Simply Abu Dhabi XXXVI

Vripack - Marnix J. Hoekstra & Bart M. Bouwhuis - Creative Directors The entire design of the SF55 is pulled together by the sprawling beach club whereby semi-transparent sides create a wind-protected area, and a direct connection to the water heightens the onboard experience. Further forward, windows provide uninterrupted sight lines, and an inside/outside connection from the gym. With the transformer located aft it provides the perfect space for entering and exiting the sea, relaxing out of the wind and enjoying the close proximity to the water’s edge. Serving as both project manager and owner’s representative throughout the build, SF Yachts was responsible for bringing all parties together and ensuring that the exacting owner’s brief was delivered in all areas. “Since meeting the owner over a year ago, he and I have established a great friendship,” says SF Yachts’ CEOFrancesco Pitea. “Throughout the year we discussed his desire to build a customised yacht that feels modern, fresh and most importantly like a home, and by that he means comfort, space, luxury, privacy and stability at sea. And that is exactly what 55-metre yacht AlWaab II is. The amount of outdoor space and the simplicity of the layout makes a big difference to the owner’s enjoyment of his yacht.” Vripack’s naval architectural expertise comes to the fore with the successful limitation of structural elements in the design – including the removal of window posts and fixed joinery – to allow unobstructed views of the sea. Glass plays a central role, with glass bulwarks all around and expansive windows stretching from floor to ceiling. And intimate family areas, including a drop-down bulwark in the dining area, are paired with an almost endless owner’s aft deck, and an optimised hull for comfort at sea. Rather significantly, due to the yacht’s main dimensions, the comfort rating has been increased by 40% compared to other 500GT vessels, ensuring excellent seaworthiness and greatly reducing sea sickness. In addition, the optimised hull makes the yacht highly efficient, using around 35% less fuel than other 500GT vessels when travelling at the same speeds, and as a result increasing her range. A Bahamas-ready