Designer Olivier van Meer has opened up about his latest 27.32 metre project, the gaff-rigged sailing superyacht Spirit of Venice.
Delivered last month to her experienced owner, the project began in March 2015 with a brief for a classically-styled cruiser with a folding swim platform and a spacious deck saloon.
Dijkstra Metaalbewerking in Harlingen was chosen to build the reinforced aluminium hull before the project was moved to VMG Yachtbuilders for the installation of the composite deck, cockpit and superstructure.
The owner’s desire to sail long distances single-handed informed the choice of electric furling sails, allowing the gaff rig to be easily controlled from the cockpit.
Moving inside, Spirit of Venice features a mix of classical and playful elements, with plenty of bronze and brass detailing, as styled by UK-based designer Pieter Lette. Accommodation on board this modern classic superyacht is for up to seven guests split between three cabins, plus a Pullman berth in the lower saloon.
Auxiliary power comes from a 202hp Volvo Penta D7 engine drawing on a total fuel capacity of 3,160 litres, while her sailplan totals 281 square metres. Vital statistics include a six metre beam and a maximum draught of 4.4 metres, which can be reduced to 2.1 metres for shallow waters cruising.
After completing the handover in April 2018, the owner explained why he chose to work with van Meer, saying: “[They] were the only ones who really listened to what I wanted to design a yacht from a life-at-sea perspective.”