When industry giants such as Royal Hakvoort, Omega Architects, Van Oossanen Naval Architects, Ocean Independence and Zucker & Partner report - independently of each other but unanimously - on one of the biggest challenges in their decades-long histories, it makes you sit up and take notice. This is all the more true with "only" 45 metres in length and is based above all on the equally ambitious wishes and intensive involvement of the owner himself in the project. "He knew exactly what he wanted," recalls Peter Hürzeler from Ocean Independence during our tour of Monaco at the start of the project in 2018. The experienced Swiss customer, who had previously used a fast 25-metre format from an Italian series shipyard, wanted to increase the size but not exceed 38 metres. His new, customised yacht also needed to be at least 25 knots fast, be able to sail far beyond the Mediterranean, even in cold regions, and have the capabilities of an explorer, but without the typical rugged look.
The long wish list included a semi-electric hybrid drive for virtually silent travelling, even in highly protected areas, as well as the Argos 1000 3D sonar from FarSounder installed in the bow and a dynamic positioning system to prevent damage to the bottom with an anchor. Diving equipment for his wife had to be easily accessible from the beach club aft and easy to carry into the water from there, while his submarine should not interfere with the dynamic silhouette. And it was also important not to exceed the magic limit of 499 Gross Tons (issue 6/2023). With so many requirements, it is not surprising that the "Adur" project grew beyond 40 metres. In the end, "Milele", which means "forever" in Swahili, ended up at almost exactly 45 metres.
Laupman skilfully concealed the volume
Omega Architects was commissioned with Frank Laupman for the sleek, coupé-like design. Contrary to the trend towards open stern areas, "Milele" is high-necked, at least while underway - the beach club is only revealed when the bathing platform is folded down. In line with the owner's previous experience that the main deck aft is mainly used for taking off or putting on shoes and for sunbathing during passages, this area with a sunbathing area and seating group apparently has no surprises in store. The electrically extendable awnings, on the other hand, are a rather unusual but obviously practical solution for maritime purposes. These also provide protection from too much sun on the two decks above, which are each accessed via cleverly concealed steps. Following them, a glass dining table and chairs from Swiss manufacturer de Sede, designed by the owner, welcome up to ten guests on the aft upper deck. Integrated radiant heaters above the table ensure cosy warmth even in Norway or Alaska.
Glass panels closing to port and starboard keep the wind out. A wet bar, high-quality loudspeakers and free-standing lounge furniture from B&B Italia are just as much a feature here as on the sun deck above. Under the equipment rack, the round Jacuzzi is particularly striking. This non-inflatable but transportable version by Softtub from the USA was added relatively late in the construction process to the already lengthy specifications and is primarily intended for the owner's grandchildren, who were not originally "planned for". This unconventional solution poses no technical or regulatory challenges - at least as long as "Milele" is used purely privately as designed.
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The "Worx Nemo" submarine, on the other hand, is fully certified and allows the owner and "Milele" captain or officer to dive to depths of up to 100 metres. "Both crew members underwent intensive training," reports Sven Stark. The project manager from Zucker & Partner, Yacht-Consultants in Hamburg, took over the owner's representation together with Stefan Zucker at the end of 2019, when the hull had already been completed and work had begun on the superstructure. In addition to the almost weekly trips to Hakvoort in Monnickendam, there were also regular visits to U-Boat Worx in Breda, south of Rotterdam. "We were heavily involved in the implementation of the technical construction specifications," says the qualified naval architect, looking back and adding: "All safety requirements have been met."
However, this was no trivial matter, as the owner also demanded a functional and aesthetic combination in this area. A large, forward-opening hatch not only protects the 2.5 tonne submarine and the corresponding crane, but also the Zar ZF2 electric crew tender. There is also an almost six metre long Castoldi Jet 19 and an E-Jetski Taiga Orca, which are waiting to be deployed aft between the engine room and the beach club. At the very front, the XXL hatch also supports a screen when open, which enables open-air cinema evenings on the foredeck with the help of a projector. When the hatch is closed, the bow section has a sheer appearance and yet has another surprise in store, albeit a fully mechanical one: a hammock can be stretched between two spars.
The drive as a technical firework
The tour on board "Milele" leads from the foredeck to the bridge with a directly adjoining captain's cabin. The crew of nine benefits from the yacht's immensely high standard and paperless operation with redundant technology. For Hakvoort, the first delivery with hybrid propulsion represented a major challenge, but proven components from experienced suppliers helped the traditional shipyard to successfully realise the project. These include, in particular, the two MTU twelve-cylinder V4000 M93L engines, each with a power output of 2580 kilowatts, and two electric motors, each with an output of 110 kilowatts. In addition to the quiet sailing mode, the latter enable a transatlantic range with low consumption and anchorless holding of position in conjunction with bow and stern thrusters. In their function as a booster, the electric motors ensure an impressive 25.5 knots at top speed.
PTO and PTI technology plays its part in increasing efficiency and ensures that one of the two generators can be serviced while travelling in the comparatively compact but service-oriented engine compartment. Hydrodynamics expert Perry van Oossanen and his team and the "Hull Vane" helped with the balancing act between the required efficiency and maximum speed. The rigid wing sits below the stern and acts as a kind of underwater spoiler, generating lift and optimising the trim of the fast aluminium displacement craft. The foil is made of carbon instead of steel, as this saves five tonnes of weight. As a result, "Milele" is the first yacht with a hull vane made of carbon fibre.
Dedicated owner with great attention to detail
"The customer was involved in every little detail - that's very unusual for a 45-metre yacht," summarises the owner's representative from Hamburg, Sven Stark. "In the first month alone after taking on the project, there were almost exactly 1,000 emails between the customer and the shipyard. His thoughts were incorporated into every detail and the best was brought out." This applies in particular to the interior, which was created in close collaboration with owner and designer Martin Hanff, who is a trained master carpenter and interior designer. With his attention to detail and tenacity, he spurred the experienced interior design experts at Ruiter Quality Interiors on to top performance. And "Milele" bears witness to this on every deck, in every area, in every corner. When choosing the wood, the owner opted for two very contrasting variants of elm veneer, one lighter and more discreet, the other darker and much more structured. In the skylounge on the upper deck, the light-coloured wood was preferred in order to create an airy and inviting atmosphere in combination with elegant leather furniture from the Swiss company de Sede, the floor-to-ceiling window panels and the large-format TV.
"Milele" unites Gcosiness and elegance
This atmosphere is created in the main salon one deck below with the same ingredients. Here, too, "Milele" is cosy, yet no less elegant and of extremely high quality. The owner feels most at home in the company of his family and his closest circle of friends. This is why the larger of the two salons is content with a manageable number of seating options. Towards the front, sideboards on both sides act as room dividers and eye-catchers. Their concave and convex shapes are reflected in the backlit ceiling domes and on the floor. Both sides also house refrigerators at eye level with selected bottles from the private wine collection. The painting by the artist and former art forger Wolfgang Beltracchi is also very much in evidence. A sea monster motif - an original, not a copy - adorns the dining table for eight people, whose top is made of dark elm wood from the burl. The veneer with the mirrored images can also be found in the owner's suite. Its entrance area with desk offers plenty of storage space. In addition to the bed, the loggia on the starboard side also offers a fresh air option while travelling and becomes a balcony when the boat is stationary thanks to the folded-down side wall. The bathroom takes up the entire width of the hull with a central rainforest shower and features details such as leather cabinet handles in cream and brown, each with the "Milele" M as a stainless steel application.
Travelling the world for several years with an electric booster
In the round staircase, the striped wood veneers testify to the outstanding quality of workmanship, which extends to the three guest cabins on the lower deck. They also benefit from the generous headroom and dimensions, which is naturally not a matter of course for formats with an interior volume of less than 500 gross tonnes, and especially not for "Milele" with her extensive technical equipment. In line with the intended use of the yacht with family members and close friends, the number of cabins is limited to two almost identical VIP suites amidships and a cabin in front with a bunk bed for the owner's grandchildren.
As no further sleeping accommodation is provided, the remaining space is used as a gym. Even here, the owner attached great importance to the quality of the materials and workmanship of the wood panelling and portholes. Sacrificing the sports facility in favour of additional guest accommodation would be possible with manageable effort, but is not planned for the foreseeable future. If his business and family commitments allow, the owner would like to set sail with "Milele" on a world tour lasting several years. The potential for this certainly seems to lie dormant in the almost 46 metre long exceptional yacht. "Considering the possible speeds, she is super-smooth in the water," reports consultant Sven Stark, who will continue to provide the owner with intensive support during the warranty phase, first-hand. His summary: "The interface issue made the project very exciting. The very close contact with the customer made it one of the most challenging projects. At the same time, the appreciation from the owner was and is outstanding."
Technical data
- Length over everything: 45,20 m
- Waterline length: 44,70 m
- Width: 8,65 m
- Depth: 2,50 m
- Displacement: 334 t
- Gross tonnage: 496 Gross Tons
- Material: Aluminium
- Motors: 2 x MTU 12V4000 M93L, 2 x E-Booster
- Engine power: 2 x 2580 kW, 2 x 110 kW
- Speed (max.): 25.5 kn
- Speed (travelling): 12 kn
- Range @ 10 knots: 4500 nm
- Generators: 160 kW, 115 kW
- Fuel: 54 800 l
- Water: 14 500 l
- Construction: Van Oossanen Naval Architects
- Exterior design: Omega Architects
- Interior design: Martin Hanff, owner
- Class: ABS MCA code LY3
- Shipyard: Royal Hakvoort, 2023
