"Limerence" is a real quick-change artist, and not just in terms of her flexible use as a provider or as an independent yacht. When BOOTE EXCLUSIV was launched last autumn behind the gates of the Alia shipyard in Antalya's free trade zoneSea Club 53", as the project was called at the time, was already in the advanced outfitting phase, moored in the harbour basin. The fact that the 52.50 metre long steel and aluminium displacer with an exterior by Azure Yacht Design had a similarly striking paintwork to "Kensho" and also bore the Japanese-sounding name "Kaiyo" both on its own transom and on that of the 8.20 metre long custom landing craft from Cockwells, which was already parked on the main deck, added to the surprise.
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There was a lot to suggest that Alia was aiming for a support function for the exceptional 75 metre Admiral yacht (issue 1/23). And even the founder and president of Alia, Gökhan Çelik, confirmed the obvious assumption as well as the long-standing connection to the German owner, who already owned a yacht from the same Turkish shipyard, "Samurai". This is also where the 13-metre tender, which again visually matches "Kaiyo" and "Kensho", was built, which according to Gökhan Çelik had already been sent ahead to the "mother ship" in the Caribbean at the time.
Change of ownership not only brought a new name
All the more surprising was the news that "Kaiyo" was renamed "Limerence" a few weeks later and set course for Miami instead. The naming changed from the original Japanese word for ocean to "infatuation" - two words that undoubtedly belong together for yachties. Although "Kaiyo" developed as the "Sea Club 53" project during construction, moving away from being solely a supplementary concept for a mother ship and towards becoming an adventure yacht in its own right, the crucial question remained unanswered.
In the meantime, it became public knowledge that a change of ownership had taken place shortly after her completion and immediately before delivery in Antalya. Although it was no longer possible to make any substantial changes to the ship itself, at least in the short term, the new owner of "Limerence" did, however, remodel the tender fleet to his liking: While a Ski Nautique GS20 remains part of the fleet, a 12.50 metre RIB from Xtenders and an 11.60 metre Wajer 38S have been added. The landing craft and the originally planned Triton 660/7 submarine for seven people fell victim to the spontaneous sale. However, the existing peripheral equipment, such as compressors, make it easier to add to the boat at a later date or to equip it with alternative equipment.
Almost endless possibilities
Even without a submersible, nobody on board "Limerence" is likely to complain about boredom - after all, in addition to the wide range of tenders, a whole armada of water sports toys awaits the new owner, his family, friends and, in future, paying guests. "There are almost endless possibilities - from jet skis, Seabobs, e-foils, kayaks, SUP and surfboards as well as kitesurfing and windsurfing equipment to dinghies and sailing cats (RS Cat 14), everything is included," lists Charter Manager Caroline Antlett from Christie Yachts.
"The crew of twelve is very experienced and has various qualifications to ensure that guests have an unforgettable experience." These include professional sailing and kitesurfing instructors as well as a divemaster. However, nitrox or other breathing gas mixtures are not used. Instead, ten complete diving outfits and equipment for apnoea diving, snorkelling, fishing and a coffee bar are available in the diving and sports centre amidships on the main deck. The elaborate design of the prominently located area is reminiscent of beach clubs on much larger yachts.
Action, action, action
Aft on the lower deck, where the beach club is usually located, there is plenty of additional storage space on the "Limerence". Among other things, the crew needs this to store the e-bikes, the numerous water sports equipment and the inflatable water park. This XXL package, including a jet ski dock, climbing wall, slide, giant trapeze swing and much more, was supplied by the British experts from Superyacht Tender & Toys. "It takes up to three hours to set everything up," says Caroline Antlett, adding: "It gets quicker each time, the crew often start proactively and early so that everything is in place when the guests get up." The same applies to the air-filled frame elements with their high nets in between, which transform the helideck into a veritable sports field for basketball, pickleball, football or volleyball. The outdoor area, measuring around 14 by 14 metres, is also used as an open-air fitness area, for yoga, cosy cinema evenings under the stars or lively parties with karaoke, complete DJ equipment, a fog machine and a disco ball.
Flexibly usable helideck
But for all its versatility, the helipad also fulfils its actual task par excellence. It is not only used for touch-and-go manoeuvres, but is also fully certified for aero tenders with a maximum take-off weight of 3.8 tonnes. This enables charter guests to book an Airbus H145 or Bell 429, for example, which can even be parked on deck during the trip and refuelled by "Limerence" thanks to the paraffin reservoir in the fuselage. The yacht's own social media channels show what new perspectives a helicopter opens up in addition to the typical transfer flights. In the Bahamas, for example, a guest took off from the helipad in a Bell 429, only to jump out of the helicopter a few minutes later in a wingsuit. The experienced skydiver landed within sight of the yacht on a picturesque stretch of beach, which the crew had previously set up with sun loungers, a barbecue, pop-up pavilion and large dining table.
Focus on outdoor experiences
Back on board "Limerence", there is a weather-protected al-fresco alternative on the upper deck, but when the weather is fine, the hard-working hands of the crew are happy to prepare the table with twelve chairs on the bathing platform or the helideck for an even more atmospheric dining experience. Lounge areas in between or on the sun deck, which will be further upgraded with a jacuzzi during the upcoming shipyard stay at MB92 in La Ciotat, invite you to relax.
The former client modelled the design of the compact interior on his previous 60-metre yacht "Samurai", which Alia built ten years ago. For "Limerence", however, it was not RWD or Jouin Manku ("Kensho") but the Istanbul-based studio CT Mimarlik, together with the shipyard's own design team, that created the bright and relatively simple interior design. Colourful accessories and sophisticated pieces of furniture, most of which Alia's joinery produced itself, match the casual and informal ambience of the water sports base that sails the seas. With high-quality materials, clean lines and a focus on "Laidback Luxury", the atmosphere is more reminiscent of a boutique hotel than a functional provider.
499 Gross Tons with only three guest cabins
The compact and only saloon on board is correspondingly inviting on the upper deck. Despite its original primary purpose as an escort vessel and not, or occasionally, as an independent yacht, neither the shipyard nor the client made any visible compromises in terms of quality. This is demonstrated above all by the marble bathrooms in the only three guest cabins. The spacious owner's retreat occupies the full width of the forward area of the main deck. While the bathroom with double washbasin and shower is to starboard, wardrobes and a pull-out sofa are to port. Together with the mirror-identical cabins aft with sliding beds - but without Pullman options - "Limerence" can accommodate a maximum of eight guests, i.e. six adults plus two children if necessary.
Insights into the charter business
Is that enough for a successful charter business? "Definitely," says the charter manager with conviction. "The variable set-up can be adapted to different group dynamics and offers versatility for close friends or families and fun for all age groups." After her trip to the shipyard, which included some warranty work and the subsequent installation of the whirlpool, the all-rounder is due to set off for the Caribbean and the Bahamas for the winter season. The brokers at Christie Yachts, through whom "Limerence" is offered exclusively at weekly prices from 390,000 euros, are also hinting at a possible trip to Costa Rica.
It is not yet clear whether she will be booked primarily as a solitary vessel or as a subordinate but well-equipped escort vessel for a larger yacht. "As she has so far only been used privately by the owner, we have not yet been able to find a free period for charter. However, the enquiries we have received so far show that there is equal interest in both scenarios," emphasises Caroline Antlett and looks ahead optimistically: "It will be interesting to see how this balance develops in the coming year."
It remains to be seen whether "Limerence" will break the trend towards a flexible base for active holidaymakers and water sports enthusiasts. In any case, the entries from two owners have resulted in 53 metres that promise fun and experiences en masse. For Alia boss Gökhan Çelik, one thing is certain: "There is simply nothing else like it. Whether as an escort vessel with the aesthetics and comfort of a superyacht or as an independent adventure platform - 'Limerence' proves what a shipyard can realise in terms of custom solutions."
Technical data of the "Limerence"
- Length over everything: 52,50 m
- Width: 8,60 m
- Depth: 2,75 m
- Gross tonnage: 499 Gross Tons
- Material: Steel, aluminium
- Motors: 2 x CAT C92
- Engine power: 2 x 970 kW
- Speed (max.): 15 kn
- Speed (travelling): 10 kn
- Range @ 10 kn: 4,000 sm
- Consumption @ 10 kn: 160 l/h
- Generators: 3 x CAT C4.4
- Guests: 6 + 2 children
- Crew: 12
- Exterior design: Azure Yacht Design
- Interior design: Alia, Studio CT Mimarlik
- Construction: Diana Yacht Design
- Class: Lloyd's Register
- Shipyard: Alia Yachts, 2025
- Charterbroker: Christie Yachts
- Charter rate: 390,000 euros/week
