A unique new sailing yacht is under construction, to a new design by Hoek Design Naval Architects.
The aluminium-hulled yacht has been developed for a European owner as a long-distance cruising yacht that is easy to handle, fast and comfortable for cruising. A unique new sailing yacht is under construction, to a new design by Hoek Design Naval Architects. The aluminium-hulled yacht has been developed for a European owner as a long-distance cruising yacht that is easy to handle, fast and comfortable for cruising.
The aluminium hull was chosen for its strength-to-weight ratio, but more importantly, for its ability to withstand impact loads in case of collision with floating objects. A ketch rig was chosen for its versatility and ease of sail handling but also for its good downwind sailing characteristics with extra sails like Code 0, A-symmetric spinnakers and mizzen staysails.
Unique though, is the layout of the yacht. Designed around a deckhouse that also incorporates a galley, the chef onboard is a part of the action during sailing and the space feels like the heart of the vessel. This is something that is nearly impossible to find in existing yachts as the owner found out. The main deckhouse has the dining and lounging area, with the galley, and is also directly connected to the large aft cockpit. Down below, the yacht has four double cabins, including an owner’s cabin forward, a guest cabin amidships and two cabins aft. One of the two aft cabins can be used as a crew cabin and that cabin is connected to a bathroom that also connects to the engine room underneath the deckhouse.
Hoek Design is responsible for the exterior styling, interior styling and all naval architecture work. The yacht is extensively optimised for performance but also great emphasis has been placed on the aesthetics of the vessel. Keel centreboard construction was chosen not only to reduce the draft, but also to increase performance; the draft with the board up is 2.5 meters and the draft with the board down is 4.5 meters. This will create a performance upwind that is very close to, if not better than, a fixed keel and gives a reasonable draft with the board up to be able to go into small lagoons and shallow areas.
The interior is modern, using brushed white oak as wall cladding and dark oak floorboards underfoot.
The main dimensions of the yacht are as follows:
LOA: 23,4 m.
Beam: 6 m.
Sail area: 288 m2
