Royal Huisman, one of the most famous Dutch shipyards of today, has launched the Pumula during 2012, a gorgeous sailing yacht packed with enough exuberance, strength and flexibility to have instantly had us completely baffled.
On its maiden voyage, Pumula went on a summer cruise towards Norway and the Spitsbergen, while having travelled to the Caribbean during the winter. Having travelled 12,000 nautical miles and having undergone temperatures that are opposite on the scale, this yacht is a true wonder of the waves. At the first glance, this seems to look like a classic vessel with all sorts of new, high-end technology all over it, but in fact its way more complicated than that. The sleek silhouette encompasses a huge array of modern amenities, so that the owner and his guests will have the best time ever while onboard.
Measuring in excess of 37 meters from bow to stern, Pumula was penned down by naval design brand Dykstra Naval Architects, while the interiors wear the signature of Rhoades Young. Its undeniably classic exterior houses an array of subtle shapes, sleek lines, teak-clad deckhouses and nicely proportioned cockpits. The main cockpit is lavishly designed around a large al fresco dining table and incorporates refrigerating storage facilities. The helm station is found aft of the principle cockpit.
The interiors are light, classically inspired and airy, with dark oak flooring, white paneling and bleached oak joinery. What we have here is a calm character, very subtle yet full of surprises. The interior of the main deckhouse is practically flooded by natural light thanks to the large windows on three sides and large skylight hatches. This airy and light feeling is greatly emphasized by the wooden paneling painted in white. There’s a dining area portside, in the shape of the letter U, with an elegant oak table and informal seating starboard side, shaping up the main onboard area. The starboard seating hides the navigation station.
As for the onboard color palette, it is dominated by crystal white tones, alongside dark and light oak, which let out the impressions of softness and comfort. Located fore, a few steps lead the way towards the lower saloon, an equally inviting an light area. Here we’ll find a seating and entertainment area starboard side, with a large sofa and two classic armchairs, while the portside section houses a breakfast and cocktail bar, extending the galley. It can be closed off from the saloon if wanted. There’s also a door that leads into a double cabin next to the bar. This cabin can be used by either the pilot or guests.
Aft from the main deckhouse we’ll find the guest accommodation units. There are two nicely appointed twin suites, one portside and one starboard, while aft the owner’s lavish full beam stateroom is the onboard epitome of luxury. The master suite is equipped with a king-size bed along the centerline, a large stateroom, casual seating area convertible into a sleeping spot, a very nice, private aft cockpit and office space.
Pumula is one of those vessels that inspire freedom, not through their size but through their designs, schemes, color palettes and amenities onboard. It brings back the ancient traditions and principles of sailing, into a world when contemporariness is the best trend.
[SuperYachtTimes]
