PHOTO: Facebook/Hoek Design
Claasen Shipyards in The Netherlands has staked a reputation as a sailing-yacht builder. So has its sister company, fellow Dutch builder Vitters Shipyard. This makes it all the more interesting that the two yards collaborated on the build of a motoryacht. Specifically, they collaborated on a sailing-superyacht tender, christened Stargazer. Stargazer, a significant yacht in her own right, just launched last week at Claasen’s facility.
Stargazer is significant in her own right due to her size. She measures 75’5″ (23 meters). She will serve as a chase boat, capable of taking all guests to shore as well as to shallow dive spots. (Draft is 4’9″, or 1.5 meters. A big swim platform that converts into sea steps will assist divers getting in and out of the water.) Even with these duties, though, she has features common to primary yachts. For example, the owner wanted Stargazer to feature three cabins, accommodating either additional guests or crew. The owner also wanted good stowage, complementing that of the mothership. And, the motoryacht needed good range for Pacific voyages. Therefore, Hoek Design Naval Architects, further responsible for her classic styling, engineered her for a reported 900-mile range at 15 knots. Twin 912-hp Scania diesels additionally permit a reported 25-knot max speed.
An all-aluminum yacht, Stargazer represents the first collaboration between Claasen and Vitters. Together, they constructed her and fitted her out with all soft goods and technical systems. Because of her superyacht-specific role, she additionally meets the usual superyacht standards of the two yards. She is not, however, the first collaboration between Hoek Design and Claasen. In fact, the two companies worked together on 26 previous projects. Even with so many joint projects, André Hoek, owner of Hoek Design, asserts that Stargazer is special. He and his team handled naval architecture, structural engineering, styling, and interior design. “This motorboat differs from all other tenders, which definitely makes it a unique project,” he says. He adds that her classic lines suit those of her mothership, too.
Stargazer will see delivery soon. Hoek Design promises plenty of interesting further details as well. Stay tuned.
Claasen Shipyards claasenshipyards.com
Vitters Shipyard vitters.com
Hoek Design hoekdesign.nl
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