First Pilot Classic sailing yacht delivered

Hoek Design, Netherlands has announced delivery of the first sailing yacht in a new line, the Pilot Classic 85. Built in Aluboot shipyard in Holland for a Turkish client, 26m Windhunter II has ‘outstanding’ performance and can be sailed by a permanent crew of two. She is the first in a line which will see larger models launched, including the 46m Pilot Classic 151, in build at Royal Huisman and scheduled for completion at the end of 2014.

Windhunter II features input from both her owners and their representative, Bora Kadikoy. The brief called for a classically styled yacht, with a lifting keel that stays below the interior floorboards in order to reduce draught for marinas. Carbon spars were chosen and the yacht was to be fast in light airs and in upwind conditions.

Hoek Design was responsible for the naval architecture, exterior styling, interior design and workshop drawings. Windhunter II is the sixth yacht from the boards of Hoek Design to be built at Aluboot, specialist in aluminium sailing yachts.

Windhunter II‘s hull is built in 5083 aluminium with longitudinal framing on transverse web frames in order to have a light and stiff hull construction. A recessed hydraulically operated side boarding ladder has been integrated in the construction and emphasis given to reduce or eliminate corrosion where stainless steel parts join the aluminium construction for fairleads, deck drains and hatches. The yacht has an aluminium bowsprit and a high modulus carbon mast and V boom by Hall Spars with rod rigging.



The lifting keel is a development between Aluboot and Hoek Design. It keeps the lifting mechanism below the floorboards, freeing up extra space interior for Windhunter II’s social spaces.

The interior design was arranged by the Hoek office with soft furnishings by Esra Gunray from Istanbul. A ‘classic but contemporary’ look combines mahogany paneling with off-white painted areas, leather floors in mahogany margins and subtle upholstery. The owner’s stateroom is located aft across the full beam. It includes two bathrooms, with a bathtub in the latter.



The stateroom is accessible via a cabin that can either be used as a walk-in closet or a spare guest cabin. There are two guest cabins with ensuite bathrooms forward of the saloon with a crew cabin for two further forward.

Profile links

Hoek Design Naval Architects BV

ROYAL HUISMAN

Aluboot Shipyard

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