Simply Abu Dhabi XXXIV

1 9 3 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I In addition to two 10m tenders, the main deck houses a range of toys and tenders, and an infinity pool aft. However, with a vast VIP suite adjacent to the main saloon, the option to use the main deck as a self-contained VIP deck elevates the yacht to another level. The master suite overlooks the heli-deck on the upper deck and is itself so huge that the owner can decide whether or not to opt for additional sea terraces. An elevator soars up five flights, linking the engine room deck to the bridge deck with its enormous exterior bathing area. And the entire design is topped off with a palatial sun deck and jacuzzi, the ideal space for a full throttle celebration. According to JenWartena, CEO of ICON, there are key differentiators that stand the Harlingen-based ICON shipyard apart from its competitors. Dutch quality, efficiency, and an open-minded approach are certainly characteristics that define the shipbuilder, but it’s the innovative nose for new and smart solutions that truly resonates. Founded on the success of yachts like Icon, Baton Rouge and Party Girl, ICON has continued to move forward, seeking expansion and pushing the boundaries of capabilities. With the yard operating at full capacity over the last couple of years, including the exterior docks, the decision was made to expand the facilities, and in 2019 a new dock with a floating roof and the ability to be divided into two separate docks was realised. “It’s not a dry dock, but the yachts are out of the wind and rain”, says Wartena, “and at 20m wide, 29m high, and up to 130m in length, it gives us a lot more capacity.” Boasting a long-standing network of subcontractors, ICON focusses on two size ranges: 45m and 47m under 500GT. “Our focus is on this size range,” explains Wartena, “it’s our sweet spot, strengthened by our collaboration with Sunseeker.” Sunseeker had clients that want to build bigger, but their composite materials don’t allow for that and their facilities are not big enough – for us, we were actively looking for clients in that size bracket, so it was the coming together of two companies that could be each other’s solution.