Hakvoort Shipyard’s location in Monnickendam, The Netherlands may surprise some of you. Monnickendam is a charming small city dating to the 14th century, with narrow cobblestone streets. However, the city was a significant port in the country’s history. In fact, Hakvoort Shipyard occupies a ship-building site that saw its first launch in 1780. Hakvoort Shipyard itself dates to 1919 and has been in the Hakvoort family’s hands ever since. While fishing boats were its first projects, megayachts up to 213 feet (65 meters) are now its focus.
Hakvoort Shipyard switched its focus solely to yachts in the 1980s. The first yachts it built are well-known even today. Hakvoort’s first custom yacht came in 1985, the 102-foot (31-meter) Tonga. That yacht, now known as La Reina del Mar, has circumnavigated the world 10 times. In 1986, Lady Alice was launched, a 125-footer (38-meter). She, too, is still actively cruising. Further famous deliveries include Lady Duvera, Lady Marina, Freesia, JeMaSa, Perle Blue, SnowbirD, and, just last year, Apostrophe.
Just as the LOAs of megayachts grew over the years, so, too, did the facilities at Hakvoort Shipyard. It currently has two enclosed construction halls, a metal workshop, and of course docking space. In January 2012, a new slipway was finished. It accommodates megayachts to 207 feet (63 meters). That same year, in springtime, work wrapped up on an extension of the halls. Further expansion will be done for larger projects. Further of note, in 2005, Hakvoort Shipyard created its own joinery department. Called Unlimited Interiors, it’s a few miles away. Unlimited Interiors provides custom interiors for other builders on a subcontractor basis, too.
Among the current projects at Hakvoort Shipyard are a 200-footer (61-meter) due for delivery next year. The photo above shows her under construction last summer. Naval architecture is by Diana Yacht Design, with styling by Sinot Yacht Design. The owner wants a high level of technical accessibility matched with a minimal amount of maintenance. Inside, the megayacht will feature a hamam, massage room, and other indulgence-oriented areas in the beach club. Also under construction is Project Zeus, with design by Rene van der Velden. Project Zeus meaures 207’7” (63.3 meters) and is expected to be delivered in 2017. The hull is in build at a subcontractor’s facility, just started this month. It will be ice-classed. Project Zeus is notable for echoing the famed Streamlining style from the 1930s to 1950s. Streamlining is shaping an object to reduce resistance when it travels through air or water. Curved, tapered shapes typically dominate.
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