12 October 2023
Hoek Design and Vitters Shipyard sign contract for new 222ft ketch
Hoek Design Naval Architects and Vitters Shipyard in the Netherlands have signed a contract to build a 68m (222ft) aluminium ketch, a move which sees the two companies collaborating for the eighth time on a major superyacht project.
The new yacht, which is scheduled for delivery in 2026, is an evolution of the highly successful 180ft/54.6m Adele (2005), the similarly-sized Marie (2010), the 175ft/53.3m Anne (2009) and the 164ft/50m ketch Meraki (2020), all of which were designed by Hoek and built by Vitters. They feature the long overhangs, classic looks and traditional finish for which Hoek’s design team has become renowned.
Andre Hoek explained that the commission is for a highly experienced repeat client who wants a yacht with an increased number of guest cabins and the capability to transit the Panama Canal. “The ketch rig provides the so-called Panamax mast height to allow the yacht to clear the Bridge of The Americas at the southern end of the waterway,” said Andre Hoek.
Hoek Design Naval Architects will be responsible for naval architecture, exterior and interior design and styling, while American designer Bunny Williams has been contracted for the extensive interior décoration. Van Ineveld & Co, who worked with Hoek and Vitters on the J Class Svea, will be the owner’s representative.
Andre Hoek said that computational fluid dynamic (CFD) testing and velocity prediction programmes (VPP) developed in-house have been used extensively to optimise hull shape and appendages. The yacht’s fixed keel features a trim tab on the fin to reduce leeway and improve balance with the ketch rig and she is designed with a single rudder with mechanical steering which provides the helmsman with the ‘feel’ required to help sail the boat to her optimum performance.
Bas Peute, Vitters Shipyard’s Sales and Marketing Manager, said that the yacht’s aluminium hull and deck will be fabricated in-house at their Zwartsluis premises with the keel due to be laid in April 2024. He emphasised the value of the same team coming together to build the new ketch. “This is the eighth project we have worked on together with the Hoek Design team and it’s also great to be working with Van Ineveld & Co, the owner’s representative, who is familiar with both Andre’s team and the build team at Vitters,” said Bas.
Key design features include three deck houses with the owner and guest accommodation aft and the crew forward. A large, central guest cockpit will be the focal point of the deck layout and all the deck houses will be clad in wood.
Southern Spars will supply the rig package and North sails will provide the extensive sail wardrobe.
The new yacht will be equipped with a low emissions diesel electric propulsion and charging system. A permanent magnet electric motor will provide charging for the battery bank and propulsion when leaving a harbour or anchorage. This also enables the yacht to be run for a considerable ‘silent’ period with all systems working off her battery bank.
Both Vitters Shipyard (Stand JS2) and Hoek Design Naval Architects (Stand LC6) will be exhibiting at the upcoming Monaco Yacht Show (27-20 September) where further details of the new ketch will be available.
For more information contact: Andre Hoek a.hoek@hoekdesign.com and Bas Peute bpeute@vitters.com
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
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
50-metre classic ketch Meraki launched
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.
Sultana and Mazu at Spetses Regatta
2 July 2019
