Al Waab, the 55-metre superyacht just delivered by Alia Yachts to its owner, is not only an aluminium and steel yacht under 500GT that is also the longest in the world, but it is also the yacht that has reset manufacturing standards for its category, in particular regarding the organisation of both its exterior and interior spaces. Compared to current models on the market, its usable surface area outdoors has increased by 42% and indoors by 8%.

SAME TONNAGE, MORE SPACE

“Yachts are becoming increasingly longer and more spacious – explains Gökhan Çelik, chairman of the Turkish shipyard – but owners prefer to stay under 500GT. This is a request we hear more and more often and which has pushed us to create the special design.”

Everything began with the owner’s desire to have large flowing spaces to enjoy with his family. An objective that was focused on straight away in the design phase of the naval architecture by the Dutch studio, Vripack and by SF Yachts, the latter representing the client during construction, and an objective which was validated throughout the construction phase with the support of virtual reality.

ON BOARD ACCORDING TO ALIA YACHTS

Outdoors and indoors meld and flow together, thanks to the use of glass for partitions and windows on all decks, allowing as much natural light to pass through as possible, as expressly requested by the client, for whom, on the upper deck, has been built a sumptuous owner’s cabin over two levels, with its own private pool to the bow.

The ship can hold up to 12 passengers, housed over 6 cabins, uncommon for a yacht of this tonnage. For them, space is centred on the expansion of usable surface area, and on their relationship with the surrounding nature. All the spaces have been studied to increase contact with the water. An example of this is the dining area with a collapsible balustrade, turning it into a terrace, just two metres above the water, during meals.

The unusual layout distribution also includes the storage space for 2 tenders and jet skis inside a recessed forward deck, hidden from view (while still providing easy access to the equipment), and yet not a part of the interior space of the vessel by Alia Yachts.

Care was also taken in saving energy: the two diesel Caterpillar 18 725Hp engines guarantee a maximum speed of 12.5 knots, while consuming 35% less fuel compared to yachts of the same tonnage. And in the wake of the research carried out for Al Waad, Alia Yachts, together with the same team, is building a new 60m Ice Class.