Yacht Ursus Launches, “One of the Most Complex Rebuilds We’ve Ever Undertaken”

Featuring a completely altered profile requiring a full gutting and new bow and stern sections, the yacht Ursus lowered into the water on January 10 at Balk Shipyard. A true rebuild versus refit, the project is nearing the end of what her owner envisioned nearly seven years ago.

A dramatic rebuild taking place in The Netherlands over two years, the reimagination started farther back. In fact, the owner acquired the yacht Ursus in 2018, two years after she was delivered by Acico Yachts. A 79-footer (24-meter), she bore shippy appeal. The owner says that the family cruised aboard extensively in the Balearics in the ensuring years. “We liked the quality of the ship and life onboard very much, but there were clear deficits in the performance,” the owner explains. “We therefore decided to extend the ship in 2022 and improve its hydrodynamic properties at the same time.”

The family believed their best course of action was to work with a Dutch yard, so they chose Balk Shipyard. It was crucial to keep the interior’s charm. Similarly, the owner conveyed needs for a beach club, more crew space, and better performance. He even had some preliminary drawings revealing an extension to incorporate all of this, but wanted expert input on the feasibility. Balk Shipyard’s team advised starting from a clean sheet of paper, from which it and Mulder Design created a nearly all-new yacht.

It’s no exaggeration to say all-new yacht, either. According to Bas Mulder of Mulder Design, “Only the middle part of the yacht’s hull remained untouched.” A new bow section provided the desired crew space, while a new stern section afforded the desired beach club. The reconfigured stern provided space for a seating area, too. Importantly, Mulder Design calculated the seakeeping impact of both extensions before the first metal welds took place. (The yacht Ursus has a steel hull and aluminum superstructure.) Additionally, the design studio ensured that the original shippy looks still shone through as much as possible.

yacht Ursus sea trials — PHOTO: Ruben Griffoen

The 18-month rebuild process further involved relocating the tender garage. Besides creating a new crew cabin in the bow, the forward extension gained a seating area and a twin anchoring system. Addressing her performance issues, Balk Shipyard installed diesel-electric pods and azimuthing drives. Although her original Volvo Penta D9 engines remain, a better bow thruster assists maneuvering. Furthermore, the crew benefit from the addition of wing stations, plus a dynamic positioning system.

To cap it all off, the yacht gained FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council) teak, a testament to the wood coming from responsibly managed forests. And, if you’re a Range Rover fan, you’ll recognize the Batumi Gold paint job gracing the yacht Ursus

“This was one of the most complex rebuilds we’ve undertaken,” says Evan Kortmann, Balk Shipyard’s CEO. He credits the craftspeople rising to the challenge, adding, “close cooperation with the owner and his representative was key.” Having a personal relationship meant quicker communication and decision-making, Kortmann explains. The owner agrees that it was a successful relationship. “We are delighted with the result after approximately two years of planning and conversion,” he says.

Sea trials begin soon, ahead of delivery next month.

Balk Shipyard balkshipyard.com

Mulder Design mulderdesign.nl