Dutch yard Moonen’s largest yacht ever built, the Sofia, has undergone an enlargement process – its stern swim platform has been lengthened in order to be able to comprise a submarine, larger than the one which was initially destined to be included.
This is actually a world’s first, as the Sofia is currently the only yacht of this size to host a three-seat submarine. Originally penned down by René van der Velden Design, with architectonics signed Stolk Marimecs, this semi-explorer, long-range motor yacht encompasses a total of three decks. Customized in many ways, the client was deeply involved in the designing and building processes.
The U-boatworx on the other hand can reach depths of around 100 meters, due to begin diving in Malta in a few weeks. At the moment, the launch crane that aids the submarine is being pre-assembled in Netherlands. After undergoing rigorous testing, the crane is going to be installed on the yacht’s swim platform, which is reportedly going to serve as the docking bay of the tenders as well.
The interior of this superb vessel will be bathing guests in brightness and comfort, including an atrium that features a Ceaser Stone-signed custom piece of Concetto art, originating from Israel. A maximum of 10 guests can be accommodated throughout the ship, within a full-beam master cabin on the main deck, two queen-sized cabins and two double or twin guest cabins, on the yacht’s lower deck.
The same lower deck also comprises the seven-spot crew quarters. As the yacht is undergoing maintenance and redesigning, we’re sharing some images that reveal a contemporary style all over the owner’s and guest suites, featuring a generous use of natural materials like rattan, Zebrano and oak, in cohesion with fabric panels.
The vessel is currently being decked with a professional galley on the main deck, adjacent to the dining area and saloon. In addition, the bridge deck will include a gym, aft of the bridge, and an open-air deck lounge. Moreover, the bridge will feature an upgraded dashboard with an integrated foil bridge, designed, built and mounted in collaboration with Tijssen Elektro. A gorgeous spa pool and a bar will be found atop, on the sun deck.
The picture wouldn’t have been complete if the yacht hadn’t included LED lighting and a state of the art entertainment system, with Samsung Smart LED TVs as parts of a full Kaleidoscope video server and multi-room control via iPad (with functions for climate, blinds and lighting control).
In addition to the Sofia, there are two other projects Moonen are currently involved into, the Moonen 82 Alu fast displacement ship and the Moonen 100 explorer. The Sofia, due to be launched during this autumn, is pretty much a top of the range.
[BoatInternational]
