One year on from the launch of 72.5m M/Y Cloudbreak, German shipyard Abeking and Rasmussen has launched its largest yacht to date, 98m M/Y Aviva. The Yacht, which is currently sitting on the water outside the facility in Lemwerder, will now be prepared for an extensive period of sea trials prior to her delivery later this year.

For the launch, which Abeking and Rasmussen spent a number of weeks planning, a large pontoon was acquired from Norway and positioned it in front of the new build hall. A hydraulic platform trailer with 60 wheels combined with a winch was then used to move the yacht steadily onto the pontoon.

Designed by Reymond Langton the project team also worked closely with designer Toby Silverton on the exterior. Inside the yacht a modern interior conceals a full-sized tennis court, 20m x 10m x 6m high. Research and testing has enabled powerful looking yacht to maintain superior seakeeping abilities and reduce drag by 20 per cent. As a result, less engine output is required, fuel consumption is dramatically reduced.

With a the maximum speed of 20 knots a hybrid drive system has been implemented enabling the vessel to reach 11 knots without the use of the main engines, using only electric motors.

The 98m superyacht is intended to be more than just a pleasure craft for occasional cruising; Aviva, which has been described as a ‘floating office’, will be home to the experienced owner, Mr Joe Lewis, Chairman of the Tavistock group, for the better part of the year.

In a recent interview with Bond Technology Management, Lewis converses the how he intends to use the yacht, “Aviva is more than just an office; it’s also my home for much of the year.”

According to Abeking and Rasmussen’s sales director Till von Krause, he is not just happy because of the efficient timings, but “because of the vast planning programme, meaning that the shipyard was able to launch the yacht within 33 months of signing the contract.”

In addition to Aviva, Abeking and Rasmussen has another 74m yacht under construction, which is scheduled for delivery in 2018.

Profile links

Abeking & Rasmussen Schiffs und Yachtwerft Aktiengesellschaft

Reymond Langton Design Ltd

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