Launched in 2022 as the "Afra", the 50-metre format gives the impression of a wooden yacht and is sometimes advertised as the largest of its kind. However, the hull and superstructure are made of GRP and have a carvel-planked teak outer skin. Some of the planks have the kind of shackles that are common on bar decks. It was a rather unusual process for Obaid Juma Bin Suloom Shipyard (OJS Boats). The shipyard from Dubai, which has construction sites not far from the Dubai Creek Harbour Marina, specialises in solid wood dhows.
Teak yacht as a family project
The shipyard founded by Obaid bin Suloom has become a multi-generational business. His son Ahmed Bin Suloom built the 44 metre long yacht "Touch Wood 2" in 2008, a design by his daughter Afra Bin Suloom. She also brought "Afra" into shape and also relied mainly on wood for the interior: teak lies lightly grouted on the floor, the walls appear to be lined with oak veneer and gloss-lacquered burl wood adorns the ceilings and the helmstand.
Performance and comfort
The "teak yacht" can accommodate up to twelve guests in six cabins, with the largest sleeping area on the forward main deck. The living areas are characterised by Italian design furniture and carpets embedded in the teak floor. The 10.56 metre wide GRP-wood construction has a draught of just two metres, which makes it possible to call at shallow waters and harbours. Two CAT diesels, each with 820 kilowatts of power, propel the 50 metres at speeds of up to 18 knots.
Tradition Dau lives
The exterior, with its raised bow, is modelled on dhows for a reason. The descendants of Obaid bin Suloom are sticking to the tradition of wooden ships used for fishing or diving for pearls. Arabian dhows are still in use in the Kauffahrtei, and OJS completed the longest Arabian dhow in 2020 at 92 metres. "Obaid" is based on a solid wooden hull with a steel frame skeleton. According to the entry in the Guinness Book of Records, around 1,700 tonnes of wood and 800 tonnes of steel were required.
Owner search for wood format
A buyer with a penchant for wood is now being sought for the 50 metre long yacht from Ahmed Bin Suloom's halls. Enquiries are being accepted Bush & Noble against. The real estate agency from Dubai emphasises: Viewings are encouraged and will not disappoint. Wouldn't the dream in teak be something for Dubai expat Robert Geiss?
Technical data
- Length: 50 metres
- Width: 10.56 metres
- Draught: 2 metres
- Motors: 2 x CAT 3512
- Power: 2 x 820 kW
- Diesel: 127,850 litres
- Water: 46,156 litres
- Maximum speed: 18 knots
- Guest capacity: 12 people
- Guest cabins: 6
- Year of construction: 2020-2022
- Material: GRP, teak planks
- Completion: November 2022
