new build round-up
Focus Poland
w sunreef yachts KEY FACTS: w Size of yard: 14,000m2 w Number of direct employees: 460 w Size it can build to: 60m (200ft) w Biggest length built so far: 34.2m (114ft) w Web: www.sunreef-yachts.com A French-owned company founded in 2000 by the father and son team of Francis and Nicolas Lapp, Sunreef has created a modern infrastructure within the historic Old Gdansk Shipyard. It builds power and sailing catamarans in aluminium and steel.
1
under yacht ction in ru const 011 2
w yard overview Ten years ago, entrepreneurs Francis and Nicolas Lapp recognised a gap in the market for fast, stable and fuel-efficient yachts based on multihulls. They set up in Gdansk to take advantage of the wide skills base and low labour and factory costs needed to create their new designs. They also created a dedicated yacht management and charter division for their new fleet. Sunreef Yachts operates out of purposeadapted workshops within the shipyard,
onE to watch w Name: 40m Sunreef power w Type: Fast multi-hull motoryacht (in three options) w Length: 39m-42m (126ft-134ft) w Beam: 11m (37ft 7in) w Draft: 1.9m (6ft 8in) w Engines: 2x MTU 12V2000 (props); 2x MTU 16V4000 (jet); 2x CODAG (jet) w Max speed: 20kt-41kt w Range: 1,750nm-2,600nm w Fuel capacity: 2 x 45,000lt w Construction: Aluminium w Naval architecture: BMT Nigel Gee w Interior design: Design Unlimited/ Sunreef Yachts
with easy access to Gdansk Bay. The yard works to the latest industrial practices, such as lean manufacture, vacuum infusion and lightweight aluminium fabrication.
In-house skills All skills are located in-house and the yard prides itself on the speed at which projects can be processed. All the designs for new products come from Sunreef’s own in-house design team, allowing customers to specify exterior and interior designs to suit. Plans are created in both 2D drawings and 3D computer-generated renderings before being checked and actioned by the engineering teams. Sunreef has only recently broken into the superyacht sector, but has always
“We’ve just launched our
first two superyachts, including the the biggest sloop-rigged catamaran ever created” Francis Lapp, Co-CEO, Sunreef Yachts built large multihulls. The range now consists of semi-custom and custom models in both sail and power. The semicustom models are made from GRP and range from 18m–25m (60-80ft), but the custom range yachts, available as single or double-deckers, are made from high quality Seastar and Alustar aluminium, with designs up to 60m (200ft). The design team is experimenting with lightweight materials such as carbon fibre and Kevlar and works closely with suppliers to improve hull strength-to-weight ratios.
28
www.SUPERYACHTBUSINESS.net | APRIL 2011
With increasing oil prices, Sunreef has also seen a large uptake in the interest of fuel-efficient power catamarans. One of its first models, the 70 Sunreef Power Jambo, is currently cruising in the Pacific where it is setting new records for fuel economy. After some modifications (such as the addition of a pair of 5.5m bulbous bows and optimisation of each engine from 375hp to 420hp) Jambo’s stretched 25m (85ft) hull is now returning 15lt/hr at 10kt. To achieve a top speed of 22kt she burns 160lt/hr. An 8,500-mile trans-Pacific trip with scheduled stops could theoretically take 1,000 hours and burn 15,000lt for
a cost of around €7,500. Work is now focussing on increasing the efficiency of the drive train by a further 20 per cent — pushing the range to 13,800nm. “I can see many good prospects for Sunreef in superyacht activity,” says Francis Lapp. “We have just launched our two first superyachts, the Sunreef 102 — which is the only ‘double-deck’ sailing catamaran in the world — and the Sunreef 114, the biggest sloop-rigged catamaran ever created.”
new build round-up
Starting in pole position workers returning with skills gained at leading yards are boosting poland’s fast-growing superyacht sector Jake Kavanagh reports
Y
ou can easily identify the exact year the Polish superyacht industry was born. It was 1989, the same year that a tough shipyard electrician, Lech Walesa, won a concession from Poland’s communist regime to allow the Solidarity movement to form part of the new government. A few months later, as Poland grappled with the prospect of becoming a capitalist economy, yacht designer Juliusz Strawinski and yacht builder Janusz Zawadowicz began collaborating on Poland’s first truly private superyacht — White Eagle. The result was a graceful 31m (105ft) gaff cutter built by the newly formed YBM yard in Gdansk, and she was swiftly followed by Centenarian, a 37m sloop designed for easy sailing. Both yachts gained international recognition, but it was another 10 years before other Polish yards began emulating this pioneering work. Poland has always had a strong shipbuilding sector. The country has produced spectacular private yachts in the past, but these were usually square-rigged sail training ships, or one-offs for completion elsewhere. White Eagle was something entirely new, and she became one of the largest and most sophisticated private sailing yachts to be built in Europe at the time. Her German owner recognised her heritage by naming her after the white eagle of Poland’s national symbol.
Market economy In 1946, Poland gained extra territory along its Baltic coast (resulting in a total coastline of 528km/328miles) which contained three major ports — Gdynia, Szczecin and Gdansk. 22
www.SUPERYACHTBUSINESS.net | APRIL 2011
superyachts built since 2005
Today’s small superyacht sector is almost entirely concentrated in Gdansk, a deep-water port on the estuary of the Vistula River where three yards are currently building yachts over 25m — Sunreef yachts, Conrad Shipyard and YBM, with a fourth yard, Galeon, on the cusp of breaking into the superyacht market. Of these yards, three are wholly Polish by groups of shareholders, whereas Sunreef Yachts and it’s subsidiary Bluereef Yachts, are French owned but use the skill and expertise of the local labour force. All these yards offer refit and repair services to supplement new build work. “Poland has a thriving marine industry,” explains Sebastian Nietupski, vice president of POLBOAT. “We build an average of 22,000 mid-range new boats every year, with most of them exported. “Many are to our own designs, but we also
build under contract for well-known European yards in France, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands. A large number of Jeanneau boats, for example, are built in Poland.” Unfortunately, this reliance on export had a serious impact on all parts of Poland’s marine industry during the recession, even though the economy as a whole rode the crisis well. In fact, Poland is an economic miracle, and is fiscally the healthiest former eastern bloc country. If its GDP behaves as expected, it will overtake the Netherlands to become the 6th largest economy in Europe by December 2011. “I think this has a lot to do with the fact that Poland is still an emerging country,” says Nicolas Lapp, joint CEO of Sunreef Yachts. “After the fall of communism, the true liberal revolution came along. The entire country stepped onto a path of fast development in all domains such as construction, media and
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
w yBM page 30
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
w sunreef yachts page 28
transport. There is still much to do, and Poland keeps pushing forward to achieve the standards of her Western neighbours. A majority of Polish are young people who keep spending money on leisure and lifestyle and want to enjoy all the fascinating activities they now have access to. “The fact that consumer spending is strong in Poland — and that export activity is not our main economic driver — had a lot to do with helping Poland survive the crisis. Sensible fiscal management and European financial support played a big role as well.” Sebastian Nietupski puts it more simply. “The reason we have done so well in the recession is that we had so much practice under the communists,” he jokes. “We lost some companies in the crisis, but the core of the industry remains solid.”
Booming sector Poland has been building ships and yachts for centuries, but it took quite a while for the superyacht industry to get going in the new and vibrant market economy. “There weren’t many professional
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
gdansk
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
wgaleon yachts page 32
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
········ ········ ········ ········ ·BALTIC · · · · SEA ··· ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ w bluereef yachts page 32
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
w conrad shipyard page 26
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
········ ········ · focus · · · Poland ···· ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········ ········
“When I was considering opening a
superyacht yard with easy access to the sea — and all of its departments in-house — I knew Poland was the only option” boatbuilders in Poland who had the superyacht spirit,” says celebrated Polish designer Strawinski. A major contributor to Polish yacht design since the early 1980s, his designs have been built throughout Europe and as far away as Brazil. “However, Poland’s huge shipbuilding sector has been a key component in the success of the increasing number of large yacht projects being completed here,” he says. “We have specialised companies such as Alu Ship, Alu-International and WislaAluminium who are regularly building hulls and components for superyachts — and to a very high standard.” Unfortunately, one of the major hurdles Poland had to overcome in the early 1990s
was the variable quality of its manufacturing. “We wanted to trade with Western Europe, but were repeatedly told that our products would have to meet certain standards,” Nietupski says. “This forced us to achieve ISO certification for most of our manufacturing, with the result that our products are now of a universally very high quality — but without a Western European price tag.” This new high quality of manufacture — along with the strong work ethic of the Polish people and a huge marine industry skills base — led several European luxury yacht builders to establish yards in Poland. One of the first was Sunreef Yachts, which moved into purpose-converted work sheds in the former Lenin shipyard — the APRIL 2011 | www.SUPERYACHTBUSINESS.net
23
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·· · · ·
new build round-up
White Eagle built by YBM of Gdansk
birthplace of the Solidarity movement. “I came to Poland in 1992 to set up my first marine engineering business here,” explains Lapp. “When I was considering opening a shipyard with easy access to the sea, and all the departments in-house, I knew that Poland was the only option. “Gdansk was chosen for its central position on the Baltic coast and for its tradition in naval construction which dates from the 14th century. Also, Gdansk is a recognised historical place thanks to the Solidarity movement, which sparked the fall of communism throughout Eastern Europe. This city has a soul and I fell in love with it.” Sunreef Yachts specialises in superyacht
Focus Poland
A Strawinski design taking shape
are setting very high design and building standards. Also, relationships with clients are truly deep and on a very long-term basis.” Such has been Sunreef Yacht’s success that the company is now rapidly expanding with a brand new factory in Gdansk due to begin operations in 2013.
The future for Poland After 1989, Poland moved swiftly to become a full member of the European Union. It joined NATO in 1999, the EU in 2004 and entered the Schengen Agreement in 2007. This saw a flood of skilled workers coming into the superyacht yards of Western Europe, particularly in the disciplines of metalwork and lamination.
“Many of our workers’ skills have been
honed in top European yards — and this will help Poland’s superyacht industry even further” catamarans and has recently launched its first double-decker sailing sloop. It is also currently in negotiation for a 50m power catamaran designed by BMT Nigel Gee. Power cats are gaining a huge amount of interest thanks to their miserly fuel consumption and stable ride. “The Polish marine industry is doing spectacularly well, despite the slowdown,” says Lapp. “Yacht shipyards are highly competitive with our Western colleagues and offer great quality, quick delivery and many new ideas for a very attractive price. “Poland wants to emphasise that luxury doesn’t have to mean ‘from abroad’. We are developing quite fast in this field. I’m proud that Sunreef Yachts and other Polish builders
24
www.SUPERYACHTBUSINESS.net | APRIL 2011
However, Poland is still outside the Eurozone, continuing to use the Polish zloty, which is currently trading at four zlotys to one euro. Early enthusiasm for adoption of the euro has waned in the wake of the high profile Eurozone bail-outs of Greece, Ireland and now Portugal. The Polish government is procrastinating and, in the meantime, the country’s strong economy is pulling many of its skilled workers back home again. “When Poland joined Schengen, the zloty was seven to the British pound,” says UK-born Phillip Scott, vice president of Polboat, and co-director of the country’s largest marine distributor, Parker Poland.“Now that wages here have leapt up and the standards of living
have improved, many migrant boatbuilders are coming home again and bringing their skills with them. “Many of these skills were honed in top European yards and this can only help the domestic superyacht industry even further.” The prospect of joining the euro, however, has many players at the top end of the market worried. Turkey is seen as the main rival, as it also has high skill levels and low labour costs as well as easy access to the Mediterranean. However, shipyards in both countries share a common reluctance to join the Eurozone. After all, a level playing field isn’t as attractive as one that is sloped in your favour. The Polish government has finally recognised the importance of the yacht building sector — which supports around 900 domestic companies — by making it one of 15 industries (including coal and steelwork) that will receive significant ongoing support with its global strategic marketing. “The background for superyacht development is stout and promising,” says Strawinski. “The Polish people are open minded, well educated and motivated. Young professionals are very mobile and many Polish specialists work in European superyacht companies, gaining important experience. In the near future they will form a most effective link with the luxury yacht market worldwide. “The only problem for the future might be the rising costs of production. Poland has to fulfil all the EU labour directives, which is why the average costs are rising higher than in Turkey, but we still have the edge. “We provide easier communication over shorter distances, better facilities, and higher education and professionalism. “Another advantage is Polish familiarity with the mentality of a major market on our eastern border.” Strawinski smiles. “Most Poles speak very good Russian.”
new build round-up
Focus Poland
w CONRAD SHIPYARD KEY FACTS: w Size of yard: 39,400m2 w Number of direct employees: 80 w Size it can build to: 60m w Biggest yacht so far: 27m w Web: www.conradshipyard.com Named after the novelist Joseph Conrad Korzeniowski, Conrad Shipyard builds custom motor and sailing yachts in steel and aluminium from 15m-60m (48ft-197ft) — many of which are based on designs for traditional tugboats.
35
h in Lengt nder su metre ction in u r t cons 011 2
w yard overview Conrad Shipyard was founded in 1989 when Marine Projects began operating one of the first privately owned shipyards in Poland. In 1992, it moved into building sailing yachts and created hulls ranging from 105m-110m, including the 60m (200ft) brigantine Swan Fan Makkum. In 1999, in order to expand and diversify, Marine Projects bought the current facility in Gdansk and named it Conrad Shipyard in honour of the acclaimed Polish-born English writer Joseph ‘Conrad’ Korzeniowski. In 2003, following an order to build a 27m motoryacht designed by Bill Dixon for an American client, the Conrad Joint Stock Company was launched to specialise in creating luxury yachts. From 2005, under the new brand of Conrad, the yard enjoyed rapid success, launching three yacht projects, including the 27m tri-deck Escape S. More custom projects followed, along with major refit work, such as the 20m Abeking and Rasmusen classic Talisman. Originally built in 1920, Talisman was the
first steel yacht produced by the famous German yard and remains the oldest one still sailing. During this time, Conrad launched its own brand of yachts, both power and sail, ranging from 50ft-80ft. Of particular interest is the Conrad Classic, an unusual motoryacht based on a pre-war tugboat
“Our yachts are created by
people who care about perfection, which can be seen in every detail” Mikolaj Krol, chairman, Conrad Shipyard
design and fitted out in the traditional style of panelled timber. The design is currently available up to 24m, but could no doubt be stretched further if required. Also available are the 19.8m Conrad 66 and 24m Conrad 80 sailing yacht, and the yard has recently
onE to watch w Project name: Conrad 115 Family Sail Cruiser w Type: Motorsailer w Length: 35m (112ft) w Beam: 8.4m (26ft 8in) w Draught: 3.0m (9ft 6in) w Displacement: 182t w Power: 2 x Caterpillar C18 w Construction: Aluminium w Maximum speed: 14kt w Cruising speed: 11kt w Design: Conrad Shipyard/Newcruise/ Vripack
26
www.SUPERYACHTBUSINESS.net | APRIL 2011
completed a fast 24m aluminium sailing sloop Intuition for a group of experienced yachtsmen. Showing its diversity, the yard has also built two 55kt luxuriously appointed patrol craft for the UAE. The latest superyacht projects include a collaboration with the Dutch designer
Vripack to produce a 40m expedition yacht — the Conrad Vripack 132. While still only a concept, a new build is available through Yachting Partners International. The yacht features a tri-deck design with a beam of 8.6m and accommodation for eight guests and six crew. Power comes from two A-CERT Caterpillar diesels giving a cruising speed of 12kt with a range of 5,000nm. A build will take two years and will cost around €14m. “Our yachts are created by people who try to predict all the needs and expectations of the customer,” explains chairman Mikolaj Krol. “They care about reaching perfection — and this can be seen in every detail.” Currently under construction is a new 35m sailing yacht with highly distinctive styling from the New Crusie Studio, under the working name of the Conrad 115 Family Sail Cruiser. Conrad also says that two other motoryacht projects, a 32m and a 37m, will be started in the near future.
new build round-up
Focus Poland
w sunreef yachts KEY FACTS: w Size of yard: 14,000m2 w Number of direct employees: 460 w Size it can build to: 60m (200ft) w Biggest length built so far: 34.2m (114ft) w Web: www.sunreef-yachts.com A French-owned company founded in 2000 by the father and son team of Francis and Nicolas Lapp, Sunreef has created a modern infrastructure within the historic Old Gdansk Shipyard. It builds power and sailing catamarans in aluminium and steel.
1
under yacht ction in ru const 011 2
w yard overview Ten years ago, entrepreneurs Francis and Nicolas Lapp recognised a gap in the market for fast, stable and fuel-efficient yachts based on multihulls. They set up in Gdansk to take advantage of the wide skills base and low labour and factory costs needed to create their new designs. They also created a dedicated yacht management and charter division for their new fleet. Sunreef Yachts operates out of purposeadapted workshops within the shipyard,
onE to watch w Name: 40m Sunreef power w Type: Fast multi-hull motoryacht (in three options) w Length: 39m-42m (126ft-134ft) w Beam: 11m (37ft 7in) w Draft: 1.9m (6ft 8in) w Engines: 2x MTU 12V2000 (props); 2x MTU 16V4000 (jet); 2x CODAG (jet) w Max speed: 20kt-41kt w Range: 1,750nm-2,600nm w Fuel capacity: 2 x 45,000lt w Construction: Aluminium w Naval architecture: BMT Nigel Gee w Interior design: Design Unlimited/ Sunreef Yachts
with easy access to Gdansk Bay. The yard works to the latest industrial practices, such as lean manufacture, vacuum infusion and lightweight aluminium fabrication.
In-house skills All skills are located in-house and the yard prides itself on the speed at which projects can be processed. All the designs for new products come from Sunreef’s own in-house design team, allowing customers to specify exterior and interior designs to suit. Plans are created in both 2D drawings and 3D computer-generated renderings before being checked and actioned by the engineering teams. Sunreef has only recently broken into the superyacht sector, but has always
“We’ve just launched our
first two superyachts, including the the biggest sloop-rigged catamaran ever created” Francis Lapp, Co-CEO, Sunreef Yachts built large multihulls. The range now consists of semi-custom and custom models in both sail and power. The semicustom models are made from GRP and range from 18m–25m (60-80ft), but the custom range yachts, available as single or double-deckers, are made from high quality Seastar and Alustar aluminium, with designs up to 60m (200ft). The design team is experimenting with lightweight materials such as carbon fibre and Kevlar and works closely with suppliers to improve hull strength-to-weight ratios.
28
www.SUPERYACHTBUSINESS.net | APRIL 2011
With increasing oil prices, Sunreef has also seen a large uptake in the interest of fuel-efficient power catamarans. One of its first models, the 70 Sunreef Power Jambo, is currently cruising in the Pacific where it is setting new records for fuel economy. After some modifications (such as the addition of a pair of 5.5m bulbous bows and optimisation of each engine from 375hp to 420hp) Jambo’s stretched 25m (85ft) hull is now returning 15lt/hr at 10kt. To achieve a top speed of 22kt she burns 160lt/hr. An 8,500-mile trans-Pacific trip with scheduled stops could theoretically take 1,000 hours and burn 15,000lt for
a cost of around €7,500. Work is now focussing on increasing the efficiency of the drive train by a further 20 per cent — pushing the range to 13,800nm. “I can see many good prospects for Sunreef in superyacht activity,” says Francis Lapp. “We have just launched our two first superyachts, the Sunreef 102 — which is the only ‘double-deck’ sailing catamaran in the world — and the Sunreef 114, the biggest sloop-rigged catamaran ever created.”
new build round-up
Focus Poland
w YBM KEY FACTS: w Size of yard: 5,000m2 w Number of direct employees: 30 w Size it can build to: 60m w Biggest length built so far: 36m w Web: www.yacht.pl YBM (Yacht Building Management) in Gdansk is widely credited with pioneering Poland’s superyacht industry. Yachtsman Janusz Zawadowicz founded the yard in 1989, making his mark in 1991 with the launch of the 36m sloop White Eagle.
2
g Sailin hts yac r e p u s nce hed si launc 007 2
w yard overview YBM is a custom builder geared to take on any type of project. “Our aim is to build whatever the client wants,” explains the yard’s founder, Janusz Zawadowicz. “We work closely with some famous designers and most of our yachts are sold to Europe. We also arrange the creation of components, such as superstructures and piping ducts, for other major superyacht builders.” YBM came to prominence with the creation of the Strawinski-designed sloop White Eagle, a steel yacht that carries 630m2 of sail. When she was launched in 1991 she was one of the biggest modern schooners to have been built in Europe. This success was followed by a number of equally graceful sailing yachts, such as 36m sloop Centenarian in 1993, the 27m Opium in 1996, and the 24m Green Magic in 1999. There have also been a number of
onE to watch w Name: Polski Hak w Type: Staysail schooner w Length: 31m w Beam: 6m w Draught: 3.2m w Displacement: 95,000kg w Power: Volvo Penta D7 w Construction: Aluminium/hardwood w Maximum speed: 14kt w Cruising speed: 11kt w Berths: 10 guests and four crew w Fuel: 20,000lt w Interior design: Owner/YBM w Exterior design: Owner/YBM w Naval Architecture: Jan Mynarczyk
“We now mostly use subcontractors to
make us more flexible and reduce our labour bills to half that of equivalent yards in Western Europe — particularly Germany” one-off motoryachts, such as the 18m Anna in 1998 and 20m Capella in 2001. Refits also feature prominently in YBM’s work, with the square-riggers Cyprea and Concordia undergoing complete makeovers and technical upgrades.
Ahead of the game For the first ten years of its operation, the yard was Poland’s only custom superyacht builder — with most of its designs coming from Polish naval architect Juliusz Strawinski. Most recently, YBM has completed Polski Hak, a 31m aluminium staysail schooner designed by Ian Mycnarczyk and launched in 2009. While traditionally classic in both exterior and interior styling, Polski Hak is every inch a modern performance yacht. Powered by a Volvo D7 diesel, she carries Harken deck gear, Spar Craft masts and Anderson winches, with a pair of Kohler generators to power the hotel loads. She also has a Sidepower bow YBM’s build history is dominated by sail
30
www.SUPERYACHTBUSINESS.net | APRIL 2011
thruster and two Cape Horn Extreme desalinators. In 2008, YBM started its biggest project to date — a 45m aluminium sloop designed by the late Paol Scanu. Unfortunately, the global crisis forced the mothballing of this project, but Zawadowicz hopes to restart the fitout again this year. Meanwhile, the yard is busy with other custom builds, most notably a string of small commuter craft for the US market. Current projects are mostly in the 10m range for clients such as CW Hood and Catama Boats. They are also busy with a number of refit commissions in the Med. “The market is picking up again after a quiet 2010,” says Zawadowicz. “We now mostly use subcontractors, as this makes us more flexible and reduces the labour bill to half that of equivalent yards in other Western countries, particularly Germany. “There are very few companies in Poland that can build superyachts, but we can provide high quality builds at very competitive prices.”
new build round-up
Focus Poland
w in brief
The Bluereef 87 is a ‘fully custom’ 25m yacht
BlueReef Yachts w Web: www.bluereef-yachts.com Bluereef Yachts was launched in 2009 as a partnership between Sunreef Yachts and CDR Yachting, a French company founded by Pierre Couach, Vincent Duchatelet and Franck Reynaud. Both companies say they recognised a niche in the market for “a luxury motoryacht between 19m-29m (65ft -95ft) able to access Mediterranean ports usually denied to superyachts”. Both companies also recognised the advantages of cruising with minimal crew and improved fuel efficiency. As such, the Bluereef monohulls will feature a classic design that can berth in tight harbours, be owner driven and provide up to 30 per cent better fuel economy than other yachts of an equivalent size. CDR chose the Sunreef yard in Gdansk as the builder for the new range because of its modern infrastructure, plentiful supply of skilled labour and modern production practices that promise to guarantee a high quality product. The designs will be supplied from the CDR design office, but realised in Gdansk before delivery to clients worldwide. The first design is for the Bluereef 87, which is claimed to be the only fullycustom 25m yacht on the market. Each Bluereef will be unique, the result of full co-operation between the owner and the designers. On the main deck, the Bluereef 87 features a large saloon, dining room, kitchinette and a full beam owner’s suite, while the lower deck will provide three guest cabins, the crew accommodation
32
www.SUPERYACHTBUSINESS.net | APRIL 2011
Galeon Marina on the Vistula estuary
and the galley. The design also features ample storage space. On deck, the ‘pocket superyacht’ theme is continued with sheltered side decks and shaded areas on the top deck, but with an open sun lounging area at the bow. Various layouts are available based on the same hull. Sunreef is due to open new production facilities in 2013, which will be used for the building of the Bluereef range, as well as other superyacht catamaran models. The yard says it has had considerable
but has gradually increased the size of its range in response to demand from overseas clients. For the larger models, the company’s in-house design team works exclusively with UK-based designer Tony Castro, who has been responsible for a wide range of fast and stylish vessels from 44ft-78ft (13m-23m). The largest designs have an angular ‘reptilian’ look. The latest project — due to go into production shortly — is the 23m 780 Crystal, but designs are also underway
“Both companies recognised a
niche for a luxury motoryacht between 19m-29m able to access Mediterranean ports usually denied to superyachts” interest in the concept, although the poor brokerage market is preventing some potential clients from placing orders until their own boats are sold.
Galeon Yachts w Web: www.galeonyachts.com Due to produce its first superyacht soon, Galeon is a privately owned, entirely Polish company formed in 1982. It has two production facilities in Gdansk totalling 34,600m2 with one production facility located on the estuary of River Vistula near Gdansk, where the yard also has a marina and refit department. Galeon originally made small motorboats
for a 24m 80HT. Production is scheduled to begin once the economic situation improves on the Mediterranean market. This, though, is likely to be superceded before long, as the facilities have recently been expanded and adapted for vessels up to 30m (100ft). Galeon employs up to 800 people at the peak of demand, with the bulk of its smaller craft destined for the burgeoning domestic market. Galeon creates all of its models in GRP laminate using a high degree of vacuum infusion and prides itself on a high standards of build. Production is entirely in-house, ranging from the initial moulding right through to the joinery, steelwork and upholstery.
new build round-up
Focus Poland
w Order book 2005-2010 w Bluereef yachts Yachts delivered since 2005
New company — no yachts delivered or under construction
Conrad Vripack 132
w Conrad shipyard Yachts delivered since 2005 Name
Length
Motor/Sail
Designer
Launch
Escape S
27m
Power
Bill Dixon
2005
Intuition
23.9m
Sail
Conrad/Strawinski
2008
Yachts under construction Name
Length
Motor/Sail
Designer
Launch
C115
35m
Sail
Conrad/Strawinski
2012
w Sunreef Yachts
w YBM Yachts
Yachts delivered since 2005
Yachts delivered since 2005
Name
Length
Motor/Sail
Designer
Launch date
Name
Length
Motor/Sail
Designer
Launch
Ipharra
30.6m
Sail
Sunreef
2010
Quenian
20.63m
Sail
Yacht Studio Strawinsk
2007
Che
34.2m
Sail
Sunreef
2010
Polski Hak
31.00m
Sail
Ian Mynarczyk
2009
Length
Motor/Sail
Designer
Launch
45m
Sail
Paol Scanu
TBA
Yachts under construction Name
Undisclosed
Yachts under construction
Length
Motor/Sail
Designer
Launch
24.6m
Power
Sunreef
2012
(Top) Sunreef’s new yard; (below) a Sunreef 114 and Sunreef 102
34
www.SUPERYACHTBUSINESS.net | APRIL 2011
Name
Undisclosed
YBM’s interiors for Polski Hak (top and below)