An oriental residence
In collaboration with the famous shipyard Nobiskrug, the Dutch design studio Vripack presents a new hybrid concept 56 m long and 9.20 m wide. The idea is to break the mould of classic yacht design. On board, 10 guests will be able to take their seats and 9 crew members.
It is by thinking of a young owner from the Middle East or Asia that this superyacht and its unconventional style was developed. With its rounded superstructure at the front, its huge side cuts, also rounded and glazed, or its fully open cockpit and upper terrace and contemporary design, the designers tried to recreate the fluid layout of a high-end residence found in Hong Kong or Dubai.
With the 53M Concept, Nobiskrug offers an entry-level model for owners attracted by the builder, but unable to buy a 140 m superyacht.
Large spaces and glass everywhere
When you arrive on board, you will immediately notice the rigid mesh roof, also in the form of a rigid bimini over the entire bow. The impressive glazing on the sides and rear of the superstructure invites visitors to enter.
The tender garage, usually located at the stern, has been moved into the bow, with unfoldable bulwarks to facilitate launching. This provides direct access from the stern to four double cabins of the same size on one side and an open-air sports hall on the other. A long asymmetrical corridor separates the different living spaces.
Large quantities of decorative and structural glass are omnipresent, more specifically in the owner's cabin and through the huge glass balustrade that extends along the entire length of the yacht.
"It's a project that puts glass at the center of design, optimizing all the capabilities it brings." explains Joost Mertens, designer at Vripack. " All the walls of the superstructure are made of glass, there is no metal at all. The design is not subject to any traditional design rules." he adds.
An innovative propulsion system
According to Vripack, the hybrid yacht has a technically innovative propulsion system developed specifically for this concept. Designed to adapt to the new layout, and focusing on comfort and safety on board, Vripack challenged its subcontractors to produce an advanced engine that optimizes the owner's lifestyle. But so far, no information has been filtered on the type of propulsion. Only the relatively low speed - 11 to 14 knots - suggests a low engine speed.
"To date, yachts of this type are very high because large electric motors force the construction to be extended. On this yacht, we want to maintain a "human" size. Thus, the engines are similar to "pancakes", flat and wide. We encourage innovation in all areas, said Hoekstra.
