the office for Adele and successfully deployed on four other mega sailing yachts. The aft owner’s cabin is directly connected to an owner’s deckhouse and aft cockpit with the helms forward of the owner’s deckhouse. The interior design will be further arranged in partnership with David Easton in New York, who will take care of the interior decoration of Marie. Lightweight raised and fielded Anigre panels will offer a bright and light style. Nigel Ingram of MCM Marine Construction Management will act as the owner’s representative. Marie is the fourth Hoek Design yacht of 180 ft or above to have gone from design to construction. She will also be the fifth superyacht from the Hoek Design office to be built by Vitters.

Hoek Design unveils 180ft Vitters ketch Marie

Jan-Eric Österlund has been an explorer at heart. With his previous yacht, Swedish Caprice, he sailed in most parts of the world, but he wanted a new yacht with which he could explore more adveturous places where normal yachts wouldn’t go. Planning of this new yacht started in 2000 and 5 years later the Vitters shipyard launched the stunning André Hoek designed Ketch Adèle. Last month Jan-Eric launched his beautiful book, Exploring with Adèle, and after the presentation we had the opportunity to talk to him about Adèle, the book and his voyages around the world. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124213/image/large-dabf3d5bbc2ab3b8740fec191883f64d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124213"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124214/image/large-e01e875755a7cdea3dbec6f8435467ba.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124214">SYT: Why building at Vitters? Financial reasons or workmanship or availability of building slots or other reasons? Jan-Eric: There were several reasons for building at Vitters. First of all their quality is second-to-none, when you see Adèle you know what I mean. But the timing was also right, because Vitters could build the yacht within my schedule. And another important reason was that I was very engaged in the project and Holland is reasonably close to where I live. I am sure there are a few other shipyards who could have build Adèle, but Vitters turned out to be a very good choice! SYT: Would you have considered building a motor yacht to go around the world? Jan-Eric: No I would never build a motor yacht, maybe a small boat to base at a vacation house and cruise around the Swedish Islands. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124215/image/large-5f57442c3acc042e6c201ab7ff4b1b12.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124215">SYT: How did you decide about André Hoek as designer? It was by far his biggest project at the time. What project of his caught your attention so that you decided to engage him for Adéle? Jan-Eric: That was easier, because I knew what kind of style of yacht I wanted and this was something André could create for me. This was for both André and myself an opportunity and it worked out very well. And as this was André’s largest project, he gave everything to succeed. SYT: In different interviews, you’ve recounted your fascination for classic designs such as the Prince of Wales’ Britannia and the German Emperor’s Meteor as well as the J-class yachts. But were there any modern day yachts that you used as an example for your design team? Jan-Eric: No not really. I do like the modern classics which were build by Royal Huisman, like Athena, Meotor and Borkumriff IV. Although they look appealing to me, they are not as fast as Adèle. Big motor sailors, like some of the earlier Perini Navi’s for example, are not very appealing to me, but that’s a matter of personal taste of course. SYT: Why a book on Adéle? Was it the intention to write a book from the start? Jan-Eric: I had a dream but I wasn’t sure I could write a book and that other people would like it. I was even a bit scared, it was a big undertaking. Was the story attractive, the photos good enough…. I had sent a few emails out to my friends with stories of our voyages and I got such a good response, that their support convinced me I could to write the book. However, it is the photography that really carries the book and it is through the photos that I tell most of the story. Because photos were going to be the main element in the book, I also asked Rick Tomlinson to join me on some of the voyages. Rick is responsible for around a quarter of the photos, especially those of Adèle, and many of them from helicopter or chaseboat. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124216/image/large-668b972b957aa2a837e7bc11b55f7b0a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124216">SYT: Was the complete trip around the world planned in advance? Was there a special reason for not visiting Asia or just no time? Jan-Eric: Several reasons. I have been there a lot before as I have an Asian wife. With my previous yacht I sailed in most places, but I didn’t visit the Arctics or Antarctica, because it’s more difficult to get there. I wanted to go around Cape Horn and rather then sailing the Indian Ocean, I wanted to visit the Falklands, South Georgia, Antarctica and Brazil. If time were no issue then I would have loved to spend more time in Asia as well. SYT: What was your time limit and how was it possible to sell Adèle so quickly and quietly after your world tour was finished? Jan-Eric: The limit was that my wife wanted a child. As she gets seasick easily, she didn’t want to be pregnant onboard the yacht. I didn’t marry to go sailing and leave my wife ashore, so we agreed on a timeframe to do this together. We were very lucky, because a gentleman called André Hoek and wanted to build an Adèle look-alike. When he heard he could buy Adèle after we completed our adventures he expressed an interest and we found we could easily agree on the terms. SYT: Have you been onboard all the time? Jan-Eric: Most of the time, but we spent both Christmases at home in Devon, England. Last Christmas the yacht was waiting for us in Ushuaia and the first Christmas the yacht was crossing the Atlantic. This was one of the very few parts of our sailings of which I wasn’t onboard. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124217/image/large-b9ca92ad1db7c9502976f90b39e3986a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124217"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124218/image/large-a06063df7047ebde616c9eb7789731dc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124218">SYT: What was the most memorable place you have visited during your journey around the world? Jan-Eric: Both Jennifer and I would say Antarctica. It was very beautiful with a lot of sunshine and the ice formations were fantastic. And the wildlife was far beyond what I could have dreamt of. It was very enjoyable both from the landscape and the wildlife perspective. SYT: Do you have any future yachting plans after the sale of Adèle? Jan-Eric: My wife instructed me to answer that question with “NO”! Over the next couple of years we will be land based with the baby. What I would consider is day sailing in the Swedish Archipelago, very different from Adèle. After that it’s another story…. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124219/image/large-2989cc3a0073562b30a4de07f7a24764.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124219">SYT: Is there anything that you would change on a next yacht? Jan-Eric: I would take away the spinnaker. We didn’t use it much and because we were on expedition it was very tough to handle and took up a lot of space. I would probably replace it with something like a code 0. Interior wise I would add a little more space in the crew area and to the stowage area. When you make such long voyages you need a big stock. I wouldn’t increase the space for owner or guests, because we live on deck most of the time anyway, when we are awake. I would also add more space to the laundry area, because we had a lot of clothes (20 people were living onboard) and the washing and drying machines were running almost all the time. I would also like a bigger stern anchor, but the two bow anchors were excellent. Otherwise I wouldn’t change much… She is a fabulous yacht and has performed very well. We sailed her the corresponding amount of one Atlantic crossing each month during the two years I had her and we had very few problems thanks to excellent design and craftsmanship and a very good Captain and crew. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124220/image/large-2ab2652896f4878541ea8e43e44c3915.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124220">Photos by Jan-Eric Österlund.The book of Jan-Eric Österlund, Exploring with Adèle is available for purchase through <a target="_blank" href="http://www.SuperyachtBooks.com">www.SuperyachtBooks.com</a> or <a href="http://www.superyachttimes.com/pages/contact/">contact us</a> to order your copy. <noscript></noscript>By Merijn de Waard

Interview with Jan-Eric Österlund – the (former) owner of Adèle

Construction is well underway on Lionheart, the first of a new breed of aluminium J-Class yachts from the boards of Hoek Design in the Netherlands. One of the leading offices in classically styled sailing yachts, Hoek Design is intimately involved in the revival of these magnificent yachts from the 1930s. In addition to Lionheart, which will be launched in the third quarter of 2009, the office has three other J-class yachts under development. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/123975/image/large-8ec277ebaa0f4f8891893b9b01902610.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/123975"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/123976/image/large-49394d1bc30f30f662488a600a46e0d8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/123976">Hoek Design has developed specific Velocity Prediction Software for J-Class yachts in partnership with Piet van Oossanen of wing keel fame. This highly sophisticated Velocity Prediction Program (VPP) has been developed specifically for these craft, and was calibrated using tank test data from a six-metre long model of a J. The aerodynamic part was calibrated with wind tunnel test data. “In contrast to other types of software, our VPP software is capable of calculating rudder angles as well as predicting performance in waves,” Andre Hoek explains. “This enables us to also optimise helm balance.” History makers One of the key drivers of the J-Class revival was the decision of the J-Class Association to allow aluminium to be used as a hull construction material. This reinforced the renewed interest among owners to build J-class yachts. A total of 20 J’s were designed between 1930 and 1937. Of the ten built in the 1930s, only three have survived: <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621">Endeavour</a>, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251">Velsheda</a> and <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1276">Shamrock V</a>. The <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432">Ranger</a> (photo below) that sails today is a replica built to the original lines drawings in steel and launched in 2003. This leaves ten J-Class designs that have never been built. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/123977/image/large-d06448bccb44ebd4a1129d3d4cd96cdc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/123977">“Our office carried out a performance analysis of the existing J’s as well as the designs that were allowed to be built under the new J-Class Association rules,” Hoek explains. “We analysed the line honours and handicap of all 20 yachts and modelled them in our software in such a way that we could predict performance. A specific handicap system was developed by the J-Class Association for these yachts in order to enable smaller and larger and steel and aluminium J’s to race against each other. This analysis gave us a great deal of insight into the performance differences between these yachts.” “The best five performing yachts were further analysed with computational fluid dynamic software in order to gain greater insight into the differences. The series of yachts originally designed for the Ranger project in 1936 proved to be very good performance-wise, although some are better for light air conditions and others for heavy air.” Optimising Lionheart Originally designed for the Ranger syndicate by Starling Burgess and Olin Stephens, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2079">Lionheart</a> is the first yacht to be built based upon this research. Under construction for a repeat customer of Hoek Design, she will be the largest J afloat when launched. Tremendous 17-metre overhangs on a LOA of 44 metres have created a fascinating super J with a maximum waterline length. Hoek: “We extensively optimised Lionheart's structure using 3D structural modelling techniques with finite element software programs. The complete hull structure was analysed for stiffness and torsion, and her stiffness compared to the steel original. The weight of the hull structure was also further optimised, while the hull was developed in high tensile Alustar plating and extrusion materials to provide even greater stiffness. We also carried out extensive research into the mast position, and sail area vs. handicap in order to create a yacht that would perform to her best on the race course.” <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/123978/image/large-293714de83fd9877680de6060d29a31b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/123978">The cruising option Lionheart is designed for cruising as well as racing, and is therefore being built to MCA classification. She will be one of the very few J-Class yachts available for charter as the majority are not built to class. Her deck layout shows two small deckhouses with sleek and low profiles as well as two small cockpit areas. The privacy concept that Hoek Design created for renowned projects such as <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1842">Adele</a>, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/149">Boreas</a> and the upcoming <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/21">Athos</a> was also further developed for Lionheart to offer an owner's stateroom with a private deckhouse and private cockpit. Lionheart will also have three guest suites, four crew cabins and a lounge area. The aluminium hull construction got underway in August 2007 at Freddie Bloemsma’s specialist hull yard and will be finished by Claasen Jachtbouw. Lionheart is the 17th yacht to be built to Hoek Design drawings by Claasen. Construction management is in the hands of Nigel Ingram of Marine Construction Management in Newport, USA. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/123979/image/large-2655f9070b7bbb318d9e3868fe971fcb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/123979"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/123980/image/large-794fdfdb1b7665634b79ae602c7fdddf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/123980">More J-Class splendour Hoek Design is also presently working on three other J-Class projects, including a replica of the first J ever built. “Enterprise is the smallest of the fleet but will be a strong contender on handicap,” Hoek says. “She will also be built in Alustar to a high technical specification. Her performance will be extensively optimised and she will be built for both racing and cruising.” A second project presently under development is a replica of the famous Tore Holm design, Svea. This is under development for a consortium of three Dutch and three Swedish owners who will use the yacht for corporate racing. “Svea’s hull will most probably be built in Holland and the yacht will then be finished at a Swedish yard,” Hoek reveals. “Svea proved to be a strong upwind performer in our tests and is one of the best looking J’s ever designed.” The third project is a replica of a never built super J by Franck Paine. “This design will be developed along the lines of Lionheart,” Hoek concludes. “She will be another very strong contender in this exciting and expanding fleet of J-Class yachts.” <noscript></noscript>