Kestrel Superyachts, formed to build semicustom sailing yachts that blend traditional looks with modern performance and entertaining spaces, celebrated the launch of its first yacht this month. Fitting, then, that the sea trials for the Kestrel 106 (32.4 meters) were highlighted by a huge rainbow across the sky, as you can see in the photos here.
Kestrel Superyachts tapped the Aganlar boatyard in Bodrum, Turkey to build the first Kestrel 106, as well as subsequent launches in the series. While Aganlar specializes in wood, it has experience in other materials, too, such as aluminum, which Kestrel Superyachts requested. It’s interesting to note that the Kestrel 106 marks the first all-aluminum yacht built in Bodrum.
The Kestrel 106 bears naval architecture by Ron Holland Design. The experienced design team called for a ketch rig, a fixed keel with a lead-filled bulb, and a flared clipper bow. The latter permits the hull good usable space. (Note that further Kestrel Superyacht designs are open to customization in keel configuration and rig, not just interior layout and decor.) Draft is 9’5” (2.9 feet), and total sail area is about 5,586 square feet (519 square meters). Sail-handling gear is kept clear of the cockpit. It’s not just to devote the space to the owner’s party. Kestrel Superyachts wanted to be especially mindful of novice sailing enthusiasts, and therefore make them feel welcome aboard.
Thanks to the hull configuration, the Kestrel 106 should make all guests aboard welcome. The yacht has four staterooms, two of which are full beam. The owner’s suite is naturally one of them, located aft and a few steps down from the deck saloon. Forward below decks is a full-beam VIP stateroom. Two twin cabins lie between the owner’s suite and VIP.
London-based McWhirter Morris Interior Decoration and Kestrel Superyachts chose light-tone woods for the first launch. Future Kestrel 106s may feature darker woods, even a captain’s cabin in lieu of the VIP stateroom. The design team also arranged the cockpit to serve multiple purposes. Tables and settees slide into a handful of configurations for entertaining large groups or accommodating small ones. Whatever the number of people aboad, they’ll surely appreciate the bimini-shaded cushions aft. The area can be further enclosed when cruising in cooler climates.
Watkins Superyachts is aiding Kestrel Superyachts in marketing the Kestrel 106, as well as future launches. Adrian McCourt, managing director of Watkins Superyachts, has watched the project evolve is delighted with the results. “With first-class experienced project management, the innovative yard has broken a centuries-old mold by building something that is truly international in both compliance and appeal,” he says. “On earlier visits to the yard, I’d always believed in the project, but was bowled over by the quality of the near-finished product when I saw her during sea trials week.”
Speaking of the Kestrel 106 sea trials, recall the rainbow shown above. McCourt says the rainbow, along with the “auspicious appearance of dolphins,” made for an even more memorable testing. In addition, he’s enjoyed “conversations with people from Bodrum, unconnected with the yard, but all aware of the good name this will bring to the region’s yacht builders.”
The Kestrel 106 is for sale for €7.5 million (about $9.8 million). She meets RINA classification and is MCA compliant. To make an inquiry, contact Kestrel Superyachts or Watkins Superyachts, or fill out our contact form.
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