Superyacht buyers seeking a boat truly suited to rugged explorations may be intrigued by a conversion project available for sale. She’s referred to as “Vard 1 – 08 Kilkea,” and she’s intended to cruise weeks at a time away from shore.
“Vard” is the shipyard where the partially built 268-footer (81.7-meter) is currently lying. Vard specializes in offshore and specialized commercial vessels constructed at a variety of locations primarily in Norway. (On an interesting side note, it’s owned by Fincantieri.) All are engineered for operations offshore in challenging conditions. As for Vard 1 – 08 Kilkea, she’s intended for 36 guests to seek adventures in cold and warm climes alike. Vard, which is additionally responsible for naval architecture, and Edmiston, which has her for sale for $62 million, say she’s capable of a month’s exploration at sea, remaining self-reliant the entire time. Cruising speed should be 12 knots.
In styling Vard 1 – 08 Kilkea, Bannenberg & Rowell Design are keeping true to her commercial heritage. Indeed, outside of a traditional white paint job, she bears striking resemblance to her sisters. Of course, being intended as a yacht, that’s where the similar features end. Note the abundant floor-to-ceiling glass amidships and aft. The glass additionally wraps fully around the aft decks. Note, too, the possibility of a pool on her expansive open deck in the rendering above. The 59 feet (18 meters) of beam provides abundant space for sun loungers. There’s further the possibility of a heli hanger, beneath the elevated helipad just aft.
Inside, the famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton would surely be impressed by today’s creature comforts. Staterooms, saloons, formal and informal dining areas… these and more are yours to arrange. And on yet one more interesting side note, “Kilkea” in Vard 1 – 08 Kilkea references where Sir Shackleton was born.
For more information about Vard 1 – 08 Kilkea, fill out our contact form, and we’ll put you in direct touch with Edmiston.
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