24 January 2020
This week the 50 meter modern classic named “Meraki” designed by Hoek Design with interior by Rhodes Young Design and built by Vitters Shipyard is launched.
The design work of Meraki started with the development and optimisation of hull, deck, and interior layout with a focus on performance, reliability, and comfort as the owners plan to sail in remote areas and race. The project began with an extensive research project comparing different hull models, beam length ratios, displacement length ratios and keel designs utilising velocity prediction programmes, computational fluid dynamics analysis and tank testing. The owner is an experienced sailor, committed to the highest standards possible, and engaged in every step of the process. The design team included sailing legend Chris Bouzaid on hull shape and Clay Oliver who oversaw the optimisation of the underwater appendages. The overall structural engineering, naval architecture work and exterior design was done by the Hoek office in close cooperation with this team.
The yacht features sleek lines with reduced freeboard and low deckhouses which allow the helmsman unrivalled visibility over the deck. Meraki’s hull is one of the first of such a large yacht with a slight “tumble home”. The tumble home ensures extra righting moment at the optimum angle of heel and contributes to the overall beauty of the boat. The keel was designed with a large centre board to improve her upwind performance.
The team extensively optimised and tested the sail plan that is unusually versatile with a mizzen jib as well as a mizzen staysail and gennaker. On the main mast a code 0 or gennaker can be set and for racing the cruising Yankee staysail can be changed into a blade or Genoa with the removable inner forestay. She has a vast number of additional staysails, asymmetric spinnakers and a code 0, all manufactured by Doyle. Sailing systems are improved and geared for performance sailing and racing. This rig also offers numerous options for comfortable and reliable blue water cruising.
The deck layout of Meraki features a large centre cockpit with two steering stations and forward of the main deckhouse another cockpit area for quests or crew. This forward cockpit is protected by a sprayhood and provides access to the crew area that is located forward in the yacht. There is an aft owner’s deckhouse and private cockpit connected to the owner’s cabin. This rare three-cockpit layout adds a layer of versatility and design flow.
The interior was done by Dick Young who worked closely with the owner, Hoek Design, and Vitters to optimise the layout and its integration with critical technical components.
The interior of Meraki is unique and completely tailored to the owner’s wishes in a contemporary classic styling of the highest quality of any sailing vessel. Every detail was carefully considered and expertly executed. Meraki represents a new, higher standard for modern classics. She should be equally adept at cruising with family and friends or competing in sailing regattas around the world.
The yacht was built to Lloyd’s LY3 in high tensile aluminium to structural drawings of Hoek Design. The hull was built at Vitters Shipyard to a high level of perfection; the engineering of the technical installations was also done by Vitters. The yacht has a large engine room with full headroom and good accessibility of all systems. A control room and ships office also provide access to the engine room.
All sailing systems are from Harken, where sheets are on captive winches below deck and halyards and runners are on drum winches. Deck hatches are custom made by Vitters Shipyard. Spars are by Southern Spars in high modulus carbon with carbon standing rigging. The booms are all custom designed.
MCM Newport was responsible for the owner’s representation and supervision of the build. Vitters, Hoek Design, Rhoades Young Design, and MCM are immensely proud of Meraki, the latest in a long line of prior collaborations of these firms.
Press Release: TC 128-5 Linnea Aurora launched
8 August 2024
The latest Hoek-designed Truly Classic 128 was launched recently by her builders SES Yachts in Istanbul, Turkey
The Superyacht Cup in Palma was a great success for the Hoek Design team
23 June 2024
Hoek Design excelled at the Superyacht Cup in Palma, with Svea and Vijonara winning their classes.
Press Release Hoek Design / SES Yachts
1 April 2024
We’re pleased to announce the launch of this great looking motor yacht, the 33m classically styled Far Niente.
Athos wins ISS Design award
1 November 2023
We're delighted to announce that Athos has been honored with the "Best Refit" Award at the "International Superyacht Society Awards of Distinction" in 2023.
Hoek Design is nominated as finalist for the ISS Design Awards in Ft Lauderdale
25 October 2023
We are very excited that three of our designs are nominated as finalist for the ISS Design Awards in Ft Lauderdale
Press Release 45m Hoek Design Superyacht
12 October 2023
Project YN 256: 45m Hoek Design superyacht sold and in-build at Royal Hakvoort Shipyard
Press Release Hoek/Vitters New 222ft Ketch
12 October 2023
Hoek Design and Vitters Shipyard sign contract for new 222ft ketch
Athos wins World Superyacht Award
24 May 2023
The Hoek Design team is very proud to announce that the 208ft schooner ‘Athos’ did win the prestigious “Best Refitted Sailing Yacht” Award
World Superyacht Awards 2023
12 May 2023
Boat International has announced the Finalists for the World Superyacht Awards 2023.
The Hoek Design yachts performed great in the St. Barth Bucket Regatta
22 March 2023
The St. Barth Bucket ended on a high for the Hoek Design yachts
BLUE II wins BI World Superyacht Award
7 September 2021
Last weekend the expedition motoryacht Blue II won the Boat International ‘World Superyacht Award’ for Motor Yachts between 500 and 1000 GT with an almost unanimous vote by the judges.
Three Hoek Designed yachts finalist in Boat International Design Awards
26 February 2021
We at Hoek Design are very honoured and proud to let you know that three of our latest launches have been selected as finalists.
TC128-4 Halekai launched
7 August 2020
76 ft modern ketch Iltchi launched
5 June 2020
The exiting new 76' ketch 'Iltchi' was launched this week.
News update Spring 2020
19 May 2020
Read our latest news update here: https://mailchi.mp/hoekdesign/expedition-yacht-blue-ii-launched
56 meter expedition yacht Blue II launched
17 May 2020
The 184 ft Classic expedition motor yacht 'Blue II’ was launched this week
Sultana and Mazu at Spetses Regatta
2 July 2019
