Dutch design studio Vripack unveiled its latest project Defender, which was developed for one of Turkish shipyard Alia Yachts’ repeat clients.  



Based on the studio’s iconic Doggersbank platform, the 30m yacht enjoys robust naval architecture features, such as a high flared bow. It boasts the range, reliability and redundancy that comes with Vripack’s proven design, yet pairs that capability with a comfort and configuration that is ideal for family at leisure.

An open plan layout with clear lines of sight defines the elegant design. While the exterior is muscular and military in style with a gray steel hull and bare metallic details, the living space is anything but. The warmth of decked flooring continues across the walls and ceiling encasing guests in a seductive wooden cocoon. LED lights throw soft illumination, with a dramatic exterior strip for contemporary effect.



"Defender is conceived for families to enjoy, with virtually all the exterior and interior space landscaped for their comfort and enjoyment," says Bart Bouwhuis, co-creative director at Vripack. 

A vast main deck facilitates outdoor dining, socializing and lounging for the entire family. On colder days, a cozy indoor salon delivers. The other al fresco dining and two seating areas are found on the flybridge. 



When at anchor, all eyes are on the dramatic stepped swim platform - functional in design, indulgent in use. Sunken steps make ocean access easy. Oversized sun pads invite guests to languish by the water’s edge. Two fold-down terraces – slightly raised to avoid slapping waves – increase the already generous footprint by a combined 3.6m. Here is where guests dive into clear blue waters, make the most of watersports and bask in an abundance of space.

Four guest cabins comprise a full beam master, two singles and a VIP. With just two crew cabins, it’s less about long range globetrotting and more about luxurious recreational boating. 



“As with all Vripack designs, she has the capability for guests to spend longer aboard should they wish, but the onus is on sprawling space to get the most out of frequent short trips,” says Bart Bouwhuis, co-creative director at Vripack. 

"The fact that we are using the Doggersbank platform ensures a short lead time with all the additional benefits that this proven hull brings," comments Göhkan Çelik, president of Alia Yachts. 



 Defender's estimated build time of just two years.

Vripack is a yacht-design studio with a portfolio that represents over 7400 designs, made strong through its extensive naval architecture and engineering experience. From the moment they opened their doors in 1961, Vripack studio’s approach to design has been governed by the playful interaction between form and function.

Alia Yachts was founded in 2008 by Gokhan Çelik and Omer Koray. Located in the port of Antalya on the beautiful Turkish Riviera, Alia Yachts shipyard currently occupies approximately 8,000 sq. m, including three construction halls with their suites of specialist workshops and a dedicated interiors facility. With an additional 16,000 sq. m under development for 2019, Alia Yachts will rank among the top facilities in the region.

Credits: Vripack

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