Yacht Asia Cruising on Maiden Voyage

“My wife and I enjoyed the entire process,” effuses the owner of the yacht Asia. About a month following sea trials, the 200-footer (61-meter) is embarking on their first cruise. She departed Royal Hakvoort Shipyard today.

Asia, whose launch warmed hearts on a breezy winter day in The Netherlands, prioritizes comfort above all, according to Bart de Haan, operations director and a naval architect at Diana Yacht Design. In fact, “the leading request on the owner’s brief was comfort, not speed,” he says. The studio therefore drew a round-bilge displacement hull for handling various conditions. The megayacht can cruise at 13 knots and top out a little more than 15 knots. Best range is at 10 knots, a solid 4,800 nautical miles.

the 61-meter yacht Asia — PHOTO: maritimephoto

Of course, comfort extends to the surroundings onboard, too. For example, the yacht Asia has extra-ample passageways, plus all living areas grouped around the central stairway. These were quite important to the couple, too. “They wanted to ensure each area was enjoyed and used at different times of the day and for different purposes,” notes Paul Costerus, lead designer at Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design. For instance, the bridge deck features the gym, which boasts 270-degree views. A sauna and a massage area sit within the beach club, as does a hospital room. The owner’s deck, meanwhile, has several areas serving several purposes. A private sky lounge is ideal for relaxing in the evening. A separate office is self-explanatory. Forward of the bedroom, an alfresco casual dining and lounge area beckons, as does a hot tub. Yet another alfresco area is fully aft on this deck, again solely for the couple.

Throughout the yacht Asia, natural light and colors play key roles. In fact, rich, attention-getting shades of emeralds and pinks appear as much as softer, soothing turquoise and orange shades. Pastels mix in, too. Similarly, the design team gave the couple a wide range of enhancements like subtle embossed gold leaf, marble inlays, and extraordinary glass chandeliers. Particularly special in the main saloon, custom fabrics and complex glass wall art lend pops of color against rich ziricote paneling. Ziricote is a Central American wood renown for its reddish-brown colors and striking black grain patterns.

the yacht Asia is 61 meters — PHOTO: maritimephoto

Guest staterooms share some of these décor details, yet also have something else making them special. Specifically, all four doubles (all below deck, too) connect directly to the beach club. As for the already-mentioned master suite, it’s actually one of two. The second is on the main deck, enjoying a private lounge. It departs décor-wise in having light woods, creating a light elegance. Finally, although crew’s quarters generally don’t get much attention, they certainly did aboard this superyacht. The owner and his wife wanted the 18 crewmembers to have extra-wide beds and an overall higher finishing standard.

“Klaas Hakvoort and his brother Albert were a joy to deal with,” the owner declares. “They were involved every step of the way, and this yacht would not be what she is without them.” The owner also credits Moran Yacht & Ship with being his and his wife’s eyes and ears. The company handled initial negotiations, wrote the tech specs, and oversaw construction. Interestingly, the owner says he’s worked with Robert Moran, the head of the company, for upwards of 30 years. On a related side note, Asia is the eighth yacht between Moran Yacht & Ship and Royal Hakvoort.

Diana Yacht Design dianayachtdesign.nl

Moran Yacht & Ship moranyachts.com

Royal Hakvoort Shipyard hakvoort.com

Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design sinot.com