16 Oct 2012

Newly launched 'Tulip' pride of Dutch owners and yard

By Belinda Liversedge

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K&M Yachtbuilders, Makkum, Netherlands have delivered their largest yacht to date, the 26.8m aluminium sailing yacht Tulip.

Tulip – an apt choice of name considering her Dutch owner - will also be flying the Dutch flag.

Designed by Germán Frers Jr of family owned design studio Frers Naval Architecture & Engineering, Tulip is a ‘one-off’ yacht with a classic hull shape above the water line, but modern features below.

These include her lifting keel and flat underwater ship. The realisation of this combination of classic and modern features can be seen in the upswept stern and modern superstructure. 



Her sea trials on the Wadden Sea and North Sea resulted in some glowing reports from both owner and designer on board. They reported her 160 kw engine could have been confused with a hybrid engine because it was “almost inaudible when setting off.”

“One feels at ease when sailing, and it is quiet enough to take a nap, a meal or a rest even at Force 7 winds, as was experienced during one of the trial runs,” read their reports.



She is built with regatta racing in mind so features lightweight materials in the interior and has a light aluminium structure and carbon rigging. She weighs in at 51 tonnes.



“Tulip is special for me and for our shipyard not only because it is our largest yacht to date, but also because we have really achieved this beautiful end result together with the owner,” said shipyard owner Eeuwe Kooi.

“We first started talking about this more than three years ago. During preparation and construction we talked regularly. You are literally building something together, and it's very special to finally see the end result. I am not only proud of the yacht, but also of our shipyard employees. They have shown that K&M is able not only to build pure aluminium no-nonsense ships but also luxury cruisers.”

After her launch, Tulip will make for the Mediterranean, where she takes up her permanent berth. She is also available for charter.

Specifications

Shipyard: K&M Yachtbuilders, Makkum, Netherlands
Design: German Frers Naval Architecture & Engineering
Material: fully aluminium
LOA: 26.83 m.
Width: 6.09 m
Draught: 5.10 – 3.20 m
Displacement: 51 tonnes  
Main sail: 190 m2.
High aspect jib: 140 m2.

Engine: Perkins Sabre 160 kw
Cabins: 1 owner, 2 guests, 1 crew

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