A nearly 65-footer (19.7-meter) as a superyacht tender? Well, not quite. Hull number one of the Vandal 60 Chase is a chase boat for the owners of a 262-foot (80-meter) Feadship. With chase boats becoming progressively popular options for some owners, especially those wanting a rugged platform, Vandal Marine is in ideal position to deliver.
Based in The Netherlands, Vandal Marine is the sister company to Tenderworks, which for two decades has made custom tenders. Notably, the founders of that company were inspired to start Vandal when they couldn’t find a boat that met their own needs. They wanted a rugged yet practical, efficient boat that simultaneously was simple to operate and maintain. In teaming up with designer Espen Øino and naval architect Scott Jutson, they devised a foil-assisted catamaran. As much as catamarans are renowned for fuel consumption, the foil dramatically boosts the benefit. Specifically, it produces lift and reduces drag. Additionally, it boosts speed, softens the ride, and reduces both slamming and spray. Vandal Marine has a few ranges based on this platform, with the Vandal 60 Chase being the latest.
Although chase boats accompany a number of megayachts, most are center consoles, which aren’t purpose-built for this service. The Vandal 60 Chase by contrast is a direct response to demand, further with input from the design studio RWD. “It builds on the brand’s distinctive DNA while allowing us to apply RWD’s design discipline and spatial thinking,” explains Ollie Stacey, the studio’s head of yacht design. “The outcome is a robust, confident vessel—versatile in function, refined in execution.”
Durability and dependability, for instance, stem partly from aluminum construction. The above-mentioned engineering and hull design by Jutson allow spirited performance, too. Top speed is reportedly 40 knots, while cruising comes at a still-swift 30 knots. According to Ben Mennem, one of Vandal Marine’s founders, the intention is to take guests and crew “further and faster in comfort, opening up opportunities to explore areas previously beyond reach.” To that point, range at 30 knots is an impressive 700 nautical miles, with either twin Volvo Penta inboards or quad Mercury outboards. The Volvo Penta package further is available with IPS units or Hamilton waterjets.
Addressing refined looks and flexible function, meanwhile, the Vandal 60 Chase has a semi-custom cabin layout. Although the configuration chosen by the owners of hull number one isn’t specified, cabins are for guests and crew. The open-plan main deck features the dining area and galley near the aft-deck entry, plus the helm station fully forward. Future Vandal 60 Chase buyers can request an enclosed pilothouse. Either way, a central door at the helm leads out to the foredeck, plus an optional bow ramp for beach landings.
Since chase boats are all about fun, naturally flexibility of purpose extends to the alfresco areas. The design and build teams purposely give the model an open aft deck with integrated tracks. This accommodates ever-changing seating and stowage setups, plus creates the open space needed for watersports gear and prep. Finally, modular sunbeds or seating can accompany the flying-bridge helm, and a RIB or other small toy can stow with a crane aft.
With an 18-foot (5.5-meter) beam, the first Vandal 60 Chase boat is delighting her owners. “We’ve found it to be a perfect addition to the fleet, ideal as a long-distance large tender, for a mixture of uses,” the captain says. So far, duties have included entertaining, serving as a watersports platform, and transporting gear.
RWD rwd.co.uk
Vandal Marine vandalmarine.com
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