Not every yacht begins its life on a drawing board. Scintilla Maris, a 45.6-meter former fishing trawler with over three decades of seafaring experience, has undergone a remarkable transformation. A four-year conversion project, spearheaded by Vripack for interior design, has turned this vessel from a single-prop fishing trawler into a versatile and capable explorer yacht.
The owner's vision for Scintilla Maris was ambitious yet clear: to craft a home away from home with a hull capable of voyaging anywhere, combined with seaworthiness, and a Vripack-designed interior that prioritizes light, space, and comfort.
Completed in 2023 at Damen Maaskant shipyard in the Netherlands, the conversion project saw the vessel's original 570GT reduced to below the 500GT threshold. The hull, now painted blue, underwent extensive refurbishment, while the entire interior was stripped and rebuilt using high-pressure laminate (HPL) for a contemporary loft-like aesthetic.
A key aspect of the interior design brief was maximizing natural light in all guest areas, achieved through strategically placed portholes and skylights. The full-beam owner's suite, located amidships, features a skylight converted from the original fish hold hatch – a unique design element that sets Scintilla Maris apart.
Accommodating up to 10 guests in five double staterooms, each with an ensuite, the yacht also offers space for a crew of nine, complete with a separate galley and mess area. To comply with stringent emission regulations and reduce its carbon footprint, a new hybrid-electric propulsion system and harbor generator were installed, minimizing noise and vibration.
“The owner had a clear idea on how he wants to use the boat, and we incorporated that into the interior styling,” says Marnix Hoekstra, co-creative director at Vripack. “He requested a functional aesthetic that feels both classy and utilitarian without being overly opulent. He liked our studio’s approach to the project, underpinned by our experience designing commercial vessels.”
Set for an ambitious maiden voyage in 2024, Scintilla Maris will journey through Norway, Iceland, and Greenland, embodying the spirit of adventure and exploration.
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.
Credits: Vripack