December 21 saw the keel laying for a new megayacht with Royal Denship, simply referred to as the Royal Denship 137 Expedition.
The steel-hulled Royal Denship 137 Expedition actually measures a little more than 137 feet. She’s 137’8” (42 meters). Styling and naval architecture come from a company likely unfamiliar to many in yachting circles: Kroes & Poortinga. The Dutch design studio does indeed have a yachting background, however, plus commercial-ship experience. It created the build kit for the refit of CaryAli at Balk Shipyard, for example.
For the Royal Denship 137 Expedition’s styling, Kroes & Poortinga says it drew inspiration from bygone-era warships. It also strove to design a megayacht that would look and feel right whether cruising the Scandinavian fjords or far-flung Indonesian islands. Above all, though, Kroes & Poortinga wanted to keep the lines clean and practical. “These vessels again underline that simplicity and architecture in its purest form is often aesthetically more pleasing than simply ‘adding form,’” the team writes.
In the vein of form following function, the Royal Denship 137 Expedition has tenders readily available on deck. A 14’8” (4.5-meter) boat is kept on the sundeck, while the 23-foot (7-meter) primary tender is ready at hand on the aft deck. For pure fun, two PWCs are tucked away in an aft garage. There’s stowage here, too. The foredeck is kept clear for the crew’s use. Though, an observation settee is also present.
Since the owner’s suite makes the most of the 31’6” (9.6-meter) beam, the decks aren’t fully walkaround. They rise up and over the master suite. But, the galley is on the main deck, better for serving the dining area aft and additional dining area on the bridge deck. And, guests will be pleased to find a full-beam VIP suite plus two additional staterooms below decks. Six crewmembers plus the captain are all housed below decks, too. That’s because a gym is abaft the Royal Denship 137 Expedition’s wheelhouse, as is the captain’s office.
Given her expedition purpose, the Royal Denship 137 Expedition promises good range. She should see 4,000 nautical miles at 11 knots upon delivery in 2017. The twin Caterpillar engines should further permit a 14-knot top end.
In related news, a few months ago, Royal Denship merged with a Dutch company, Hartman Marine Group. The latter is a family-run company—now in the hands of the seventh generation, in fact. Founded in 1775, Hartman Marine Group is based in the city of Urk. That same city is where another Royal Denship yacht is currently in build. She’s being kept under wraps for now, set for launch in March.
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