Hoek Design in the Netherlands is leveraging its impressive track record in sailing yachts into an exclusive new proposition in powerboats. André Hoek and his team of specialists have built an outstanding reputation as a pillar of the global nautical industry over 35 years of designing sailing superyachts, including playing a pivotal role in the J-Class revival. This unparalleled experience is now being used to underpin a distinctive, fresh new approach to the motoryacht market.
Following on from the success of its first 50-knot composite powerboat project, the 23-metre Seven, Hoek Design has drawn up several new motoryacht concepts, two of which have been sold and are currently under construction. While very different in terms of form and function, the 56-metre exploration yacht and 23.4-metre chase boat will both offer excellent value retention and performance at sea.
Inspired by its highly successful approach to sailing yachts, Hoek Design’s motoryachts feature a retro style above water combined with a hydro dynamically optimised underwater configuration. This is a smart strategy in a powerboat world where all-too-many vessels tend to differ from each other only in layout, decoration, equipment and quality levels.
“Sailing yacht designers are very focused on hull efficiency compared to powerboat designers,” André Hoek says. “Many motoryacht concepts have often made more powerful simply by fitting bigger engines. But now that questions of environmental sustainability loom so much larger, fuel-efficient hulls are becoming of greater importance. Hoek Design has unique experience in this field.”
“Another way in which sailing yacht design has influenced our motoryachts is in terms of overall style,” André Hoek continues. “There has been a major revival in classic styling in sailing yachts, and I expect the motoryacht world to soon follow suit. After all, experience has shown time and again that classically styled boats have a much higher resale value and less depreciation than vessels with a contemporary look. We are convinced that our motoryachts will confirm this tendency.”
The transition from sailing to motor craft has not been a problem for Hoek Design in terms of engineering capacity. “We have a lot of very experienced naval architects in the office with great skill in the structural and technical design of motoryachts. The lead naval architect on our largest current powerboat project, for instance, has worked on many motoryachts in the past. We also have first-rate know-how in terms structural engineering, technical installations and interior & exterior styling – a very broad range of skills to have within a single office. The Hoek Design proposition is truly unique, resting as it does on our classic signature look combined with exceptional technical know-how and first-rate research.”
The first of the exciting new projects is a 56-metre diesel-electric expedition yacht with the project name Lombok, which is currently under construction at Turquoise Yachts. Hoek Design was responsible for all the naval architecture work, exterior styling and design, structural engineering and interior design. Coming in just shy of the 800 GT mark, this substantial yacht has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure in a timeless aesthetic that is guaranteed to keep its appeal in 10 or 20 years’ time.
Her classic styling consists of an elegant pronounced sheer, canoe stern and deep-V icebreaking bow – ice class 1B certification under RINA classification rules will enable her to travel in Arctic and Antarctic waters, with the Northwest Passage expected to be a regular destination. At a cruising speed of 12 knots, Lombok will have a range of 6,500 miles.
This is a boat clearly built for comfort, adventure and absolute freedom in the remotest destinations. Diesel-electric propulsion ensures fuel efficiency, and the placement of the exceptionally powerful large-diameter single propeller reduces the likelihood of ice damage. “Hardly any vessels which ply icy areas have two props,” André Hoek points out. “Yachts have them for redundancy reasons, but experience has taught us that engines are rarely a problem with expedition yachts. Instead, we’ve given her two propulsion generators and two household generators, with the latter capable of running the boat in case of engine failure as a form of redundancy. This setup, combined with her diesel-electric propulsion, is also very fuel-efficient. And Lombok’s oversized fuel tanks facilitate very long-distance journeys.”
Lombok is packed with avant-garde technical components. Hoek Design uses advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) programs in house to extensively optimise her hull shape and ensure the lowest water resistance possible. A cutting-edge stabiliser system by Naiad and the communication domes are concealed within a funnel. Excellent insulation keeps noise levels low. Other features include, underdeck storage for a 12.2-metre tender and a submarine (handled by a retractable crane below deck), large boarding platforms to port and starboard with hydraulically operated retracting ladders, and a hydraulically operated stern boarding ladder.
Designed for a highly experienced client who plans to explore the planet in eco-friendly comfort and style, Lombok has a classic contemporary interior with several skylights and elegant seating arrangements. Her classic teak deck is enhanced by teak-clad aluminium deckhouses and deck furniture. Large doors connect the aft deck with the lower saloon, allowing for a wide-open feel in warmer climes. Lombok has four guest cabins on the lower deck and a VIP suite flanked by a spa on the main deck. The upper deck accommodates the owners’ suite forward and the owners’ office on the bridge deck, linked by a staircase. There are two lounge areas on the upper and main decks.
The second major Hoek Design project is the first build in its new line of classic chase boat designs. The office has done all the naval architecture work, exterior & interior styling, and technical systems for this elegant 23.2-metre aluminium craft, which will be strong, comfortable and very quiet in operation. Big sailing yachts tend to spend a lot of time at anchor, and the main purpose of a chase boat is to provide a gentleman’s transport for owners and guests from shore to mothership and back comfortably, avoiding the indignities of travelling in a rubber dinghy or under the sprayhood of a tender on a rainy day.
However, this unique model will have as many other uses as an inspired yachtsman can imagine. The lightweight aluminium construction, extraordinary dexterity and low draught makes them ideal for day trips to smaller islands, in the Pacific, say, or exploring secluded lagoons and shallow areas in the Caribbean. A large integrated hydraulic platform with stairs that extend down into the water or up to the dock or the mothership means they are perfect as a mobile diving platform. Finally, they are large enough to provide accommodation for extra crew or guests in their several cabins, and fit out with additional storage capacity, including large freezers for very long travels in remote areas.
The first boat in the range is currently under construction at Claasen Shipyards as the 27th Hoek Design project to be built by this renowned Dutch yard. Ordered by an owner of a large Hoek Design sailing yacht which she will accompany, the chase boat is characterised by sophisticated yet straightforward classic styling matching that of the mothership. The finishing, styling, details and technical systems will meet the highest superyacht standards.
Twin 925 Scania engines with fixed propellers will give a maximum speed of 25 knots and a cruising speed of 15, at which she will have an impressive range of 750 nautical miles. The Classic Chase Yacht is available in a range of sizes – for instance, there is another 18-metre boat currently under development.
Hoek Design has several other powerboat designs at various stages of progress. The most advanced model is a concept consisting of a classically styled hull with a modern superstructure. “The idea was to make something timeless but with a contemporary twist,” André Hoek explains. “We think this really stands out among the modern boats you see today.”
So far the model is available in a length of 55 or 70 metres. It provides an exceptional amount of volume for its size, and extensive possibilities for customisation. An original feature which maximises interior space is the placement of the engine room, which runs the full length of the hull underneath the accommodations and yet has full standing headroom throughout.
The 70-metre version currently under development will have four guest cabins on the lower deck, while the galley and two VIP cabins will be located on the main deck. The owners’ cabin on the upper deck will include a his-and-hers bathroom forward and a walk-in closet aft, flanked by a space for use as a deckhouse or an office. The lower deck aft area will consist of a vast space for toys, with plenty of storage for tenders, Jet Skis and any & all other fun equipment the owners could wish for. This area will have lateral opening doors to both port and starboard. There will be a pool on the main deck.
This model will be available in a range of configurations and with many possibilities for customisation. For instance, the lower deck aft area can be turned into a beach club or a spa, and the pool can be given a glass bottom. The broad range of options are a testament to the vision and ingenuity of Hoek Design’s naval architects. “We’re very excited about our new models and happy to bring such an original proposition to the market,” André Hoek affirms. “We’re pleased to see that our clients seem as inspired as we are, and we share their high expectations for the future.”
Heesen Yachts has delivered the 50-meter hybrid superyacht Orion (YN 20750), marking the Dutch shipyard's third delivery this year. The aluminum-hulled vessel completed successful sea trials in the North Sea before handover to its owner.Orion features Heesen's Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) with hybrid propulsion, achieving silent electric cruising at 10 knots. The propulsion system combines two MTU 12V 2000 M61 (IMO III) engines with electric motors, reducing fuel consumption to 45 liters per hour in hybrid mode. The yacht offers a transatlantic range of 3,750 nautical miles at 12 knots (98 liters/hour) and reaches a top speed of 16.3 knots.Ruud vand der Stroom, Heesen CCO"The delivery of Orion is a moment of great pride for everyone at Heesen," said Ruud van der Stroom. "This yacht perfectly encapsulates our DNA: precise Dutch engineering, innovative hybrid technology, and the ability to deliver a high-quality product through dedicated collaboration."Designed by Omega Architects' Frank Laupman, Orion features a vertical bow and extensive glazing. The 499 GT interior by Cristiano Gatto incorporates 37 material varieties including Italian marble and woven leather. Accommodation includes six staterooms for twelve guests, with a main-deck owner's suite and full-beam VIP.Peter van der Zanden, General Manager Design & Development, Engineering and HeesenPeter van der Zanden, Heesen's Head of Engineering, noted: "Our expertise in lightweight aluminum construction, combined with the efficiency of the Fast Displacement Hull Form and hybrid system make ORION exceptional. This synergy reduces environmental impact while enhancing owner experience."Broker Anton Foord of Ocean Intelligence commented: "Orion offers an exceptional experience defined by performance, elegance, and technical innovation." The yacht will be available for Mediterranean charter this summer.Orion represents Heesen's continued focus on sustainable yachting solutions, following previous hybrid deliveries in its 50-meter series. The shipyard currently has five yachts under construction at its Oss facility, with scheduled deliveries through 2026.Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credits: Heesen Yachts
June 6, 2025
The judging process for the 2025 Honours awards has concluded in Amsterdam, with three recipients selected from 238 nominations. The winners will be announced at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) opening ceremony on October 28.Organized by The Superyacht Life Foundation in partnership with Pier 66 and FLIBS, the Honours recognize individuals making significant contributions to sustainability, innovation, and social impact within the superyacht industry. An 18-candidate shortlist was evaluated by a panel including Feadship's Farouk Nefzi, designer Espen Øino, Superyacht Times founder Merijn de Waard, and Royal Huisman's Jeroen Sirag.This year's judging panel included external perspectives from Ink Creative MD Jonny Clark and Untold Stories founder Nicola Chilton, who noted the breadth of industry initiatives beyond typical yachting activities."At its core, Superyacht Life is about celebrating the human stories that define our industry," said Dilan Sarac, Executive Director of The Superyacht Life Foundation. "Our 2025 Honourees embody the very best of what this industry can represent."The selection criteria focused on professional achievements, community engagement, philanthropy, and leadership. The three honourees were chosen unanimously following deliberations at Amsterdam's Royale Industrieele Groote Club.The October ceremony will mark the fourth edition of the awards, which aim to highlight positive contributions extending beyond traditional yachting circles. Previous honourees have been recognized for environmental initiatives, workforce development programs, and technological innovations benefiting broader maritime sectors.Credits: The Superyacht Life Foundation
June 6, 2025
Wally has officially presented its latest high-performance racing yacht, the wallyrocket71, during the 2025 Loro Piana Giraglia regatta. The 21.6-meter maxi yacht was developed through collaboration between Wally's technical team, designer Botin Partners, and owner Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, with construction completed by King Marine shipyard.The wallyrocket71 represents Wally's continued commitment to competitive sailing innovation, featuring advanced design elements including twin rudders, a high-performance bulb keel, and a sophisticated 2.7-ton water ballast system capable of transferring sides in approximately six seconds. With a displacement of 12 tons, the yacht is approximately three tons lighter than comparable Maxi 72 class vessels while maintaining similar sail area and power.Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group, commented: "First and foremost, I want to express my thanks to the owner, Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, whose trust in this ambitious vision from day one made it all possible. With the wallyrocket71, Wally sets sail into an exciting new chapter in competitive yacht racing, launching a vessel designed to be one of the fastest in its class."Initial sea trials conducted in Valencia demonstrated the yacht's performance capabilities, achieving upwind speeds of 10.5-11 knots and matching wind speed downwind. Adolfo Carrau of Botin Partners explained the design approach: "We started from a blank sheet of paper, asking how we could beat the most competitive Maxi 72s on corrected time. When they were designed, it was to a box rule, so many parameters were already set. Now, as everyone is optimizing their boats under IRC rules, there is a lot more freedom."The racing crew, including tactician Vasco Vascotto and strategist Guillermo Parada, reported positive initial impressions of the yacht's handling and performance. Vascotto noted: "After only a few days on the water, I'm really impressed by both the construction quality and performance." Parada added: "The boat's performance is in line with our expectations: it is a complex and high-performing vessel that requires careful handling but is very exciting."The wallyrocket71 will compete in major Mediterranean events including the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo and Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, following its debut at the Loro Piana Giraglia.Wally's racing fleet continues to demonstrate strong performance in the 2025 season, with 15 yachts scheduled to compete across various events. Notable recent results include victories by Wally Cento V at the RORC Nelson's Cup in Antigua and dominant performances by Tilakkhana II at Palmavela. The wallyrocket51, Wally's smaller performance model, has also shown competitive results at the Central and Southern Tyrrhenian ORC National Championship.The remainder of the 2025 racing calendar includes prestigious events such as the Admiral's Cup in Cowes, the Rolex Fastnet Race, and the season-ending Rolex Middle Sea Race in Malta. Wally's growing fleet of performance yachts, ranging from the wallyrocket series to the larger Cento models, continues to establish the brand's position in competitive sailing circles.The wallyrocket71 project represents approximately 18 months of development from initial concept to launch, with the design team focused on creating a versatile yacht capable of strong performance across various wind conditions and course configurations. The yacht's construction at King Marine incorporated advanced composite materials and weight-saving techniques to achieve its target displacement.With the introduction of the wallyrocket71 and continued success of its racing fleet, Wally maintains its commitment to developing high-performance sailing yachts that combine cutting-edge technology with competitive results across international regatta circuits.Credits: Wally
June 6, 2025
Eastwind Yachts has been appointed as the central sales agent for the 114.2-meter expedition yacht Luna, currently available for €270 million. Built by Lloyd Werft in 2010 and refitted in 2015/16, the vessel is undergoing additional refit work before delivery to a new owner.The Newcruise-designed exterior and Donald Starkey interior accommodate 18 guests in 9 suites with a crew of 51. Luna's steel hull and aluminum superstructure provide a 9,500-nautical-mile range at 16.8 knots cruising speed, with a top speed of 22 knots. The diesel-electric propulsion system and ice-class hull enable global exploration in various conditions.Key features include twin helipads, a swimming pool, beach club, full spa with steam room and sauna, cinema, and two tender garages adjacent to a gym. The yacht's stabilization system ensures comfort at sea."Luna represents the pinnacle of expedition yachting with proven global capability," said an Eastwind Yachts representative. The vessel is currently the world's second-largest expedition yacht.Interested parties can contact Eastwind Yachts for viewings and additional specifications.Credits: Eastwind Yachts; Yacht Harbour archive
June 5, 2025
Viken Group, a global marine design firm specializing in cruise ships and superyachts, has appointed Anna Silvesjö as Chief Executive Officer. Silvesjö previously served as Partner and Group Chief Financial Officer of the company, which owns design studios TDoS (Tillberg Design of Sweden), Hot Lab, and Thalia Marine.Silvesjö outlined her strategic priorities for the group: "Viken Group will continue to expand into new market segments while deepening partnerships with clients through our on-brand design philosophy. Our design solutions align with each client's brand identity, culture, and target audience." She emphasized design excellence, commercial performance, and talent retention as key focus areas.Anna SilvesjöA central initiative under Silvesjö's leadership will be the development of Navigator, the group's integrated service platform for maritime projects. "Rooted in decades of experience across cruise ships, expedition yachts, and private yachts, Navigator simplifies the complexity of shipbuilding while ensuring rigorous cost control throughout development and construction," said Fredrik Johansson, Viken Group Co-Founder.The leadership transition occurs as the marine design industry continues to evolve, with Silvesjö representing one of few female executives in the sector. Her appointment reflects the group's emphasis on financial and operational management combined with design expertise.Viken Group's three subsidiaries maintain distinct specializations: TDoS in cruise ship design, Hot Lab in superyacht concepts, and Thalia Marine in naval architecture and engineering. The group currently operates across multiple international markets, serving both new construction and refit projects.No additional executive changes were announced alongside Silvesjö's promotion. The transition takes immediate effect, with Silvesjö assuming full operational responsibility for the group's global activities.Credits: Viken Group
June 5, 2025