T/T Global
Xtenders has delivered a new eight-metre limo tender, designed by Vripack, to the owner of 67m motoryacht Global (ex-Kismet).…
T/T Global
THE NETHERLANDS, Almere. Dutch boat builder Xtenders has delivered a new eight-metre limo tender to the owner of 67m motoryacht Global (ex-Kismet). The boat, which was designed by Vripack, was built using autoclave pre-preg carbon, pushing the limits of boat building.
Drawing inspiration from the exterior styling of her mothership, the tender has been designed to work in harmony with the look and feel of Global. The team were careful to ensure that the project didn’t exceed the dimensions of the existing tender garage and have included a window that sits along the waterline to create the illusion of flight when underway. The hull offers a sailboat-like entry angle, flaired bow and deep V aft, pushing water away from the hull and lifting the boat up. Her hull lines have also been designed to reduce slamming and to redirect spray away from the boat.
The interior offers a light and tranquil feel finished in off-white Bentley stitched leather, which is married to dark woods with a matt finished. Other features of the interior include a refrigerated champagne cabinet, custom mood lighting, air-conditioning and various multimedia appliances.
T/T Global's salon
“When it came to the interior, because you are so close to everything you see every little defect, hinge and hook, so you have to design it in a different way and there is a lot we can learn from the automotive sector,” explains Hoekstra. “At SuperyachtDESIGN Week two years ago, we met with former head of colour and trim at Bentley, Pete Cullum, and discovered how his team cared more about the selection and detail of the materials used than anything else.”
Another trick the team included in the interior was the integration of handrails in the ceiling of the salon. With windows in the ceiling, Vripack were able to take advantage of the depth afforded by the structure of the roof and included a recess on the edge of the window, providing guests and crew with support when moving through the limo. “It is an idea that we took and interpreted from the cabins in aeroplanes,” says Hoekstra. “Great thing is, you don’t see it but it is there when you need it.” It is a simple and discreet solution.
Xtenders’ founder, and former Olympic sailor, Herbert Dercksen set out to build the limo to the highest level of modern carbon fiber pre-impregnated construction possible. “Uni-direction carbon is exceptionally strong and renowned for its ability to deliver the ultimate performance in the most challenging conditions while keeping weight to a minimum,” he says.
The main benefit of a lightweight structure is its positive effect on performance. This allows the team to fit the limo with smaller engines (offering better fuel consumption) to reach the same level of performance compared to heavier comparable boats. Powered by 300hp Volvo Penta D4 engines, the tender can reach in excess of 40 knots with 10 guests and two crew on board.
“The limo tender has a distinctive look which is both unique and modern,” says chief office of Global Sam Mandeno. “All crew members have been blown away by how she looks and above all how she performs.”
Related Links:
Xtenders
Vripack
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