Noorderzon Yacht News & Events

Explorer yacht Lars cruising in the fjords

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Lars pictures among icebergs

Explorer yacht Lars' main saloon

Explorer yacht Lars saloon

Noorderzon yacht on Neptune slipway

Explorer yacht Lars amongst icebergs

Noorderzon

The 36.4-metre explorer yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3735" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Noorderzon36.4m (119'5&quot;)">Noorderzon</a> has returned to her home country for the first time since changing hands last year under her original name of Lars. The vessel arrived in Amsterdam this week where she has spent the last few days. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/53605/image/large-60d41d724c2b8cea5c9e81f5f76a8a36.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/53605"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/53608/image/large-3d5563758d410b3c10bd3eaf659bccfe.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/53608">Construction on the vessel stated in 1995 at the Dutch shipyard Made where she was conceived as the ultimate tugboat before her first owner purchased the project and had the ship completed at Balk Shipyard several years later in 2010 as a luxury yacht. Never having really operated as a tugboat due to the construction being halted mid-build, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3735" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Noorderzon36.4m (119'5&quot;)">Noorderzon</a> can, therefore, be considered as a fully fledged superyacht. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/53610/image/large-f2b9ce77027834ca60c070fdb45fe3fb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/53610"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/53613/image/large-01b0dd52d05982c44a7d3148f54ba1ae.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/53613">Designer Felix Buytendijk was tasked with the redesign of the project and added several superyacht features such a sundeck space and a tender-friendly swim platform. Under her previous owner, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3735" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Noorderzon36.4m (119'5&quot;)">Noorderzon</a> explored the Arctic Sea and utilised the vessel’s off-road capabilities to reach the North Pole on their maiden voyage.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/53606/image/large-3f4d6b57e097ea62d6fec92ac196e7f6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/53606"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/53607/image/large-5a39ed5d3db4fd91f8ede183404be9ad.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/53607"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3735" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Noorderzon36.4m (119'5&quot;)">Noorderzon</a> features a lounge and fitness room on the bridge deck, a saloon and dining area on the main deck, an owner’s stateroom and three suites. There is also dedicated accommodation for up to five crew members.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/53603/image/large-0fa4fbe42a83ff98e214b141bb41bb80.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/53603"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/53604/image/large-f36f209f2afd67ddb54c0b6a0bfb3b17.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/53604"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/53602/image/large-53aea549711ce6e89fae87c08f5ee87e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/53602">

In Pictures: The explorer yacht Noorderzon in Amsterdam

The 36.4-metre explorer superyacht Lars has been sold, Fraser has today announced. Conceived in 1995 as the ultimate tug boat, the 36.4-metre vessel was started by the Dutch shipyard Made. Unfortunately, she was not finished at this time, and it wasn’t until her previous owner bought her and took her to Balk Shipyard several years later in 2010 that life really began for Lars.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/23214/image/large-256c9318f51913b0a713f4992580037c.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/23214"> Transformed by Balk, designer Felix Buytendijk restyled Lars’ superstructure, adding a sun deck, and integrating a new swimming platform amongst a number of significant changes, before she was relaunched in early 2012. Her maiden voyage was an exciting one, taking her owners to the North Pole from Spitsbergen to Nova Zembla that year.&nbsp;Completing an additional refit last year, Lars was sold in an in-house deal at Fraser. Maarten Ten Holter represented the buyer, with Jan Jaap Minnema representing the seller. She is currently located in Corfu, Greece.&nbsp;

The 36m rebuilt explorer superyacht Lars sold 

Felix Buytendijk is one of Holland’s longest contributing members of the design community, with over 32 superyachts of 24 metres and above built to his designs. Unlike many of his peers in the superyacht industry, Buytendijk wasn’t born with an immediate affinity with yachts. Though he had a keen interest in water sports, he confesses that before he established his architecture and design studio in the Netherlands in 1980, “I didn’t have a clue.”<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/160493/image/large-b7218104077ddbced1e889b933e1544a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/160493">Explaining his coincidental entrance into the industry and the beginning of what would be a decidedly fruitful venture, he says: “In ‘82, I was hired by Diana Yacht Design as a freelance stylist and since then I always had a part of the yachting business. I became passionate about the industry. These were the early days. Imagine in 1982, in Cannes or Monaco all the vessels were classics - though they were new at the time. The first to do really exciting stuff was Jon Bannenberg and Tim Heywood. I met them in 1984 when we were cooperating on an Amels project with Diana.” Although he has completed many modern vessels, one of Buytendijk’s most successful designs is Jamaica Bay, a project spanning three superyachts that maintain a classic motif from one yacht to the next. “One of my first projects was Jamaica Bay with Amels. Canoe stern, very classic, mahogany interior.” Delving into the origins of the Jamaica Bay trilogy, Buytendijk elaborates: “The first was for a Spanish client in 1984, that’s where it started. She was sold to somebody from the U.S. After some years they approached me and wanted to find a suitable vessel and change it into a Jamaica Bay lookalike. She was called Leocrie III, with a complete interior by Disdale. We ripped most of the interior out and did some adjustments on the outside, and that was Jamaica Bay II for some years (now known as Legend - Ed)".<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/160494/image/large-d20b976bae9a2be0ddd00a098970426c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/160494"> “Then they approached me again. They had created a partnership and wanted to go to Italian harbours where the maximum dimensions are 60 metres, so they wanted a 59.95 metre Jamaica Bay. Number three was done with Nobiskrug and completed in 2010. It’s a little bit more luxurious, because one of the owner’s wives was involved. So that was a good one for me, Jamaica Bay.” Another of Buytendijk’s projects that has generated substantial interest is Desert Rose. Though this 100+ metre concept has never been commissioned, what she wants in fruition she makes up for in fascination, with a mysteriously confidential backstory. He divulges: “It was a competition for a Saudi Arabian client, but I never met him. There were five designers involved, but it was all top secret. I made it to the second round, where this was skipped as being too futuristic looking.”<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/160495/image/large-d044fd7d1c260c2839a4c4a3be02abbb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/160495">Indeed, the as yet unbuilt Desert Rose truly is futuristic and a clear indication of her creator’s versatility. Desert Rose, interestingly, is also the design that Buytendijk immediately answers when we pose the question, “Do you have a design you really hope gets built?” After pointing to a rendering of Desert Rose, he continues, “I can tell you that most of my designs are never built - but that’s the interesting part. It doesn’t have to float, it doesn’t have to reach a certain speed… You’re not restricted and you can really do your own thing. This was really my thing.” It hangs proudly on the wall of his cosy home-studio, a nod to his design talents, a reminder of a fantastic experience, and an emblem of still chasing the dream to see the lines on the paper brought to life. New builds aside, Buytendijk’s favourite projects are refits and extensive conversions. Why? Both types of builds simplify the design process whilst simultaneously applying just enough pressure to never allow for tediousness. “The nice thing about refits is that it’s a short time span,” he explains. “There’s always pressure. With the big motor yacht projects there are some years within that time span that, frankly, are really boring. With a refit you have everything prepared, you do your work well, and then the next spring they want to be back in the water. I love that.” The 2012 conversion of the 36.4-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3735" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Noorderzon36.4m (119'5&quot;)Stemat BV2012">Lars</a> is demonstrative of this short and interesting turnover that Buytendijk favours. “Lars was a commercial tugboat with icebreaker capabilities,” he tells us. “I did a 35 metre for the owner years ago in Italy. He went around the world and eventually came back to me and said he wanted more; a yacht style inside, but very commercial on the outside. That was a process of around a year. It is completely different.”<img src="/uploads/store/photo/23214/image/large-256c9318f51913b0a713f4992580037c.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/23214"> A stark contrast to the relative ease of refits (and perhaps another reason for his preference), was the 100-metre superyacht Attessa IV, completed by the Japanese shipyard Evergreen in 1999. “Diana did the specifications, and I did the styling and interior design. The owner purchased a shipyard in Japan to do smaller container vessels and this private yacht. He said they are able to build a vessel in seven months, so he expected the yacht in a year. I think that became four years.”<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/160496/image/large-6412345c27923db1d15ea7ddba838262.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/160496">Speaking of the difficulties that came with of working on that project - regardless of the obvious complexities of creating one of the largest superyachts in the world - Buytendijk told us that the biggest hurdle was the cultural difference between the yachts’ European designers and Asian builders. He says, “The Japanese are very friendly people, but Asia is a completely different world. If I said yes or no, people would often move around the subject. No hardly exists: it’s yes, but! Or yes. So it was complicated.” With four projects on the drawing boards for Buytendijk consisting of a 28-metre trawler, the Hakvoort 38 metre Soprano, the 62-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2475" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Big Hoo62.48m (204'12&quot;)Brooke Marine Ltd.1967">Big Hoo</a> at Amadeus Marine Philippines, and an interior refit of the 37-metre Lars at Balk Shipyard, the fact that Buytendijk says he is slowing down is surprising. But he is, and his small, relaxed studio exudes comfortable, understated success. “I used to work here with two freelancers, so I’ve taken it down a gear,” he tells us. “Now I do the fun stuff that I really like to do. I will continue, I’m not going to stop.”There’s more to this slowing down than merely creating a more comfortable, less work-dominated life. Buytendijk is consciously making room for the new generation of designers. He concludes, “My philosophy is that there are a lot of new designers coming and you should make some space. I worked in an architectural office before I went on my own. When I decided to leave the company the boss gave me a project that I was working on. A town hall. He told me to finish it and send them the bills. It was so warm. He really gave me a chance. So that’s my philosophy. At a certain point, you have to make space for the new ones to come up.”

Insight: The design story of Felix Buytendijk

The first yacht on our list is superyacht Akula, the converted 1974 explorer vessel. Formerly a Dutch pilot vessel Akula was converted to a rugged exploration yacht in 1999 by Vosper Thornycroft. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141832/image/large-392a1deb4acca9444309ff4ca43e7b06.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/136637">BMT Nigel Gee provided all naval architecture and structural design for the conversion including the addition of a flight deck and helicopter hangar. A partial interior and extensive exterior refit was completed at H2X in La Ciotat in 2008 and engine and generator overhaul in Malta 2010. She is a wonderful example of a well-kept conversion from her working days as a Dutch Pilot vessel. Originally built in Holland to the highest Dutch naval specification, her condition today reflects her high standard of construction and the maintenance and care that has followed throughout her life until now. She now awaits a new owner to continue the enjoyments of a truly special vessel. Akula is being offered for sale by Bluewater at $ 10,950,000.Turmoil: Turmoil was built in 2006 and, since her launch, has traveled the oceans of the world. Turmoil is considered by many to be the finest expedition yacht ever built. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141833/image/large-58ac534a1bbbcace34e3be2aa3c79839.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139656">With her ice-strenghtened hull and 6500 mile range, she was built to travel great distances to any part of the world. The owner and captain that built the yacht had a great deal of experience with this type of vessel from 10 years of traveling in their first expedition yacht, the 151' Palmer Johnson of the same name. With this experience they built the 209' Royal Denship and she has proven to be one of the most exceptional yachts of her class. A unique feature that many people can appreciate is Turmoil's capacity for carrying three large tenders including one 35 to 40 footer and two 25 footers. This makes for great exploring when you reach remote locations and it is a feature very few large yachts share. Stepping inside Turmoil, guests are greated by her stunning American Cherry woodwork which flows throughout the boat, rivalling some of the finest yachts built. There is a complete owner's deck under the pilothouse which is similar to a good sized apartment and includes two staterooms, a beautiful observation lounge facing forward and a private outside aft deck. Turmoil has a total of eight staterooms and can accommodate 16 guests and 14 crew. She also has a large helicopter deck. Turmoil is for sale with Camper &amp; Nicholson's International, and is asking $ 48,500,000.Lone Ranger: This spectacular vessel started her life in 1973 as an ocean going tug. For her first twenty years she worked towing oil platforms, floating docks and other ships around the world as well as salvaging casualties, including tankers, freighters and bulk carriers. She was one of the largest and most powerful tugs of that time, often spending up to one hundred days straight on station in the North Atlantic. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141834/image/large-7292318f59680f6628454a4081aea404.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139059">In 1994 she was purchased by a knowledgeable yachtsman and under the guidance of Kusch Yachts in Hamburg, Germany, she underwent a thorough conversion into a private yacht. In 1997 she was sold and gain underwent several refits in Miami that included the engine room, bridge area, deck and interior accommodation areas. This refit was extensive and was designed to give the owner years of comfortable world cruising. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141835/image/large-a3ea4292a22f7333bf8bb024c70b4c85.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139060">Lone Ranger has a 31,000 mile range at 12 knots, with Quantum stabilizers (installed in 2004) for greater comfort. In the last decade Lone Ranger has cruised the world several times, including a trip to Antarctica and the Arctic polar ice cap - she can break ice! She is ideally suited for cruising all oceans in comfort and style, yet keeping a low profile. Her interior features a large master suite with private owner’s library/study and four spacious guest staterooms, all ensuite. The large open deck space, including a basketball court, swimming pool and helicopter pad, plus her ability to carry a 40’ cabin cruiser and numerous small boats, adds to her many amenities. This vessel’s capabilities are unlimited. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141836/image/large-ffefa63bcee98625b8b1de7c56e326de.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139061">Lone Ranger is for sale with Y.CO.Ulysses: Launched in 2006, the 59.6m (196ft) Ulysses has a rugged steel hull and aluminium superstructure. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141837/image/large-1a8de99b483a8c4402a06a8bbaee2e4c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/131926">Built and equipped for action, Ulysses combines tough, go-anywhere expedition capability with a luxurious interior that surrounds guests in great comfort and style. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141838/image/large-d47cf73d1ea6dff4695b713ae41d1c9b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/131927">Powered by twin Caterpillar 1500hp engines, she can be self-sufficient for long periods. At a cruising speed of 12.5 knots, her range is 6,000 nautical miles and she is fully equipped to take guests well off the beaten track. Her vast inventory of deck equipment includes RIB tenders, a 5 person Perry submarine, two waverunners, a dive compressor and helipad. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141839/image/large-c016f1ba5c50fae76bf4714f722645c8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/131928">Ulysses offers accommodation for up to 16 guests. The large master suite features a lounge, private aft deck, study and large ensuite bathroom. There are five double cabins, one twin cabin with 2 Pullmans, and a twin bunk cabin with 1 Pullman, all with marble ensuite bathroom, desk, sofa and full entertainment system. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141840/image/large-341ef2d2d1953631a2fc910c1606b9cc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/131929">Ulysses is for sale with Fraser Yachts and Burgess and is asking $ 49,000,000. Lars: Lars was built to take her owners on expeditions to the North Pole region. The smallest of our list, is for sale with Vripack, asking € 8,900,000. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141841/image/large-de2a6c0c750744c35745f798ca2b6775.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/138008"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141842/image/large-bffe54c20348244c05d91fdb8b3aebb0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141709"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141843/image/large-d1f6a45ef5286669d21a2ee9e3883858.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141710">What started out as the ultimate tug boat built by the Dutch yard Made in 1995, was transformed into a luxury go-anywhere cruiser, with a new Caterpillar engine and a range of 6420 nm. Designer Felix Buytendijk restyled Lars’ superstructure, added a sun deck, and integrated a new swimming platform. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141844/image/large-6d8116716444051e852e69a4d4c43592.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141711"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141845/image/large-08db61165056cdf11458fc56b1b26348.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141712"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141846/image/large-1b7bdf07a208f407d83f0413557610da.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141713"> Lars features a lounge and fitness room on the bridge deck, a saloon and dining area on the main deck, an owner’s stateroom and three suites. There is also dedicated accommodation for up to five crew members. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141847/image/large-48ecbfbc6e2ea995b1f44f301fdac103.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141714"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141848/image/large-a4130f4253f29a458d71968b6dd8ce65.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141715"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141849/image/large-534c35d93abd684c8e801a13ad752b92.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141716">Equipped with large generators, bow and stern thruster and a homing device, she is MCA compliant and Ice classed, truly the Range Rover of the Oceans.

SYT Top 5: Ultimate explorer superyachts for sale

The Dutch weather couldn't have been more appropriate, when I made our way to Hardinxveld Giessendam in february of this year for the launch of the 36.40-metre explorer yacht Lars. Lars was built to take her owners on expeditions to the North Pole region. Today I learned that this ultimate explorer is listed for sale with Vripack, asking € 8,900,000.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141708/image/large-fd7c19203e7057729cfd64ec8d6f92b0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/138008"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141709/image/large-f267999533c53be1561c5cc93b9c8575.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141709"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141710/image/large-194b73da50d9db35008a89940bb2ee60.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141710">What started out as the ultimate tug boat built by the Dutch yard Made in 1995, was transformed into a luxury go-anywhere cruiser, with a new Caterpillar engine and a range of 6420 nm. Designer Felix Buytendijk restyled Lars’ superstructure, added a sun deck, and integrated a new swimming platform. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141711/image/large-bab6013b6266d994355b44657fdd5b81.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141711"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141712/image/large-733b2df634ef7abe7f7cabfdb721219d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141712"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141713/image/large-86fa00795db01a9a065c59124b89f19d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141713"> Lars features a lounge and fitness room on the bridge deck, a saloon and dining area on the main deck, an owner’s stateroom and three suites. There is also dedicated accommodation for up to five crew members. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141714/image/large-3951c440e1635dbd866b015caf2a05a9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141714"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141715/image/large-44d8464d312ef5b6e669cfb87912084f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141715"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141716/image/large-bf1b50c99037ede9909ceb17dcb87b8c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141716">Equipped with large generators, bow and stern thruster and a homing device, she is MCA compliant and Ice classed, truly the Range Rover of the Oceans. Vripack Maarten Ten Holter +31 (0)6 5373 9424 <a href="mailto:brokers@vripack.com?subject=M/Y%20Lars%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">brokers@vripack.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.vripack.com/brokers">www.vripack.com/brokers</a>By Maarten Janssen

On board superyacht Lars, the ultimate arctic explorer

When I attended the launch of the 36.40-metre explorer yacht Lars in the Dutch town of Hardinxveld Giessendam, I learned of the owner's plans to take the yacht on a maiden voyage to the Baltic, and onward from Spitsbergen to Nova Zembla. Eventually, Lars will take her owners even further, on expeditions to the North Pole region. Today, designer Felix Buytendijk send us some images from this maiden voyage.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139122/image/large-1706ecba2c95071aa2b3f7047c68a1c7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139122">What started out as the ultimate tug boat built by the Dutch yard Made in 1995, has now been transformed into a luxury go-anywhere cruiser, with a new Caterpillar engine and a range of 6420 nm. Designer Felix Buytendijk has restyled Lars’ superstructure, added a sun deck, and integrated a new swimming platform. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139123/image/large-5351d5ceb354e244fa31b5b4262b69d4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139123"> Lars features a lounge and fitness room on the bridge deck, a saloon and dining area on the main deck, an owner’s stateroom and three suites. There is also dedicated accommodation for up to five crew members. Felix Buytendijk Yacht Design +31 (0)344 68 25 96 <a href="mailto:info@fbyachtdesign.nl?subject=Felix%20Buytendijk%20Yacht%20Design%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@fbyachtdesign.nl</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fbyachtdesign.nl">www.fbyachtdesign.nl</a> By Maarten Janssen

Explorer yacht Lars making waves on her maiden voyage

The Dutch weather couldn't have been more appropriate, when Liana and I made our way to Hardinxveld Giessendam this afternoon for the launch of the 36.40-metre explorer yacht Lars. Lars will take her owners on expeditions to the North Pole region starting with a maiden voyage from Spitsbergen to Nova Zembla in the spring of 2012. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/138008/image/large-c884769b58e3faa7dff014da53ca2d01.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/138008">What started out as the ultimate tug boat built by the Dutch yard Made in 1995, has now been transformed into a luxury go-anywhere cruiser, with a new Caterpillar engine and a range of 6420 nm. Designer Felix Buytendijk has restyled Lars’ superstructure, added a sun deck, and integrated a new swimming platform. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/138009/image/large-0bfb77c371ab16f8d4b3c818c5797551.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/138009">Lars features a lounge and fitness room on the bridge deck, a saloon and dining area on the main deck, an owner’s stateroom and three suites. There is also dedicated accommodation for up to five crew members. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/138010/image/large-e54eb645a570d447aaafc0cd2408fa3e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/138010">Felix Buytendijk Yacht Design +31 (0)344 68 25 96 <a href="mailto:info@fbyachtdesign.nl?subject=Felix%20Buytendijk%20Yacht%20Design%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@fbyachtdesign.nl</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fbyachtdesign.nl">www.fbyachtdesign.nl</a> Photos by Liana Congedo, text by Maarten Janssen

Launch of explorer superyacht Lars

Balk Shipyard has started the comprehensive rebuild of the 36.40-metre explorer yacht Lars. Named after the Disney ice bear character, Lars will take her owners on expeditions to the North Pole region starting with a maiden voyage from Spitsbergen to Nova Zembla in the spring of 2012. The project involves raising the superstructure and a wide range of other exterior and interior work, an ideal combination for a yard that has long specialised in the construction, repair and maintenance of commercial vessels as well as luxury superyachts. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133818/image/large-f4ec3f7499e3fdc938725a76cd28964d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133818">The story of Lars actually started way back in 1995, when she was conceived as the ultimate tug boat by an owner who also wanted to use her for pleasure sailing. The original design was by Dutch naval architect Herman Jansen and the Dutch yard Made started building the vessel to Bureau Veritas and Norwegian ice class. Lars therefore has a rib every 20 centimetres in the forward part of the vessel plus a hull made of 40 tons of stainless steel. The corners of the superstructure have also been finished in stainless steel, minimising the chance of any wear. Unfortunately, the boat was never completed and the yacht was recently sold to a new owner who commissioned Balk to finish the work and much more besides. All the towing equipment is now being removed and an extensive amount of stripping will be required before the new parts of the yacht can be added. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133819/image/large-5c4247454ff653201c6db16968328454.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133819"> Working in partnership with designer Felix Buytendijk, Lars’ entire superstructure will be raised and restyled to give it more of a ‘yacht’ feel, especially on the foreword section where the additional shaping will also create the extra space required for air-conditioning and the like. The flybridge will be made more complete, the bridge deck superstructure lengthened to include a lounge area, and a new swimming platform is to be integrated into the traditional canoe stern. Other highlights of the ‘new’ Lars, which is due to be ready by the end of 2011, will be a sun deck area and an observation helm from which the yacht can also be sailed. The interior will be finished to a superyacht standard, with a masculine sporty style. Wooden floors will be laid throughout as part of a no-nonsense approach designed to keep maintenance to a minimum. Lars will certainly offer a pleasant environment for the eight guests to reside on long journeys, with a lounge and fitness room on the bridge deck, a comfortable saloon and dining area on the main deck, an owner’s stateroom and three suites. There is also dedicated accommodation for up to five crew members including a captain’s cabin strategically placed adjacent to the wheelhouse. The main deck aft will store two large tenders and there is a great deal of storage and refrigeration to allow for long voyages. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133820/image/large-b14dfd7e04a373467f9865fb16516bcb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133392">A testament to traditional Dutch craftsmanship and power, the new superyacht will have a single 1500hp Caterpillar engine giving a range of 3,500 nautical miles with a cruising speed of 10 knots. Lars also has two eight-cylinder Caterpillar generators plus a six-cylinder 160 KW Gardner that can activate a stern schottel thruster in case of engine failure. They are all form part of a high-end equipment portfolio that will ensure this expedition yacht can tackle the harshest conditions. Balk Shipyard +31 (0)527 681 741 <a href="mailto:info@balkshipyard.com?subject=Balk%20Shipyard%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@balkshipyard.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.balkshipyard.nl">www.balkshipyard.nl</a> Felix Buytendijk Yacht Design +31 (0)344 68 25 96 <a href="mailto:info@fbyachtdesign.nl?subject=Felix%20Buytendijk%20Yacht%20Design%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@fbyachtdesign.nl</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fbyachtdesign.nl">www.fbyachtdesign.nl</a>

Balk starts reconstruction of unique explorer superyacht

Balk Shipyard has announced a contract for a 36.40 metre explorer superyacht due for delivery in 2012. The motor yacht will be designed by Felix Buytendijk Yacht Design. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/133392/image/large-d1a808de982f188a333186a7303c5925.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/133392">Designed to have a range of 3500 nautical miles, the vessel is ice-classed and has accommodation for eight guests and a crew of five. Her maiden voyage, from Spitsbergen to Nova Zembla, will commence in the spring of 2012. Balk Shipyard +31 (0)527 681 741 <a href="mailto:info@balkshipyard.com?subject=Balk%20Shipyard%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@balkshipyard.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.balkshipyard.nl">www.balkshipyard.nl</a> Felix Buytendijk Yacht Design +31 (0)344 68 25 96 <a href="mailto:info@fbyachtdesign.nl?subject=Felix%20Buytendijk%20Yacht%20Design%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@fbyachtdesign.nl</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fbyachtdesign.nl">www.fbyachtdesign.nl</a> By Merijn de Waard