Auckland-based Yachting Developments has launched its latest superyacht, the 33m Al Duhail, also known as Hull 1017. Al Duhail safely entered the water in Hobsonville before travelling to Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, where it will undergo final finishing work ahead of sea trials. 

Al Duhail is a carbon sportfisher, featuring naval architecture and design work by Warwick Yacht Design. Her interior was developed by Yachting Developments’ specialist interior team in conjunction with the owner.

The owner’s interior brief was for a simple and elegant style. Key materials used include oak wood with a light decor, including white panelling and cream carpets, offset by pops of colour in the soft furnishings.

Accommodation is for 10 guests, including the master suite and four guest cabins, plus two crew cabins. Powered by twin MTU 16V 2000 M96L 2000 HP engines, her estimated cruising speed is 20 knots, with top speeds of 30 knots.

“Our specialist composite team made use of full carbon epoxy construction to achieve the desired weight and performance – as a result she is sure to be fast and economical on the water,” says Ian Cook, managing director of Yachting Developments.

The New Zealand new-build market has significantly dropped off particularly in the last five years. Having peaked with eight deliveries in 2006, recently the country is averaging at less than one delivery per year and has no known projects currently in its order book except for Al Duhail.

While the country had a fairly consistent number of sailing yacht deliveries in the early 2000s, economic factors have led to a diminishing new-build market, with many of the country’s shipyards focusing predominantly on refit activity.

The Pacific region is increasingly becoming the focus of the industry’s interest, marked by The Superyacht Group’s inaugural edition of The Pacific Superyacht Forum, taking place in in Victoria, British Columbia from 28 to 30 June 2020. The Pacific Superyacht Forum is an invitation-only event. To register your interest,  please click here.

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Yachting Developments

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