The jack of all trades
Xtenders introduces its newest 16.1m superyacht tender project. Too large for smaller superyachts, the 16.1 makes an ideal tender for 80m plus vessels, a practical chase boat or a substantial support vessel stored tender…
The 16.1 tender
NETHERLANDS, Almere. In collaboration with Dubois Naval Architects, Xtenders, the tender manufacturing specialist, has completed its newest project. The 16.1m high-spec superyacht tender project is a multi-purpose, long-range vessel that is suitable for range of primary functions.
The newest Xtender offering is not suitable as an on board tender for the lower end of the superyacht market – 30-80m. Although it is described as ‘stowable’ in an Xtender press release, the 16.1 can only realistically be stowed on vessels in the 80m plus range. There is, however, a growing trend for motherships to be accompanied by support and chase vessels.
Cockpit
Support vessels provide owners with unprecedented freedom when choosing the tenders and toys that accompany their motherships. In instances where support vessels are employed the 16.1 is an attractive purchase, especially when the mothership is a large sailing vessel that may not have the ample storage space associated with motor yachts of a similar size. Additionally, large sailing yachts do not have the stop-start flexibility of their motor yacht counterparts once moored or at anchor.
In such instances a large tender, such as the 16.1, provides a spacious alternative means of transport. This flexibility is also reflected in using such tenders as chase vessels. The 16.1, when cruising at a speed of 25 knots, has a range of 500 nautical miles – making it ideal for the owner and guests to enjoy island and mainland exploration - as well as making it able to follow the mothership on a number of large journeys.
Interior
“I wouldn’t even call it a tender,” says owner representative Sebastian Allebrodt. “It’s more like a small superyacht. The project was conceived in the same way we do superyachts, with a specification designer and interior designer. The 16.1 has been a big game changer for Xtenders and I feel they were working more as a superyacht shipyard during the project rather than a tender builder.”
The interior cabin of the 16.1 was designed by Barcelona-Based GCA Architects and provides a generous space in which owners and guests can escape the elements when underway - or simply seek some privacy and respite. “Two of the most important factors were the correct use of the textures and the colours,” explains Anna Trillo of GCA Architects. “The cabin’s interior shows a strong contrast between the flat dark surfaces in carbon fibre and the coziness and softness of the white fabrics.”
Pleasure island
On deck there is a centrally placed cockpit with two recessed navigation screens, shock mitigation seats allow for a comfortable journey. A removable sun awning, useable at speeds up to 34 knots, can be easily erected by crew and stowed in the aft sunbed. The 16.1 is characterised by its open spaces; when at anchor it transforms into a pleasure island - making it practical for long, active days out.
Related Links:
Dubois Naval Architects Ltd
Xtenders
Click here to become part of The Superyacht Group community, and join us in our mission to make this industry accessible to all, and prosperous for the long-term. We are offering access to the superyacht industry’s most comprehensive and longstanding archive of business-critical information, as well as a comprehensive, real-time superyacht fleet database, for just £10 per month, because we are One Industry with One Mission. Sign up here.
