The custom 45-meter superyacht, known as Project YN 256, has been successfully sold and is currently under construction. This exceptional vessel was exclusively designed by the renowned Hoek Design Naval Architects and is being expertly crafted by the Royal Hakvoort Shipyard. The anticipated delivery date for this remarkable yacht is set for 2026. Project YN 256 is characterized by its eco-conscious design, wheelchair accessibility, suitability for comfortable long-distance cruising, and a cutting-edge hybrid propulsion system. Its most distinctive feature is the extensive glass superstructure and the subtle design elements reminiscent of a sailing yacht.
Royal Hakvoort Shipyard and Hoek Design Naval Architects are delighted to announce the sale of this fully customized 45-meter superyacht, YN 256. The concept, design, and engineering of this vessel are exclusively attributed to Hoek Design, and Royal Hakvoort Shipyard has already commenced construction with the goal of delivering it in 2026.
The clients approached Hoek Design directly with a request for a unique, bespoke, and wheelchair-friendly yacht design. They also expressed a strong preference for a Dutch-built yacht, and among the many accomplished Dutch shipyards, André Hoek, the founder of Hoek Design, identified Royal Hakvoort Shipyard as the ideal partner due to their extensive experience in constructing custom-built motor yachts of this size and their unwavering commitment to quality.
"Despite our close proximity to their studio, we have not had the privilege of collaborating before," says Hoek. "Royal Hakvoort Shipyard is in a league of its own when it comes to mid-size full-custom yachts, and I was confident that they were the best choice for this project. Their expertise in this particular segment has already proven to be invaluable."
Project YN 256 has been meticulously designed for comfortable and efficient long-distance cruising. It features a round bilge displacement hull with an optimal deadrise and a level keel. Many design techniques and standards typically associated with sailing yacht design have been applied to this project, including CFD optimization of the hull. Similar to a sailing yacht, the weight distribution, fluid flow patterns, and hydrodynamic resistance of Project YN 256's hull have been thoroughly analyzed and fine-tuned to enhance its performance and efficiency.
"It's been a real pleasure collaborating with such a distinguished sailing yacht designer. Their 'outside the box' thinking is refreshing and challenges us to reevaluate certain established build and design principles," says Klaas Hakvoort, the owner and managing director of Royal Hakvoort Shipyard. "We take pride in the diversity of our fleet, and when we say 'full-custom,' we mean it - Project YN 256 is unlike anything we've built before."
Project YN 256 boasts a distinctive exterior style that seamlessly blends modern and retro elements. It features a slightly flared bow and incorporates numerous metallic bronze-painted features. The cleverly designed funnel serves as additional storage, reducing the size of the radio masts. Another unique feature derived from sailing yacht design is the hydraulic side boarding platform, complete with a side boarding ladder setup midships. However, the most striking feature is the yacht's expansive glass superstructure.
"The superstructure, which encompasses 360 degrees of the yacht and extends from floor to ceiling, is constructed entirely of glass to provide unobstructed views from all staterooms," Hoek explains. "Double-layered and double-insulated glass structures are supported by aluminum mullions, with rounded glass corners. The bulwarks on the main and bridge deck are also constructed with glass."
Despite its substantial 380 GT of interior volume, Project YN 256 offers a unique three-stateroom configuration, defying the conventional layout of yachts of its size. While a yacht of this size would typically feature four guest suites on the lower deck, YN 256 has two expansive full-beam VIP staterooms that rival the owner's suite in terms of space. These VIP staterooms include a lounge area, flexible seating arrangements, and a spacious ensuite with a bathtub. Additionally, the lower deck can accommodate up to seven crew members.
The owner's suite, positioned at the front of the main deck, includes a centerline king-size bed, a walk-in wardrobe, and an ensuite. The glass superstructure contributes significantly to the suite's appeal, flooding the space with natural light and offering unobstructed views. Glass sliding doors seamlessly connect the suite to an intimate foredeck featuring comfortable seating and a private conversation area.
Project YN 256 features a contemporary, modern, and minimalist interior design. The open-plan salon and dining area exudes a sense of spaciousness and houses an eight-person dining table and a C-shaped settee. Glass sliding doors provide direct access from the salon to the expansive and adaptable aft deck. The yacht also incorporates a saltwater pool on the aft deck, which serves as a garage for a five-meter tender when covered. With the pool covered, Project YN 256 can easily host large gatherings on the aft deck. The bridge deck is generously sized and includes an alfresco dining and lounging area.
As accessibility was a primary consideration for the client, Project YN 256 includes unique features not typically found on a yacht of this size. It boasts an elevator servicing all three decks, side decks wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, and a hydraulic transformer on the swim platform designed to transport wheelchair users from the dock to the main deck. Another standout feature is a gym with aged oak parquet flooring and convenient storage for diving equipment midships.
Project YN 256 is being constructed at the Royal Hakvoort Shipyard's facility in Monnickendam, the Netherlands, and is being built to Lloyd's commercial classification standards. The yacht will be flagged in the Cayman Islands and will feature a MAN hybrid propulsion system, consisting of two 200kW shaft generators/drives and a 500kW battery bank connected to a 750VDC bus.
Sustainability was a paramount concern for the client, which is reflected in the choice of a hybrid propulsion system and the CFD-optimized hull design. Project YN 256 will be outfitted with natural, ethically sourced materials, including its teak decking. Opting for these sustainable options not only aligns with environmental principles but also allows Project YN 256 to operate in silent mode at anchor for up to eight hours. The yacht is expected to have a range of 3,500 nautical miles at 11 knots and a top speed of 14 knots.
