Yacht Ursus Is a Dramatic Rebuild Taking Place in The Netherlands

Refitting a yacht by making one or two structural changes isn’t uncommon. However, completely rebuilding a 79-footer (24-meter) to become a 99-footer (30.36-meter) with only one comparatively small original section is rare. It’s complicated, too. But, it’s what the owners of a yacht wanted when they sent their project to Balk Shipyard two years ago. The yacht Ursus will depart the Dutch yard later this year bearing a hint of resemblance to her former self.

The priorities for the project were improving her seakeeping abilities and accommodations. Mulder Design has been working with the owners to meet those objectives, handling naval architecture, interiors, and exterior styling. According to Bas Mulder of Mulder Design, “Only the middle part of the yacht’s hull remained untouched.” In fact, Balk Shipyard recently attached the new bow and stern sections. It’s also finishing the approximate three-foot (1-meter) extension of the superstructure. This extension affords more space for the saloon and sundeck.

Balk Shipyard is totally rebuilding the yacht Ursus

Even with such dramatic changes, though, “our focus on the exterior was to blend the modifications with the original design characteristics,” Mulder explains. The owners liked the original looks and still wanted the yacht Ursus to convey she’s a compact explorer. Ultimately, Mulder points out, it’s “all to keep a cohered yacht.”

Complementing and completing the explorer ethos, the yacht Ursus is gaining several features. For instance, new wing stations and footings for a tender crane are coming aboard. A variety of system changes and other technical upgrades are occurring, too. Among the creature comforts, the owners are re-imagining the beach club, plus adding a new alfresco cooking area. Since the entire general arrangement is different, the crew’s quarters further benefit.

Underscoring the complexity of this two-year rebuild, the yacht Ursus will depart under an unspecified class notation, having arrived as a non-classed yacht. Specifically, she met CE standards, which govern yachts smaller than 79 feet. Jan Willem Frederikze, a Mulder Design naval architect and project leader, explains that any rebuild comes with difficulties. But, the blend of non-class and class “makes for a hybrid structure, hybrid layout, and hybrid decision-making.”

Evan Kortmann, Balk Shipyard’s CEO, agrees with the challenge assessment, adding, “Mulder Design has beautifully reimagined the vessel.” He additionally praises the “passionate owners,” saying, “they are experienced yachtspeople who want to maximize the enjoyment they get from their vessel.”

“It’ll be hard to believe this is the same yacht,” he concludes.

Balk Shipyard balkshipyard.com

Mulder Design mulderdesign.nl