Strand Craft, the retro-runabout-turned-megayacht maker, has tapped Ned Ship Group as its build partner for its megayacht models.
Last January we gave you a sneak preview of the Strand Craft 166, which joined the Strand Craft 122 in its concept lineup. Both are from the drawing boards of Eduard Gray, the head of industrial-product design firm Gray Design. His design briefs call for extremely sleek and low-slung profiles inspired by luxury sports cars. There are even wheel-well-like “haunches” aft on each side. Further tied to the automotive idea, each Strand Craft will come with a custom car, or “supercar tender,” as Strand Craft and Gray Design call it, plus be capable of sporty 55-knot speeds.
Now, the speed dictates a lightweight build, and the styling elements are too challenging to be made of metal. Therefore, Strand Craft and Gray Design believed that they needed a builder experienced with carbon fiber and composites. That’s why they selected Ned Ship Group. The Turkish yard has built more than 300 motor- and sailing yachts during the past 25 years. It also partners with other firms in need of yacht-construction facilities, on a partnership basis similar to the new Strand Craft relationship.
The Strand Craft 122 and 166 will meet RINA classification and MCA requirements. Though no contracts have been signed yet, the first owners will receive what Ned Ship Group calls “a special welcome package.” Asked to elaborate, Egon Faiss, Ned Ship Group’s marketing director, says the yard has an agreement with a prominent global company. However, the yard is are only permitted to reveal the company’s name directly to the clients when they sign contracts.
When they do, they’ll benefit from some interesting yacht features. The flying bridge and mast rise up from the sleek coachroof, for example. And if they don’t want the supercar tender, they can instead request a garage capable of housing a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or “normal” tender.
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