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.
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
Topaz and Kealoha at the Superyacht Cup Palma
24 June 2019
The Superyacht Cup Palma featured some great racing in three classes. Two yachts designed by our office took part, the J Class yacht J8 in Class B and the Truly Classic 90 Kealoha in Class C.
TC 128-3 Vijonara wins World Superyacht Award 2019
18 May 2019
The team at Hoek Design is very happy and proud that Vijonara has been crowned best sailing yacht at the World Superyacht Awards 2019.
Eagle 38 at Palma SuperYacht Show
27 April 2019
Launch of MY Stargazer
15 April 2019
The 23-metre Chase Boat MY Stargazer was launched last Thursday by Claasen Shipyards in the Netherlands.
Two yachts nominated for Classic Boat Awards
28 January 2019
There are two Hoek Design yachts nominated in the Spirit of Tradition category of this year’s Classic Boat Awards.
Vijonara wins best Exterior Design Award
27 January 2019
Vijonara wins the best exterior award at the Boat International Design awards in Cortina Italy last night. Our team at Hoek Design is very proud that the judges recognise our work in such a very strong field of competitors.
Visit us at BOOT Düsseldorf
16 January 2019
Les Voiles de St Tropez was a success again this year
10 October 2018
The final event of the Mediterranean season, Les Voiles de St Tropez was a success again this year, showing Hoek-designed yachts to their full advantage.
Spectacular J-class racing at the Rolex Super Maxi Class
10 September 2018
The 2018 edition of the Rolex Super Maxi Class was spectacular this year with some close racing. 3 J Class Yachts were participating in the Super Maxi devision sailing under ORC sy.
Vijonara, Marie & Athos at the Monaco Yacht Show
28 August 2018
New Truly Classic 128, Vijonara delivered to owners
15 August 2018
The second yacht in the Truly Classic 128 series has been delivered to knowledgeable clients who customised our design to suit their lifestyle.
Construction 50m Ketch well under way
31 July 2018
Construction work is under way at Vitters Shipyard on a graceful 50 meter classic ketch with hull turning on July 22nd.
Athos and Svea at the Superyacht Cup Palma
25 June 2018
A trio of Wally Nanos race in the Palma Vela
10 May 2018
