A new flagship

The latest design to come from Turkey-based Sarp Yacht is a 58m with an exterior by Taka Yacht Design and interior by Donald Starkey Designs. Founder of Taka Yacht Design Tanju Kalaycıoğlu and Donald Starkey walk us through the development of the project.

When we were asked to design the exterior for a 55m-plus motoryacht concept by Sarp Yacht shipyard manager Emre Şandan, we were aware that this had to be a flagship for the brand, at least for a few years. As Taka Yacht Design had already created a 46m design (under construction at the yard), the idea was to build a larger version. Stylistically, the 58m has the same feel as the 46m, but it features more organic marine-animal-inspired shapes which dominate the design. However, three fundamental principles are paramount: safety, form to satisfy function and maximum use of space.

The hull will be constructed from AH36 high tensile steel, with extra safety built in through dedicated watertight compartments for stabilisers and steering gear. The superstructure will be made from a vacuum- bagged epoxy sandwich composite, saving on weight and improving stability. This system will be very beneficial for paint maintenance in the future.

There are five guest suites and a very large owner’s suite, with crew living quarters in line with the new MLC (LY3) regulations. The vessel is more than 1,000gt, so there are several options available for customisation. The layout has been developed for private use but has a very adaptable arrangement to make it suitable for charter as well. The interior offers generous entertainment areas, with the main deck salon and dining room divided but could be converted into one generous space.

The owner’s suite on the main deck comes equipped with his and hers bathrooms and features automatically engineered port and starboard terraces, providing fantastic open vistas when at anchor. The main deck also combines an office starboard and a VIP suite on the port side. These are adjustable and could be used as a private owner’s gym, in place of the VIP suite, or two suites when the forward or aft lower deck suites are joined to become a full-beam VIP suite with lounge and bedroom to create a six-suite layout.

There are three open-deck shaded vista levels aft, with a sun deck forward. The lower aft beach club provides a swim platform combined with dive facilities, sauna/steam room, gym and massage room with access provided to this level via a staircase from the main deck.

Ample service areas with a dumb waiter serve all decks, and the forward crew spaces accommodate eight crew plus four officers’ and chief engineers’ cabins, with separate crew and officers’ messes to comply with LY3 regulations. All decks are accessible via a two-person/ one-wheelchair elevator. Storage is carefully allocated without hindering guest living spaces. The proposed interior is in a modern, understated style reflecting current trends and combining LED lighting and the latest A/V technology.

One of the options Sarp Yacht is offering is diesel-electric propulsion, which is becoming more common, especially with bigger yachts. With twin azimuth thruster units and a powerful bow thruster, the vessel will be exceptionally manoeuvrable. A further option offered is DP0 dynamic positioning, making the yacht independent of anchors in crowded anchorages and small bays.