How does a superyacht grow 23 feet (7 meters)? By removing 33 feet (10 meters) and adding 56 feet (17 meters). No, it’s not a trick question. It’s the way that Damen Yachting extended the yacht Albatross on behalf of her owners during the course of an extensive refit and reimagination of spaces.
Selling to her current owners in 2022, the yacht Albatross initially saw delivery from Delta Marine in 2016 (below). With an LOA of 237 feet (72.2 meters), she further became one of the American builder’s largest based on volume, at 2,066 gross tons. Even with these impressive figures, the current owners believed more could come from their new purchase. In fact, they believed a refit was more prudent than commissioning a completely new build. Volume is higher, specifically 2,149 gross tons, following the extension at Damen Yachting.
It may seem surprising to extend a yacht with the method that Damen Yachting employed. However, “stretching” a superyacht—a commonly used phrase—isn’t just a matter of adding further length aft. Especially for stability, a shipyard must cut the yacht in two, then add a new section whose hull shape and upper structures meet the engineering needs. Even that isn’t as simple as it seems. According to Damen Yachting, the new exhaust systems were much heavier, so they additionally required lifting. This was with other systems requiring re-engineering, too.
Besides having more space, the owners wanted a new look outside and inside. With Harrison Eidsgaard, they got both. Styling-wise, “you can still see hints of her original DNA,”’ notes Michel Coens, Damen Yachting’s head of Refit & Services. Among the changes for the yacht Albatross, the design studio added a beach club with a wellness area. Furthermore, the studio added a winter garden, created larger alfresco social spots, and added a big pool.
“It has been an incredible journey undertaking the refit of Albatross in collaboration with everyone involved,” Coens says. “Her transformation is stunning.”
Albatross is undergoing sea trials soon and will be in her owners’ hands in time for the summer season. “The owners are passionate about boating and are eagerly awaiting the boat’s return,” says her captain, Nathan Milicich.
Damen Yachting damenyachting.com
Harrison Eidsgaard he.design
More About the Yacht Albatross
LOA: 259’8” (79.2 meters)
Beam: 42’7” (13 meters)
Draft: 12’6” (3.8 meters)
Guests: 12 n 6 staterooms
Engines: 2/2,575-hp Caterpillars
Range: 7,400 nautical miles at 10 knots
Builder: Delta Marine
Stylist: Espen Øino International (original); Harrison Eidsgaard (refit)
Naval Architect: Delta Marine (original), Damen Yachting (refit)
Interior Design: Zuretti (original), Harrison Eidsgaard (refit)
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