Pioneer Yacht News & Events

Putty VI cruising on the North Sea

original

small

medium

large

extra_large

Pioneer yacht cruising off Trogir

Putty VI saloon

Pioneer layout

Pioneer under refit at Balk Shipyard

United States

Pioneer

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/338528/image/large-19ee5acc0012fbfd839eabdb9cbcc4dc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/338528">Earlier this month, the superyachts <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3765" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Symphony101.5m (333'0&quot;)Feadship2015">Symphony</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady Moura104.85m (343'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1990">Lady Moura</a>, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4287" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady Lara91.0m (298'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2015">Lady Lara</a> were spotted docked in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2818" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Port Tarraco (Company)">Port Tarraco</a>, Tarragona, Spain. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3765" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Symphony101.5m (333'0&quot;)Feadship2015">Symphony</a>, on the right, is a 101.5-metre yacht and the largest built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>. Delivered in 2015, the 3,463 GT vessel features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tim Heywood Design Ltd. (Company)">Tim Heywood</a> and interiors by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/67" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Zuretti Interior Design (Company)">Zuretti Interior Design</a>. She accommodates up to 36 guests and includes standout features like a glass-bottomed six-metre swimming pool, an open-air cinema, and a Jacuzzi on the sun deck. In the center is <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady Moura104.85m (343'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1990">Lady Moura</a>, a 104.85-metre yacht built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blohm & Voss GmbH (Company)">Blohm &amp; Vos</a>s in 1990, now on her way to Fort Lauderdale. Known for her gold-plated nameplate and lavish interiors by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Luigi Sturchio (Company)">Luigi Sturchio</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady Moura104.85m (343'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1990">Lady Moura</a> has hosted prestigious guests, including George H. W. Bush.&nbsp;On the left is the 91-metre yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4287" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady Lara91.0m (298'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2015">Lady Lara</a>, launched by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> in 2015. Designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/56" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Reymond Langton Design Ltd. (Company)">Reymond Langton</a>, she boasts elegant exterior lines and six-deck interiors with soft cream tones and abundant natural light. Powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> engines, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4287" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady Lara91.0m (298'7&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2015">Lady Lara</a> cruises comfortably at 12 knots and can reach a maximum speed of 17 knots. Behind them is the 46.2-metre motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/138" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pioneer46.2m (151'7&quot;)Palmer Johnson Yachts1996">Pioneer</a>, built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/121" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palmer Johnson Yachts (Company)">Palmer Johnson</a> in 1996.

90m+ superyacht lineup in Tarragona

Earlier this month, the superyachts Lady Lara, Symphony and Lady Lara were spotted docked in Port Tarraco, Tarragona, Spain.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/166010/image/large-0c7609f64d7c774949cc9806675aaa10.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/166010">

 

The expedition superyacht Pioneer arriving in St John’s Harbour

Seen here cruising through the Narrows into St John’s Harbour in Newfoundland, Canada over the past weekend is the refitted 46.2-metre motor yacht Pioneer. Known before as Dione Sky, the yacht changed hands in 2015 and shortly after completed a refit at Balk Shipyard in the Netherlands that saw her looking as good as new. She was built as Turmoil in 1996 by Palmer Johnson to a design by Vripack, who also developed her naval architecture.

Photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/pfotonut/page2" target="_blank">wespfoto</a>

The expedition superyacht Pioneer arriving in St John’s Harbour

Dutch shipyard Balk have reported on a busy period for their refit sector, having just completed the refit of the 46.20 metre Pioneer (ex. Dione Sky). The yacht recently changed hands, and her new owner decided on a new name for the yacht while being refitted at the yard. Pioneer is now getting ready to cross the Atlantic where she will be cruising the winter season in the Caribbean.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157319/image/large-9736a07f6d4fe81c5eecf95baf8e96bc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157319">Another exciting development is the welcoming of the 44.9 metre Abeking &amp; Rasmussen Bravado into Balk’s main shed yesterday. She is currently at the yard to receive a complete interior and exterior makeover. More details on the project will follow soon.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157320/image/large-efbae9402bd2896f3f94f8b4d43246af.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157320">In addition to this, the yard has their hands full with other refit projects, some of which are scheduled to continue until June, ready for the 2016 summer cruising season.Read our in depth report on Balk shipyards <a href="#managed-by-application" target="_blank" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/44936">here</a>.By Charl van Rooy

Busy winter period ahead for Balk shipyard  

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156779/image/large-b667f12cfb0afb60b8c76a4b15a982c6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156779">Superyacht Turmoil in Belfast Built by the Danish Royal Denship yard in 2006, here is the 63.84 metre explorer superyacht Turmoil moored in the Titanic Quarter in Belfast. The owner that commissioned Turmoil was an experienced yachtsman, and was inspired by his previous yacht, the smaller 46.20 metre aluminium Turmoil - now named Dione Sky - built by Palmer Johnson in 1996. She is a self sufficient world explorer, and is the largest Royal Denship explorer vessel built to date.On board she accommodates up to 12 guests as well as a crew of 13. Of her many notable features is a helicopter deck as well as the ability to carry three large tenders on board, including one of up to 40’ and two more of 25’. In regards to her performance, she is powered by twin CAT engines of 2,260 hp each, providing her with a top speed of 16 knots, a cruising speed of 14.5 knots and a range of 6,500 nm. Since this photo was taken earlier this month, Turmoil has made her way back to the Mediterranean where she is now docked in Barcelona.By Gemma Fottles, photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/iwroteforluck/" target="_blank">Nigel Clegg </a>

The 63.84m explorer superyacht Turmoil in Belfast 

Dione Sky is a 46m superyacht launched by Palmer Johnson and built to a Dutch Vripack design. Her present owner has expanded on this yacht’s impressive history of expedition cruising.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/148274/image/large-ef1de6af86d0c7a30bdc917afeeb5a2a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/148274">She has an excellent standard of engineering and aluminium construction, and is quiet and vibration free. Her very generous fuel capacity allows for extended cruising with a range of more than 7,000 miles, allowing freedom from enforced bunkering. Dione Sky comfortably accommodates 10 guests in total with spacious en-suite cabins for nine crew.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/148275/image/large-882d0c8122af693fce4aadbc4294e8bf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/148275">She has been meticulously maintained with regular refits and an ongoing maintenance programme and upgrades by private yacht owners.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/148276/image/large-f5a070f096436888d5e515029b7bbf52.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/148276">Dione Sky is available to view at the Palma Superyacht Show 30th April to 4th May 2014 and is offered for sale from Yacht Connections at $17,500,000 (USD).By Gemma Fottles

Live from Palma: Superyacht explorer Dione Sky

The Netherlands are well known for building high quality superyachts, but since last year we also have a specialized superyacht refit shipyard, Balk Shipyard in Urk. Although already established back in 1786 (!), it wasn’t until they moved from Elburg to Urk before they were noticed within the superyacht industry. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/126080/image/large-7f4b129db10dad8716da72257b6b4879.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/126080"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/126081/image/large-e8cb97f2c02351de8f166412de07e9ff.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/126081">This can of course be explained by the fact that Elburg is not easily accessible for superyachts, but as Daan Balk explains they have worked on some large yachts there in the past as well. “In Elburg we did a lot of work for the Dutch government, but we also had many yachts there like the 29m Viking Legacy, the recently restored Blue Bird and the Van Dam Nordia Cornelia to name a few”. It was Daan Balk who assisted the Dutch owner of <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2248">Blue Bird</a> when selling the yacht to her present owners. They opted to do the refit of Blue Bird at Balk Shipyard, however this was premature, as they had just unveiled their plans to move Elburg to Urk and couldn’t cope with such a restoration at this stage. However things changed rapidly. Although the shipyard was officially opened in September 2007, they had already completed two successful superyacht projects in Urk. The first project being <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1356">Berzinc</a>. Berzinc was purchased by her owner as a wreck in 2004 and soon after, she was towed to The Netherlands were she was completely stripped and work started from scratch. Her length was increased by a few meters and after all the exterior and engineering work was done at Balk, the yacht left to Turkey for completion of the interior. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/126082/image/large-347c64f5e70a7d61449963ca62a64b6a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/126082"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/126083/image/large-72928a61ae8095669640cc41fb0c2a01.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/126083">Their second large project was the refit of the 46m <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/138">Putty VI</a>. Initiated by Vripack Brokers, Balk Shipyard was responsible for the refit and re-launched her in July 2007. Work included the complete rebuild of the sun deck and the owner’s quarters, as well as the installation of a new air-conditioning system. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/126084/image/large-e1fc5c7713ba034ef18427bd63b6002d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/126084">Currently occupying the large refit shed is the 50m Amels <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/546">Tzarina</a>. To date she is the largest project for Balk. “Work on Tzarina started in June 2006 and since the start, work has already tripled than originally planned” says Daan Balk. “Her new spectacular interior is designed by Ken Freivokh and will make an impact when finished”. Other notable yachts which visited Balk over the years are <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1512">Grace</a> (a complete new clipper stern was built), <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/701">Anakena</a>, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/137">Dardanella</a>, Viking Legacy, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1521">African Queen</a>, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1813">Thalia</a> and many others. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/126085/image/large-3cdcf5e88768148d1d69c348f6a276ca.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/126085">The first projects for this winter are already in place. First to arrive is <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1431">Cornelia</a>, who will be back for some maintenance work and the “small” Feadship Lucia will arrive for a major refit. Besides doing refit work on superyachts, Balk also works on new yacht construction projects for other leading shipyards. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/126086/image/large-587311ce44b24edbe3d1dc6992f79a9e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/126086">Balk Shipyard can handle superyachts up to approx 60 meters. Contact Daan Balk for more information: Daan Balk / <a href="mailto:d.balk@balkshipyard.com?subject=Balk%20Shipyard%20-%20Article%20SuperYachtTimes.com">d.balk@balkshipyard.com</a> / +31 (0)527 681741 / <a target="_blank" href="http://www.balkshipyard.com">www.balkshipyard.com</a>

Balk Shipyard – The superyacht refit specialist from Holland

Following an extensive refit and re-decoration, Vripack managed to sell Putty VI (ex Turmoil) for the second time in 3 years. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/126061/image/large-9e7a08f1634264834568db3c450e22e8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/126061">She was sold to a very experienced American yachtsman who will travel around the globe for the years to come. Furthermore the brokerage of Vripack announce their appointment as central agents for the 122' Research Vessel Yacht Axantha. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/126062/image/large-8fd6313c6d6252b59de0af575d9e7e47.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/126062">A truly magnificent yacht with very low hours and indeed in immaculate condition. Axantha is for sale since the owner has started construction of a much larger version of a Vripack designed Research Vessel Yacht at the JFA Shipyard in France.

Vripack Brokerage sells Putty VI, again

Specialist Dutch refit yard Balk has embarked on two new projects. The 40.28-metre Royal Huisman sailing yacht Anakena will have a comprehensive overhaul of its propulsion system and hydraulics. And the 34-metre motoryacht Cornelia, launched by RMK Marine in Turkey in 2006, will have major work carried out on the interior and lazarette. “The fact that we can simultaneously cater for two such divergent refits shows the wide range of skills available at the yard,” says Managing Director Daan Balk. The powerful centreboard ketch <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/701">Anakena</a> was winner of the 1996 Showboats award for ‘Best Sailing Yacht Over 36 m’ and has given great pleasure to her owners over the last decade. But even the best built vessels eventually need upgrading and no expense is being spared to bring Anakena completely up to date The propeller shaft and propulsion installation will be totally re-engineered and fitted with a highly flexible centre link between shaft and engine. Two gensets will be expanded with a hydraulic pump in line with the crankshaft, which in essence requires a complete change of the hydraulic installation. Everything will be removed from aft in the engine room and fixed to the generators forward. Carbon shafts will also be installed and the engines given new shock mounts. In addition to this complex work, the Balk yard also has a long list of other refit and repair activities, ranging from a dent in the hull to varnishing the interior and renewing the airco units. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/123790/image/large-d464ad5a99409eb7da8a489e9ad77306.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/123790">The work on the De Vries-Lentsch designed <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1431">Cornelia</a> (photo) is a follow-up to activities carried out by Balk during the winter of 2006-2007, which included bring the motoryacht to full Lloyds and MCA classification. Various adjustments will be made to the interior, the layout of the bridge and console will be changed and the air conditioning system requires major adjustments. There will also be a major refit of the lazarette and the launch installation for the tender, plus a range of electrical upgrades. With various other projects in the pipeline, the Balk yard – which opened major new facilities in the Dutch harbour town of Urk in June 2007 – has established itself as one of the world’s finest refit facilities. Other recent highlights include the rebuild of the 46-metre <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/138">Putty VI</a> – one of the most radical refit projects of recent years. Launched as Turmoil in 1995, this pioneering expedition vessel was transformed by Balk into a luxury cruising yacht of the highest possible standard in just six months in 2007.

Two major new refits at Balk

After sailing all the world’s seas, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/138">Putty VI</a>, one of Vripack’s most famous designs, has recently undergone a complete refit under the professional eye of owner appointed project manager Jim Boot. Initiated by Vripack Brokers, Shipyard Balk in Urk The Netherlands was responsible for the refit and re-launched her on the 12th July 2007. Originally built by Palmer Johnson in 1995, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/138">Putty VI</a> is worldwide recognized as the first ever specifically designed Expedition Super Yacht.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/123035/image/large-6ea0aaf7b74c325e36393f373fa1feeb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/123035"> During the refit, a complete new air-conditioning plant was placed in the engine room, all fan coil units were serviced and modified with mufflers in the fresh air system, new zero speed stabilizers were mounted and the teak decks were completely overhauled and 100% newly caulked. Further the sundeck was completely modified with new bulwarks, a new life raft stowage, teak cap rails and a sun awning. For even more pleasure a sun pad, Jacuzzi, bar with grill, icemaker and a fridge were included. Also the owners quarters, including the bedroom and bathroom, VIP and guest cabins were completely rebuilt. Extra steam showers were added, all areas have been repainted and the ceilings were renewed. To finalize the refit, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/138">Putty VI</a> received a complete paintjob. The modifications mentioned above are just a small handful of the total refit. Definitely the crown on the work is that she is now fully ABS classified. Following the successful refit, Vripack Yacht &amp; Ship Brokers BV has been appointed Central Agent for the sale of <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/138">Putty VI</a>.

Total refit Putty VI (ex-Turmoil) at Shipyard Urk

Scheepswerf Balk, the Urk based refit and repair shipyard, just opened their new premises. Capable to do all kinds of work, they are well underway to become one of the key players on the refit and repair market. Currently the shipyard is working on three superyachts and have finished two other superyachts. Just Finished During our visit to Scheepswerf Balk in June, the 34m <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1431">Cornelia</a> was moored along the shipyard in Balk. By now work has finished on <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1431">Cornelia</a>, which was built by RMK Marine in Turkey to a design of De Vries-Lentsch. Part of the work carried out by Balk was to bring her under full Lloyds and MCA classifications. After leaving the shipyard <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1431">Cornelia</a> set sail to the Baltic where she will spend the summer season. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/122814/image/large-8650200b8ffb7fa53300e22c3b81a972.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/122814">Scheepswerf Balk also just finished the refit of <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1512">Grace</a> (photo below). <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1512">Grace</a> is a classic 40m motoryacht, built in 2003 by Sijperda. Together with her original designer, Jaron Ginton, Balk removed the old bow and replaced it with a schooner styled bow. The rebuilding of her bow increased her overall length to 48.27m (46.34m excluding the bowsprit). <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/122815/image/large-759d9307d89475914f51acd5f2a1dd1b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/122815">Current Projects The 46m Palmer Johnson <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/138">Putty VI</a> (formerly Turmoil) is currently in the new shed of Balk and her refit should be finished soon. Her owner brought her to Urk to be refitted to his personal wishes before taking his new yacht on a summer cruise. <div align="center"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/122816/image/large-f4d9ea8f527969508b255248b1b16c7b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/122816"></div><div align="left">
 The work included complete re-painting of the exterior, rebuilding of the dining room, library, main salon, owner’s stateroom, 2 guest staterooms and pilot cabin. A sundeck with Jacuzzi and barbeque were installed and the air-conditioning, zero speed stabilisers, bilgeboy and shorepower converter have all been replaced. More small replacements and repairs have been undertaken to bring <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/138">Putty VI</a> up to today’s standards and she looks brand new again!
</div>One of the biggest project in the history of Scheepswerf Balk is the refit of the 50m <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/546">Tzarina</a> (photo below). <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/546">Tzarina</a> was build in 1997 by the Amels Shipyard and her new owners appointed Balk to install a new interior on the yacht. The refit should be finished before the summer of 2008. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/122817/image/large-1df56c6e561b24838f288327a2ced450.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/122817"> The latest project for Scheepswerf Balk is the 38m sailing yacht Marflow. Marflow was rebuilt in 2005/2006 and currently under repairs at Balk.

Balk set to become key player in superyacht repair and refit business

<a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1431">Cornelia</a>, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/546">Tzarina</a>, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/138">Putty VI</a>, Nickeline, Judith, Harmonie. Magnificent yachts adorn the standing of an even more magnificent shipyard in the harbour of Urk. On Friday the 8th of June, Balk Shipyard opened the door to a future that will put the company on the global map, if it is not already on there as one of the refit specialists. <div align="center">
<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/122716/image/large-c3104d9e2ea8bfd0b77d635972670f41.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/122716">
The names of the vessels also represent the diversity of the shipyard. From cutter and tugboat to super yacht: Balk shipyard in Urk can handle them all. Three years ago, the Urk fishing yard was taken over by Balk. Elburg no longer was able to offer the space required, and Urk provided a solution. Initially, Balk was to carry out its refitting activities in both Elburg and Urk. Elburg would be home to the maintenance and refitting of smaller pleasure yachts, while Urk would take care of the larger luxurious yachts that come to the yard from all over the world. Soon it emerged this was not the best solution. The construction plans for a new hall in Urk were still being drawn up when it was decided to move the Elburg activities to Urk as well. No need for Elburg to lament this for that matter, because the Balk family is doing everything it can to preserve the historic yard for the former fishing community. The objective is to revive history in the form of a museum yard. 
<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/122717/image/large-3a9b3f883f2a4615313d0e614d92f719.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/122717"> 
</div>In his introduction, director Daan Balk clearly expressed his pride of the performance. ‘The customers showed their trust, despite the fact that we forgot about an appointment or telephone call here and there in all the commotion. But most of all I would like to thank my staff for the trust they have in us, and the fact I can still count on them, every day of the week. Everyone worked extremely hard and if it weren’t for that commitment, this entire yard would not exist. A very beautiful new yard. I think we are now complete and ready for the future. We’re ready to show people that this yard is in the right location with the right team of people.’ <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/122718/image/large-bf3bc8a70f138437b1ec61adcedfe6e8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/122718"> Attention then focused on Jaap Kroon, the mayor of the municipality of Urk. He expressed the importance of a company such as Balk settling on Urk. The mayor said to be proud of the history of this yard, and he is glad that it will be continued. He did not hide his confidence in the fishing industry, but also pointed out the expansion of the economy of Urk. An economy that could see Balk in a leading role. In the old days, shipbuilding on Urk only involved cutters, but it is so much more than that now. Balk will bring the most beautiful yachts from all over the world to Urk. It also shows that Urk has potential. “I therefore sincerely welcome Balk to Urk and congratulate you on behalf of the entire community of Urk. We’re proud of this performance. Family traditions are continued, respecting the town’s history’, said mayor Kroon, who then wished the family success with its business operations, and, with the help of the youngest Balk offspring, opened the door of the new hall, the door to the future. Many of those present later toasted to a flourishing future for the family business, of which Daan Balk represents the sixth generation.

Balk Shipyard opens the door to the future

Vripack Yacht &amp; Ship Brokers proudly announces the sale of the 151’ Palmer Johnson Expedition Yacht <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/138">Turmoil</a> in conjunction with listing broker, Sparkman &amp; Stephens.<a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/138">Turmoil</a> has found an European owner who will bring her across from the US very soon. Vripack is particular pleased with the sale since <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/138">Turmoil</a> became of great importance to the superyacht industry. <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/138">Turmoil</a> is worldwide recognised as the first ever specifically designed Expedition Superyacht. This Vripack design resulted in a broad range of explorer yachts.With having sold <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/138">Turmoil</a>’s ‘little’ sistership, the 121’ Research Vessel Yacht <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/137">Dardanella</a>, among others recently, the year 2006 is again very successful with plenty of central agencies left.