modern wooden yachts

SPIRIT YACHTS

MODERN CLASSIC YACHT DESIGN & BUILD

Based in Suffolk on the east coast of the UK, Spirit Yachts has a portfolio of custom, wooden sail and power yachts ranging from day sailers to superyachts.

From humble beginnings in the Suffolk countryside, Spirit Yachts now operates from a large waterside facility with a team of highly skilled designers, naval architects, boat builders, cabinet makers, electricians and engineers.

TIMELESS ELEGANCE

Spirit Yachts’ contemporary, elegant design style is world-renowned. Subtle variations on 1930s classic yacht design with long overhangs, low profiles and smooth lines, married to contemporary underwater profiles and the latest technology, are synonymous with Spirit’s modern classic cruising, racing, and power yachts.

Spirit yachts are designed to be as beautiful in 100 years as they are today.

“THE SPIRIT TEAM IS WITHOUT DOUBT THE BEST IN THE WORLD WHEN IT COMES TO A UNIQUE BUILD EXPERIENCE AND A TIMELESSLY BEAUTIFUL YACHT.”

WORLD-CLASS WOODWORK

Spirit Yachts comprises a talented team of craftsmen and women who are passionate about and dedicated to the highest standards of boat building.

Using hand-selected timber sustainably sourced from responsibly managed forests, Spirit yachts incorporate the beauty of wood with the latest modern technology for sailing performance and a luxury guest experience.

SUSTAINABILITY

WOOD IS AT THE HEART OF EVERY SPIRIT YACHT.

Wood is a natural, sustainably-sourced boat building material offering beauty, a favourable strength-to-weight ratio, and durability. Spirit Yachts is committed to the environmental sustainability of its wood and is meticulous in sourcing the highest quality timber from responsibly managed forests and regulated suppliers.

SPIRIT NEWS

LATEST STORIES

Entry open for spirit yachts regatta 2024, spirit yachts appoints australasia dealer, spirit c72 on display palma boat show, spirit c72 shortlisted for prestigious classic boat award, spirit yachts set to showcase new designs at boot düsseldorf, owner interview: my first season on a new spirit 72, our spirited fastnet adventure, my spirit journey: 72dh owner interview, stay in the loop.

" * " indicates required fields

• Client Galleries

The World’s Finest Wooden Boats ®

Discover the, van dam difference.

Building boats exclusively from wood, Van Dam ensures craftsmanship lives on as an art form for you and future generations to enjoy. It is at the hands of our craftsmen that the magic of custom built truly happens. We invite you to experience the difference.

• Robb Report

5 Beautiful Wooden Boats That Blend Classic Design With Modern Technology

Now that's good wood.

By MICHAEL VERDON

From one of the largest single-masted wooden sailing yachts in the UK to a mahogany 30-footer with an Art Deco–themed interior, this quartet of vessels showcases just what’s possible with timber, the most classic of boatbuilding materials.

The 111-foot Geist , launched last July by Spirit , is the largest single-masted wooden sailing yacht built in the UK since the 1930s, when the America’s Cup yacht Shamrock V ruled the seas. But Geist is much more than a giant sloop. Her eco-conscious owner mandated systems like the first-of-its-kind electric propulsion by Torqeedo—a 100 kw motor fed by BMW lithium-ion battery banks, which recharge while Geist is sailing—while her Rhoades Young interior elevates wood to its maximum potential, showing off sustainably sourced sipo mahogany, teak and walnut in a series of continuously flowing curves. Even her sails are made of recyclable materials.

Navy Destroyer

Hacker Boat Company traces its roots to John Hacker, who crafted boats for the rich and famous during the Roaring Twenties. The Ticonderoga, N.Y., facility builds modern triple-cockpit runabouts that nonetheless appear straight from the docks of J. D. Rockefeller. The recently launched Restless is a custom project, a modern thoroughbred based on the 1923 Miss APBA race boat; she uses a foot pedal rather than a throttle for acceleration, on her way to a top speed of 65 mph. The Hacker team achieved the striking navy hull by combining a double-planked mahogany layup with a fiberglass skin, while the owners chose the same Cuoio leather favored by Ferrari to pair with the boat’s mahogany topsides.

Jakob Boesch built his first boat in the 1890s, and more than a century later his family continues to merge new technologies with old-world Swiss craftsmanship. Boesch ’s new, 28-foot 860 has a classically styled mahogany hull with up to 11 layers of wood laid at right angles, sealed with six layers of epoxy and finished with six layers of varnish. Propulsion choices include modern options like twin 150 kw electric engines for quiet, emissions-free operation. The runabout’s meticulously crafted silhouette disguises a beast of a machine designed for precise handling, tow sports and speed. Equipped with twin 380 hp Ilmor gas engines, the 860 can hit 48 mph, leaving fiberglass towboats in its wake.

Fiber Class

Unlike the rest of the list, the Hood 57 LM isn’t a proper wooden boat. The hull is what manufacturer Lyman-Morse calls “wood composite,” a combination of strip-planked fir and fiberglass, though its 1950s New England look—including the superstructure’s teak veneer—and pioneering construction suggest the potential for a modern-retro segment; it offers high-tech features such as a carbon-fiber flybridge roof and electric windows. A tough, lightweight boat designed to run offshore, its twin 1350 Volvo IPS pod drives deliver a top speed of 43 mph, while the interior, with its open salon and two generous staterooms, is as spacious as any fiberglass competitor.

Van Dam , which has been building mahogany boats since 1977, moved away from traditional 1920s-style runabouts to focus on original designs such as Catnip . The 30-footer has an Art Deco–themed interior, with stunning metalwork—including an array of semicircular gauge housings, windshield frames with slatted openings and a mirror-like stainless rudder—complementing an expanse of varnished mahogany. With twin 385 hp Ilmor inboards, Catnip has a top end of 57 mph, and since Van Dam won’t build any boat twice, she’s also unique.

Recent Posts

Hood 35 LM Boat Review

Hood 32 in Sailing Magazine

Fall in the Boatyard

Tap Share on a video, then select Copy link if you want to transmit the video to the same chat later. only up

Se stai cercando di diventare una persona più premurosa, pensiamo che sia un obiettivo fantastico tunnel rush

Thanks for writing about the 5 beautiful wooden boats that blend classic design with modern technology I have read about it in my university life. By the way, I'm currently having trouble with a project, so I called essay proofreader . In the meantime, I found your blog article, which I really like, and I hope you'll write more intriguing posts in the future.

The purpose of project management is to accomplish specific objectives using various skills, knowledge, and methods. You may find it challenging to organize your time and deal with your project management assignmentseven if you are a management student. Providing students with all types of project management assignments writing service, we have a dedicated team of 5K+ PhD qualified writers. Therefore, if you need project management assignment help and are a beginner in the field, you can reach out to our team.

From now, you have become my favourite content writer after what I read about beautiful wooden boats that blend classic design with modern technology. Your writing was awesome that gave me an idea of what should I buy. Buy Dissertations Online

• Nautic Shows
• America’s Cup
• Classic Yachts
• Motor Yachts
• Sailing Yachts
• Superyachts
• Yachts News
• Destinations
• Yacht Clubs
• Boat Racing
• Meta Yachts

Photo : Spirit

The 111-foot  Geist , launched last July by  Spirit , is the largest single-masted wooden sailing yacht built in the UK since the 1930s, when the America’s Cup yacht  Shamrock V  ruled the seas. But Geist is much more than a giant sloop. Her eco-conscious owner mandated systems like the first-of-its-kind electric propulsion by Torqeedo—a 100 kw motor fed by BMW lithium-ion battery banks, which recharge while  Geist  is sailing—while her Rhoades Young interior elevates wood to its maximum potential, showing off sustainably sourced sipo mahogany, teak and walnut in a series of continuously flowing curves. Even her sails are made of recyclable materials.

Navy Destroyer

Photo : Hacker Boat Company

Hacker Boat Company  traces its roots to John Hacker, who crafted boats for the rich and famous during the Roaring Twenties. The Ticonderoga, N.Y., facility builds modern triple-cockpit runabouts that nonetheless appear straight from the docks of J. D. Rockefeller. The recently launched  Restless  is a custom project, a modern thoroughbred based on the 1923  Miss APBA  race boat; she uses a foot pedal rather than a throttle for acceleration, on her way to a top speed of 65 mph. The Hacker team achieved the striking navy hull by combining a double-planked mahogany layup with a fiberglass skin, while the owners chose the same Cuoio leather favored by Ferrari to pair with the boat’s mahogany topsides.

Photo : Boesch

Jakob Boesch built his first boat in the 1890s, and more than a century later his family continues to merge new technologies with old-world Swiss craftsmanship.  Boesch ’s new, 28-foot 860 has a classically styled mahogany hull with up to 11 layers of wood laid at right angles, sealed with six layers of epoxy and finished with six layers of varnish. Propulsion choices include modern options like twin 150 kw electric engines for quiet, emissions-free operation. The runabout’s meticulously crafted silhouette disguises a beast of a machine designed for precise handling, tow sports and speed. Equipped with twin 380 hp Ilmor gas engines, the 860 can hit 48 mph, leaving fiberglass towboats in its wake.

Fiber Class

Photo : Billy Black

Unlike the rest of the list, the Hood 57 LM isn’t a proper wooden boat. The hull is what manufacturer  Lyman-Morse  calls “wood composite,” a combination of strip-planked fir and fiberglass, though its 1950s New England look—including the superstructure’s teak veneer—and pioneering construction suggest the potential for a modern-retro segment; it offers high-tech features such as a carbon-fiber flybridge roof and electric windows. A tough, lightweight boat designed to run offshore, its twin 1350 Volvo IPS pod drives deliver a top speed of 43 mph, while the interior, with its open salon and two generous staterooms, is as spacious as any fiberglass competitor.

Photo : Van Dam Custom Boats

Van Dam , which has been building mahogany boats since 1977, moved away from traditional 1920s-style runabouts to focus on original designs such as  Catnip . The 30-footer has an Art Deco–themed interior, with stunning metalwork—including an array of semicircular gauge housings, windshield frames with slatted openings and a mirror-like stainless rudder—complementing an expanse of varnished mahogany. With twin 385 hp Ilmor inboards,  Catnip  has a top end of 57 mph, and since Van Dam won’t build any boat twice, she’s also unique.

RELATED ARTICLES

Megayacht a cost italy 18 million euros and it will still cost, sergei naumenko, owner of phi, unsuccessful in appeal against yacht’s detention, nancy walton’s $300 million megayacht ‘kaos’ seeks safe haven in monaco after vandalism threats, millionaire’s abandoned, capsized 007 superyacht finally refloated, draft law proposes banning internal combustion charter boats in balearic islands from 2030.

Subscribe to our newsletter

To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements.

LATEST ARTICLES

Unleashing potential: emirates team new zealand’s two-boat training session, foiling awards: these are the best “flying” boats of 2024, editor picks, canadian beau lake introduces the tahoe ’14 and lugano ’14 electric runabouts, underwater adventure and exploration with deepflight’s super falcon 3s, driving performance on land and on water: 41′ amg carbon edition, popular posts, young designer of the year 2022: ioana valentina corcodel reveals 65m ophelia concept, mirabaud sailing video of the century: celebrating 2 decades of passion, superyacht the flying fox seized in the dominican republic, popular category.

• Regatta 807
• America's Cup 384
• Motor Yachts 261
• Boating 215
• Superyachts 183
• Sailing 177
• Yachts News 174
• Sailing Yachts 162

Spirit Yachts: Inside the British yard behind some of the world’s most beautiful boats

• February 6, 2020

Few builders possess the power of seduction demonstrated by British wood epoxy experts Spirit Yachts. David Glenn reports

Spirit Yachts’s workforce with one of the laminated sapele frames of the Spirit 111. Photo: Emily Harris

Today, Ipswich-based Spirit Yachts is embarking on a new phase in its development, having recently launched a 111ft sailing yacht that exploits the benefits of electric propulsion, the latest high voltage lithium battery technology and smart control systems to reduce the need for fossil fuel power.

Like all Spirits, she was constructed in timber from sustainable sources and because of her light and easily driven hull she could potentially become one of the most efficient sailing yachts afloat. On the face of it she’s an eco-warrior’s dreamboat, which means she was scrutinised down to her last plank of Douglas fir before her launch last year. But more of her later.

A joiner marking out a below waterline area. Photo: Emily Harris

In spite of a full order book, Sean McMillan, founder of Spirit Yachts, whose distinctive design style and inherent skill as a woodworker are responsible for these luscious-looking yachts, is the first to admit that it hasn’t always been an easy ride: “It’s been a roller-coaster, but it’s also been a great experience,” he says.

McMillan’s passion for wooden boatbuilding, and dogged determination to retain a highly skilled workforce through thick and thin has put him and Spirit at the very forefront of modern wooden yacht building.

Raising the profile

Five years ago the Ipswich-based company was facing a tough market as the ripple effect of the 2008 financial crisis continued to hobble business. Refit came to the rescue, but only up to a point. “I knew that we could not afford to lose staff,” said Sean, who has always placed his boat builders at the heart of Spirit’s success.

Article continues below…

Spirit Yachts 52D: This stripped-back racer is a wolf in sheep’s clothing

It may have been high season on the Solent, but among the eclectic mix of race boats both big and…

Oyster 565 yacht test: This bluewater cruiser marks the rebirth of a legend

For the sake of this iconic British brand, the new Oyster 565 can’t just be good, it has to be…

The directors also realised that running the company and designing the yachts (as well as not being able to resist some hands-on boat building), was too much for one man to handle. So they appointed Nigel Stuart as managing director. He came from Discovery Yachts and quickly raised Spirit Yachts’s profile.

Together with the Brexit effect and the consequent fall in sterling, making British products considerably more attractive, things began to look up. Today the company has an enviable, trend-bucking order book.

Fling in timber

The Spirit 52D Oui Fling racing in the Solent in July 2017. Photo: Emily Harris

After just a seven-month build period Spirit launched one of its more remarkable modern classics in the summer of 2017, the completely stripped out Spirit 52D for high profile, serial racing yacht owner Irvine Laidlaw, who was keen to add a modern classic to his fleet of Highland Flings. The D incidentally stands for ‘Distilled’.

On her first outing at the Panerai British Classic Week in Cowes, Oui Fling , surely the ultimate wolf in sheep’s clothing, dispatched the opposition in short order. Her victims included Sean McMillan (sailing his own Spirit 52, Flight of Ufford , which is anything but stripped out) who couldn’t quite catch Fling on handicap!

Laidlaw’s boat, which apparently touched 16 knots in the Solent, weighs just 6.8 tonnes – extraordinary for a wooden 52-footer – and is two tonnes lighter than Flight .

In addition to Oui Fling ’s exploits, the announcement of the 111ft sloop contract was a massive boost, in fact a potential game changer for Spirit. Sean McMillan believes she is the largest wooden yacht of her type built in Britain since the J Class Shamrock V was launched by Camper & Nicholsons in 1930.

The Spirit 111 is, of course, a largely wood epoxy build, but incorporating a high voltage lithium ion battery-powered electric propulsion system and smart electrical management. Together with an original interior by world renowned designers Rhoades Young, and the appointment of a specialist project manager in the form of the highly experienced German Jens Cornelsen, this yacht places the company firmly in the superyacht league.

Spirit Yachts put its toe in the water with larger yachts when the 100ft Gaia was launched in 2007, but there were issues, especially in race mode upwind, when her timber hull deflected marginally more than anticipated, making it difficult to keep rig loads stable. The structure was re-worked back in Ipswich and Gaia returned to the circuit in good shape.

100ft Gaia is soon to be eclipsed as the yard’s flagship. Photo: Carlo Borlenghi

Refreshingly, Sean McMillan is not afraid to admit that he and the company have had to learn lessons over the past 27 years. With limited scantling and engineering information available from classification societies for modern wood epoxy construction, Spirit has, at times, had to feel its way along the design route. Today, with what they call their ‘file of evidence’ containing historic calculations and structural data, they are con dent about tackling just about anything.

For the Spirit 111’s structural engineering, there was input from Sean McMillan, his experienced in-house naval architect Lawrence Peckham, composite structures expert Gary Scott-Jenner of Ipswich firm Synolo Design, and the classification society RINA.

Work involved 30 laminated sapele ring frames over which Douglas fir planking was laid and then finished with quadruple diagonal layers of 3mm mahogany veneer. There is some local reinforcement in carbon fibre and the entire structure will underwent epoxy saturation for structural integrity, impact resistance and longevity.

A rendering of the new Spirit 111, which will be the largest wooden yacht built in the UK since the J Class Shamrock V in 1930

The owner of the Spirit 111 had an unfortunate accident with his previous yacht, a Spirit 52, when he hit a rock at eight knots while sailing in the Baltic. The yacht took in no water but a number of ring frames were cracked, so she returned to Ipswich for repairs to include‘ sistering’ or doubling up the frames in question.

Demonstrating his faith in Spirit, while visiting their offices to check progress on the 52’s repairs, the owner caught a glimpse of a previous design Sean McMillan had been amending. Not long afterwards the deal for a boat that would be more than twice the size of the Spirit 52 was on the table.

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Highly stylised furniture

Wooden Luxury on water

The finest and most functional wooden boats on earth.

The Collection

22' and Under

Other Links

Our companies.

• StanCraft Jet Center
• StanCraft Construction
• StanCraft Marine Center

The global authority in superyachting

• NEWSLETTERS
• Yachts Home
• The Superyacht Directory
• Yacht Reports
• Brokerage News
• The largest yachts in the world
• The Register
• Yacht Advice
• Yacht Design
• 12m to 24m yachts
• Monaco Yacht Show
• Builder Directory
• Designer Directory
• Interior Design Directory
• Naval Architect Directory
• Yachts for sale home
• Motor yachts
• Sailing yachts
• Explorer yachts
• Classic yachts
• Sale Broker Directory
• Charter Home
• Yachts for Charter
• Charter Destinations
• Charter Broker Directory
• Destinations Home
• Mediterranean
• South Pacific
• Rest of the World
• Boat Life Home
• Owners' Experiences
• Interiors Suppliers
• Owners' Club
• Captains' Club
• BOAT Showcase
• Boat Presents
• Events Home
• World Superyacht Awards
• Superyacht Design Festival
• Design and Innovation Awards
• Young Designer of the Year Award
• Artistry and Craft Awards
• Explorer Yachts Summit
• Ocean Talks
• The Ocean Awards
• BOAT Connect
• Between the bays
• Golf Invitational
• Boat Pro Home
• Pricing Plan
• Superyacht Insight
• Product Features
• Premium Content
• Testimonials
• Global Order Book
• Tenders & Equipment

Retro revival: The best modern classic yachts

Livingstone.

Many people love classic design, but old yachts, cars and aircraft often come with inevitable issues in terms of performance and comfort, not to mention a never-ending maintenance list. The modern classic offers an alternative to owning a classic superyacht , drawing inspiration from the magnificent lines of yachts from the first half of the 20th century, and yet concealing modernity beneath the waterline and within. We round up some of the best modern classic yachts in the world...

It is not just the name of the 24 metre Livingstone that recalls a bygone era - this steel-hulled cruiser from Hartman Yachts oozes 1930s charm with a canoe stern and a decorative aluminium funnel. However, these classic flourishes belie her high-tech equipment, such as an extendable passarelle that can emerge from the beautifully curved transom in a matter of seconds.

The massive modern classic Nero stretches more than 90 metres in length. Built in China by Corsair Yachts , her owner was inspired by J.P. Morgan's Corsair yachts from the 1930s. An apt replica, she resembles a small, classic cruise liner – with a smoke stack included.

Accommodating 12 guests, Nero is one of the most expensive charter yachts . Superyacht Nero is available for charter in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean , with a talented chef on board who has received some bizarre requests in his time.

More about this yacht

Yachts for charter.

She may look like she was born in a different era, but the 48.7 metre yacht Clarity was launched by Turkish yard Bilgin Yachts as recently as 2015. Styled in-house, this modern classic was based on a simple but ambitious premise: to build a yacht with a design that will last forever.

Her full-displacement hull has a bilge keel and bulbous bow for all-ocean seakeeping, while modest 707hp Caterpillar engines yield a serene cruising speed of around 10 knots befitting of Clarity ’s graceful appearance.

Photo: Eray Altay

The 38.8 metre Truly Classic  Atalante  was launched by Claasen in 2015 and combines retro good looks and modern performance . She features design from renowned modern classic designer Andre Hoek , who takes his inspiration from famous designers of old, such as William Fife , Charles Nicholson and Nathanael Herreshoff .

Atalante was built for the owner of a 27.5 metre Truly Classic of the same name, who enjoyed the smaller version so much that he ordered a larger, faster version.

“ Atalante represents the best of both worlds," said Hoek. "She performs like a modern thoroughbred and blends this with the timeless appeal of a classic yacht.”

The 28.9 metre Ardis II was built by De Cesari for superyacht and jewellery house owner Carlo Traglio . The mahogany motor yacht can often be seen moored in Porto Cervo, Sardinia .

Traglio spent much of his childhood on the classic 50 metre schooner Xarifa , before owning the  Perini Navi 80 yacht  Malizia . His experience of classic yachts acted as inspiration for building Ardis II , which can accommodate up to eight guests in four cabins. She is fitted with modern MTU diesel engines and is capable of 25 knots.

Eleonora E is an exact replica of the schooner Westward and an excellent example of a modern classic paying tribute to the original. She was built at the GraafShip yard in the Netherlands and was launched in March 2000. Since then, Eleonora E  — currently available for charter  — has successfully participated in a number of classic sailing regattas.

The 46 metre Sycara IV was a show-stopper when she was launched by Burger in 2009, displaying the US builder's diversity as it waded into retro yacht waters. With exteriors by Bruce King and interiors by Ken Freivokh and Craig Beale , the fantail stern yacht makes you do a double take as she could easily fit in alongside classic Trumpys .

But this modern classic has a shallow draft and was designed for cruising the Bahamas and the Great Lakes in style. Sycara IV  has modern touches with a spacious on-deck master stateroom, telescoping bowsprit and corrosion resistant aluminium hull.

Tempus Fugit

This modern classic yacht is a head turner on the racecourse, blending speed and style thanks to her highly varnished wooden hull. The 27.43 metre Tempus Fugit , from Arkin Pruva , was designed by Rob Humphreys to pay homage to J Class yachts , but she is beamier, offering more comfortable living accommodations below and in the cockpit during races.

And race she does —  Tempus Fugit was a surprise contender at regattas when she came onto the scene, holding her own against classic yachts and modern carbon crafts as well.

The beautiful, modern classic ketch Elfje is owned by philanthropist Wendy Schmidt . Schmidt had a very hands-on role in designing Elfje with Hoek Naval Architects and is proud of its environmental credentials, from its racing design to sustainable materials. Expect to hear a lot more about Elfje , a sailing superyacht of the ages , as she's been busy on the racecourse since her launch.

The 90 metre Athena , built by Royal Huisman , is inspired by classic schooner yachts, but has a modern twist. This modernity is appreciated in Athena's sail plan and rig, which benefits from in-mast and in-boom furling.

The three-masted schooner Athena flies some 2,500 square metres of sail, which can be set and stowed at just a press of a button(s) thanks to the 55 Rondal captive winches on board.

The iconic Athena's imposing size is well divided by her designer Pieter Beeldsnijder , who broke up massive interior spaces into welcoming living areas.

Sponsored listings

Home Modern classic

Welcome to Leonardo Yachts. In close collaboration with the leading designers in the yachting world such as Hoek Design and Dykstra Naval Architects, we build daysailers that embody the true essence of a modern classic yacht. Our modern classic sailing yachts combine the timeless appeal of a classic yacht with the cutting edge technology of a modern cruiser. Enjoy the exceptional comfort and unrivaled performance or our Spirit of Tradition yachts, without making compromises on beauty and elegance. Our modern classic sailing yachts truly are the ideal combination of old and new…

Like a true modern classic yacht, our Eagles all have a classic look with the characteristic long overhangs, classic yacht lines and high gloss mahogany varnished exterior woodwork. The looks are completed by the Edson classic steering pedestal with Ritchie stainless steel compass and the stainless steel 7 spoke steering wheel with high gloss varnished mahogany rim. The interior of our modern classic sailboats can be made in different styles from matt varnished mahogany for a truly classic look or a classic styled white interior with mahogany or teak finish. But also light oak is possible or full teak wood, whatever your preference would be.

The classic lines and looks are integrated in a modern sailing yacht. The designs are made with the latest technology giving the yachts very good and easy to handle sailing characteristics. The modern keels in fin shape can be even upgraded for more performance to a bulb shaped deep draft keel making them fast and easily manouvrable. The modern technology can also be found in the electric package for the winches by which adjusting the sails becomes as easy as pushing a button. The sails from North Sails also hold the latest technology with the 3Di design, making the sails very shape stable to increase the sailing performance. To complete a race set-up, a carbon mast and boom can be added to get the most out of the speed. Standard, our modern classic yachts are delivered with Volvo Penta engines, but off course electric propulsion is available for all models.If you share our passion for modern classic sailing, we would be honoured to help fulfil your aspirations. Together we build the most beautiful Spirit of Tradition boats ever seen.

Get in touch and explore all our options.

• Apr 12, 2023

Back to the Future - A 164-Foot Wooden Superyacht Mixes New Tech with Old Glory

Good things never go out of style.

For those with an appreciation for the bygone eras of boating -- when elegant wooden launches gracefully dominated the water -- it shouldn't be surprising that a beloved building block simply won't quit.

Wood has a warmth to it -- a charming antidote to the coldness of steel -- which is why wooden boats are still some of the most sought after vessels in the world. There's a fair argument to be made that the 'Before Fibreglass' era in boating holds great reverence among recreational boaters.

Heck, even Wayne Gretzky has one .

So, by that logic it stands to reason that a boater with a bigger bankroll would indulge in the ultimate -- a wooden superyacht.

A 50 meter (164 ft) teak superyacht is currently for sale in Dubai for a modest $9.995 million USD. It is the largest wooden superyacht ever built.

The yacht is being offered through the brokerage Bush & Noble .

The luxury-appointed vessel has an exterior superstructure made from teak wood. Bush & Noble state the hull material is "fibreglass cladded with teak" which were “sourced from Italy at no expense spared."

The yacht was designed and engineered by Henderson Marine International and construction started in 2020.

Her inspiration comes from the dhow design - a predominantly one or two-masted sailing vessel popular throughout Africa and the Middle East for centuries. Dhows typically sport a long, narrow hull shape with a significant bow arch.

Dhows were long used as traditional Arabian sailing boats and the history and influence of the dhow across the Persian Gulf inspired the modern remake.

While the ship is a powered superyacht courtesy of two massive Caterpillar diesel engines, she carries decent performance with a maximum speed of 18 knots (20 mph) and a cruising speed of 12 knots (13 mph). She has a slightly exaggerated beam of 10.56 m (34.5 ft) and a modest draught of 2 m (6.5 ft)

Inside, she has all the trappings one would expect with a modern superyacht -- 6 cabins, 11 heads, accommodations for 12 guests and 5 crews. It also boasts a breakfast bar, two screening areas, a formal dining room, an al fresco dining area on the main deck, a beach club on the stern deck, and a 'sky lounge.' All of the interior superstructure is clad in teak and accented with Italian marble.

But even with the elegant ode to boating's past, the yacht is still full of modern tech. There is a CCTV system, a 220V electrical panel, a fire suppression system, Garmin touchscreen GPS, Garmin autopilot, a FLIR camera, and more. The listing on the Bush & Noble website is extensive.

“We are thrilled to have this stunning custom wooden yacht as part of our fleet,” said Brett Noble, co-founder of Bush & Noble. “It truly is a one-of-a-kind yacht that is sure to impress even the most discerning yachting enthusiasts.”

By all indications, the yacht doesn't yet have a name. So the new owner will not only score it at a reduced price, but will also have the pleasure of undergoing the proper boat naming ritual .

#news #culture #weirdboats

Recent Posts

New Lexus Yacht Boasts BBQ on the Flybridge and Sweet Swim Platform

F58 Flybridge from Princess Yachts Comes to Fruition

One of the World's Most Famous Boat Rides Struggling Under $1.2 Billion Debt

• Dec 7, 2023

Yamaha to Reveal Hydrogen-Powered Outboard Prototype at Miami

• Nov 3, 2023

FLIBS Recap- 7 Boats You Gotta See in 2024

• Nov 1, 2023

First Drive – Brunswick's Autonomous Docking System

• Oct 25, 2023

Why the Vertical Bow is Making a Comeback

• Oct 6, 2023

Formula Announces Massive 457 Center Console Models for 2024

• Sep 27, 2023

This Is It - The Coolest Catamaran Ever Built

• Sep 13, 2023

#WeirdBoats - Historic 'Flying Boat' that Led Amazon Expedition is Up For Sale

• Motorcycles
• Car of the Month
• Destinations
• Men’s Fashion
• Watch Collector
• Art & Collectibles
• Vacation Homes
• Celebrity Homes
• New Construction
• Home Design
• Electronics
• Fine Dining
• Baja Bay Club
• Costa Palmas
• Fairmont Doha
• Four Seasons Private Residences Dominican Republic at Tropicalia
• Reynolds Lake Oconee
• Scott Dunn Travel
• Wilson Audio
• 672 Wine Club
• Sports & Leisure
• Health & Wellness
• Best of the Best
• The Ultimate Gift Guide

Five Modern-Day Mahogany Yachting Masterpieces

The pesse canoe, a dugout made from a hollowed tree trunk, is the oldest boat ever found. built between 8040 and 7510 bc, it exemplifies how critical wood has been to boatbuilding, all the way from prehistoric times through the last century, when it was still the material of choice for gatsby-style runabouts and america’s […], michael verdon, michael verdon's most recent stories.

• This New 144-Foot Superyacht Has a Glassed-In Dining Room With Ocean Views
• Taking a Bow: How Yacht Makers Are Rethinking the Front End
• Airliners Are Trying Radical New Wing Designs to Improve Fuel-Efficiency
• Share This Article

The Pesse canoe, a dugout made from a hollowed tree trunk, is the oldest boat ever found. Built between 8040 and 7510 BC, it exemplifies how critical wood has been to boatbuilding, all the way from prehistoric times through the last century, when it was still the material of choice for Gatsby-style runabouts and America’s Cup racing yachts. In the 1950s, a new-fangled material called fiberglass began to replace wood, but there are still a handful of intrepid builders around the world that create stylish motorboats in mahogany. While they often replicate retro-styles like famed 1930s Chris-Craft Barrelbacks, most builders are creating sleeker, more contemporary versions that often look nicer than their fiberglass competitors. Built with a special epoxy system that makes them as sun-resistant as fiberglass, mahogany has the advantage of delivering a more pleasant wooden sound when it slices through waves. Owners also like to talk about the softer ride in a mahogany boat. Here are five of the best woodies from the U.S. and Europe.

Culinary Masters 2024

MAY 17 - 19 Join us for extraordinary meals from the nation’s brightest culinary minds.

Give the Gift of Luxury

Latest Galleries in Marine

Unica 40 in Photos

8 Fascinating Facts About ‘Wayfinder,’ a 224-Foot Catamaran With a Helipad That Doubles as a Pickleball Court

More from our brands, khloé kardashian and fabletics launch third collection with compression swimwear, amazon prime joins fight game with premier boxing champions ppv, bad robot’s mysterious anne hathaway, ewan mcgregor film for warner bros. gets title, release date, takashi murakami’s kyoto survey shows the multiple dimensions of japan’s superflat superstar, the best exercise mats for working out, according to fitness experts, subscription.

Get the Magazine

Subscribe now and save on Robb Report.

Includes digital magazine access and a free gift!

Exclusive Membership

Discover rr1.

RR1 is the private membership club that brings the pages of Robb Report to life.

Wooden Boats

We know wood. In fact, we’re pretty picky about it. We’ve been using wood in the marine environment for well over thirty years, with great results, for good reasons. In the era of aluminum, fiberglass, and carbon fiber, it may seem a bold claim, but here it is:

Modern wooden boats are the best.

A beautiful, sturdy and satisfying material

Wood has better resistance to the exact kind of stress that boats receive in the water – constant direct pressure from the water on the hull. Wood with epoxy retains more of its strength against repeated pressure than fiberglass or aluminum.

Wood has better thermal characteristics. This reduces condensation on the interior of the boat in colder water conditions. Less condensation equals more comfort.

Wood is acoustically superior, far less likely to transmit noise through the boat than other materials and never creates a tin can effect. There is a reason good speakers use wood for their housings. The vibrations don’t transmit to create secondary noise. A quiet boat is also a more comfortable boat.

Galvanic effect occurs when certain different materials come in contact with each other, such as steel and aluminum. One causes the other to corrode. Wood simply avoids this problem altogether.

With its warm and natural beauty, wood brings a superior visual and aesthetic experience to your boat. This is a subjective effect, of course, but for most of us, the picture of a boat in our mind involves the visceral appeal of wood. The feeling of being surrounded by exquisitely crafted wood contributes greatly to the experience of boating and the joy of owning a Devlin boat.

And finally, Devlin’s wooden boats bring the cost of long term maintenance down to the level of a fiberglass boat. With our wood coated in epoxy, your boat will maintain its extraordinary characteristics for decades. Further, if something does happen, a Devlin wooden boat can always be refurbished to look and perform like it’s brand new.

Modern Wooden Boat Building

Masterful Blend of Tradition and Technology

Introduction.

In an age dominated by fiberglass and aluminum, modern wooden boat building techniques might seem like a relic of the past. However, there is a resurgence of interest in wooden boats, fueled by their timeless charm, sustainability, and the marriage of tradition with modern technology. Modern wooden boat building techniques are a testament to human craftsmanship and innovation, blending age-old methods with cutting-edge materials and tools.

The Resurgence of Wooden Boats

Wooden boats have a rich history that dates back thousands of years. They were the primary vessels for exploration, fishing, and transportation before the advent of steel and fiberglass. While these modern materials have dominated boat building for decades, wooden boats never truly faded away. Today, they are experiencing a revival as enthusiasts and boat builders recognize their unique appeal.

Modern wooden boat builders have access to a wide range of timber species, each with its own unique properties. Traditional choices like oak, mahogany, and cedar are still favored for their strength, stability, and beauty. However, advancements in wood technology have introduced new options, such as sustainably sourced, engineered woods like laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and plywood. These materials offer enhanced strength and durability while minimizing the impact on natural forests.

Cold-Molded Construction

Cold-molded construction is a popular method for building wooden boats today . It involves layering thin strips of wood veneer at opposing angles, which are then bonded together with epoxy resin. This technique results in a strong, lightweight, and watertight hull that can be finely contoured to achieve exceptional hydrodynamic performance.

Stitch-and-Glue

Stitch-and-glue is a simplified wooden boat building technique that involves stitching together pre-cut wooden panels with copper wire or zip ties and bonding the seams with epoxy. This method is ideal for amateur builders and produces sturdy, lightweight boats with minimal woodworking skills required.

Strip Planking

Strip planking is another method where narrow strips of wood, typically cedar or mahogany, are fastened to a mold or framework. These strips are then glued together, creating a beautiful, smooth hull surface. The technique allows for intricate designs and can be used for both small rowing boats and large yachts.

Traditional Carvel Planking

For those seeking the classic look of a wooden boat, the traditional carvel planking method is still employed. It involves the fitting of closely spaced, overlapping planks on a frame, which are then sealed with caulking to ensure watertightness. This technique is time-consuming but results in a vessel with an elegant appearance and a time-honored aesthetic.

Modern Technology in Wooden Boat Building

While wooden boat building may rely on traditional craftsmanship, modern technology plays a crucial role in enhancing efficiency and precision. Computer-aided design (CAD) software assists in creating precise plans, optimizing designs for performance, and ensuring structural integrity. CNC (computer numerical control) machines enable the accurate cutting of wooden parts, reducing waste and streamlining production.

Environmental Sustainability

One of the key advantages of Modern Wooden Boat Building Techniques are their environmental sustainability. Sustainable forestry practices, coupled with the use of engineered woods, ensure a reduced impact on natural forests. Additionally, wooden boats have a longer lifespan than fiberglass counterparts, further reducing their environmental footprint.

Modern wooden boat building techniques are a testament to the enduring appeal of this age-old craft. By blending tradition with modern technology and environmentally conscious practices, boat builders are creating vessels that offer the best of both worlds. Whether you are drawn to the timeless beauty of wooden boats or the eco-friendly advantages they offer, the resurgence of this craft is a testament to human ingenuity and our enduring connection to the sea.

Image Credits:

• https://www.flickr.com/photos/dwstucke/162058699/
• https://www.flickr.com/photos/anticiv/495429248/
• https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarahhoss/6465688249/

If you love boating, you will love your Pontoon Boat!

Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact the price you pay, our reviews, or our comparisons of products. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for yourself.

© Build a Pontoon Boat

• About Modern Wooden Boats
• Tips & tricks
• What’s inside a boat plan ?

Hirundo 750

Hirundo is trailerable, with her 2.5 meters of maximum beam and lifting keel; she can be considered on the heavy edge of a trailerable sailboat.

IDEA19 is a 6 m fast paced trailerable sailboat; she can be built by homebuilders in both GRP and wood-plywood & epoxy resin.

Escapist 24

Stand Up Paddles

Crispy 660 CABIN

Idea 21 sportboat

Seakayaks – DIY Kayak Plan

Saltaspiaggia

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information Accept

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.