What if you could have an explorer with the aptitude to cross any ocean paired with a layout that inspires relaxed family down time? Not all yachting adventures need to focus on venturing into the unknown. Sometimes, the most alluring prospect of all is lazy days on the water spent together. Dutch design studio Vripack’s latest project – Defender – does exactly that. Developed for one of Turkish shipyard Alia Yachts’ repeat clients, it’s a solider of the seas with the capacity for exploration yet ideal for weekend breaks.
Based on the studio’s iconic Doggersbank platform, the 30m yacht enjoys robust naval architecture features, such as a high flared bow. It boasts the range, reliability and redundancy that comes with Vripack’s proven design, yet pairs that capability with a comfort and configuration that is ideal for family at leisure.
An open plan layout with clear lines of sight defines the elegant design. While the exterior is muscular and military in style with a grey steel hull and bare metallic details, the living space is anything but. The warmth of decked flooring continues across the walls and ceiling encasing guests in a seductive wooden cocoon. LED lights throw soft illumination, with a dramatic exterior strip for contemporary effect.
“Defender is conceived for families to enjoy, with virtually all the exterior and interior space landscaped for their comfort and enjoyment,” says Bart Bouwhuis, co-creative director at Vripack.
A vast main deck facilitates outdoor dining, socialising and lounging for the entire family. It’s a celebration of togetherness where all ages can entertain themselves independently yet remain in the company of one other in an open plan lounge. On colder days, a cosy indoor salon delivers.
Steps lead to the flybridge where further al fresco dining and two seating areas are found. Protected by a hardtop bimini and wraparound windscreen that shelters guests from the wind, far-reaching views abound. A discreet crane for manoeuvring toys into the water sits portside. The intention for a large, towed tender matches the family ambience.
When at anchor, all eyes are on the dramatic stepped swim platform – functional in design, indulgent in use. Sunken steps make ocean access easy. Oversized sun pads invite guests to languish by the water’s edge. Two fold-down terraces – slightly raised to avoid slapping waves – increase the already generous footprint by a combined 3.6m. Here is where guests dive into clear blue waters, make the most of watersports and bask in an abundance of space.
“The fact that we are using the Doggersbank platform ensures a short lead time with all the additional benefits that this proven hull brings,” adds Göhkan Çelik, president of Alia Yachts.
“As with all Vripack designs, she has the capability for guests to spend longer aboard should they wish, but the onus is on sprawling space to get the most out of frequent short trips,” says Bart Bouwhuis, co-creative director at Vripack. “The high level of comfort at sea that this exciting project delivers will be a very welcome element,” adds Gökhan Çelik, president of Alia Yachts.
Four guest cabins comprise a full beam master, two singles and a VIP. With just two crew cabins, it’s less about long range globetrotting and more about luxurious recreational boating. With an estimated build time of just two years, Defender answers every family wish list.
