The 70-metre-long yacht combines an already developed and tested base with an interior concept that sends guests on holiday straight away. Depending on the propulsion package, the hull offers either high efficiency or the ability to exceed the hull speed by up to 30 per cent.
As the construction is already fully developed, the Mulder Studio focussed on a contemporary yet durable exterior design. The waterline length is 63.4 metres with a width of 13 metres. The maximum draught is 3.15 metres, which allows access to popular harbours and anchorages. The preliminary interior volume exceeds 1,400 gross tonnes.
As if moulded by the wind
The exterior design follows a design philosophy that aims for broad acceptance without following short-lived trends. "With the exterior design, we have tried to achieve a look that appeals to many people and is therefore not too crazy. It reflects current trends in a way that is not so super modern that it would quickly look outdated," explains Bas Mulder. Refit de Luxe.
The key features are calm and elegant lines that harmonise with the maritime environment instead of screaming for attention. The organic lines follow the flow of waves and clouds, and the yacht looks as if it has been moulded by the wind. The flared bulwarks at the front of the upper decks improve visibility from the bridge stations and extend the deck space around the owner's suite.
Live like on the beach
The interior concept represents a clear break with conventional yacht design and draws its inspiration from Caribbean summer villas. The Mulder design team has created spaces that celebrate the duality between raw and refined elements: weathered wood meets maritime tradition, rough stone is reminiscent of coastal architecture, and natural linen upholstery preserves villa authenticity without sacrificing nautical sophistication.
Central to this philosophy is a wooden pergola system in the main deck saloon. The adjustable slats conceal spotlights and create changing light patterns that cast travelling shadows throughout the day. This dissolves the ceiling boundary and filters the light like on a real Caribbean terrace. The kinetic light installation responds to the rhythm of the day and keeps passengers connected to the temporal flow of nature.
Old teak meets weathered leather
The range of materials includes aged teak, stone and weathered leather. These create spaces that play with light, shadow and movement. Upon entering the main salon, guests encounter a bar made of rough stone and worked wood, followed by a long teak catwalk separating two lounge areas, enhanced by customised rugs with a wave pattern.
The journey ends at a low sofa anchored with leather straps - an elegant nautical detail reminiscent of a sailing ship moored in the harbour. Practical design meets poetic inspiration. The result elevates the yachting experience to art, where every moment feels like a retreat to a Caribbean hideaway that happens to be floating on the sea.
Division of the decks
The main deck accommodates six guest cabins with double beds in the forward area. Aft, there is a spacious saloon and dining area leading to an aft deck with bar, outdoor dining area and lounge. The lower deck is mainly dedicated to the crew quarters, mess room, main gallery and yacht technology.
On the upper deck, the master suite has been placed forward. The layout provides for a skylounge aft, but according to Mulder, this area could be reconfigured to transform the entire upper deck into a private owner's apartment with aft deck and cockpit lounge. The top deck comprises the wheelhouse, the captain's cabin, a sun deck and an observation deck in front of the mast with a spa pool.
The name says it all
The beach club has glass doors that open onto a spacious bathing platform. A transformer platform provides access to the water, and a transverse garage accommodates tenders and water toys. The foredeck also serves as a touch-and-go helipad.
The project name reflects the core values of the design: Opal is considered a protective and energising stone that brings optimism and spontaneity as well as encouraging creativity and appreciation for beautiful things. These qualities permeate both the design of Project Opal and the experience on board.
Technical data Mulder Project Opal:
- Overall length: 70 metres
- Waterline length: 63.4 metres
- Width: 13 metres
- Maximum draught: 3.15 metres
- Preliminary internal volume: over 1,400 gross register tonnes
Uske Berndt
Editor News & Panorama
