Project Y729: Oceanco transports 80-metre newbuild to final outfitting

Oceanco has reached an important milestone in the construction of Project Y729. The 80-metre-long yacht has been transported from the construction facilities in Zwijndrecht to the fitting-out docks in Alblasserdam, where it is now entering the final construction phase. The final outfitting is now due to take place before the launch, sea trials and delivery to the owner in 2027. The large format with an interior volume of 2,600 gross tonnes was styled by Espen Øino International, while Zuretti Design is responsible for the interior design. Arrow Monaco is the technical agent for the project.

First new build on the "Simply Custom" platform

Project Y729 is the first Oceanco-This is the first new build to be created as part of Oceanco's "Simply Custom" programme. This concept was developed to simplify the development process of a custom yacht and minimise construction time. The programme is available for yachts from 80 metres in length or with an interior volume of between 2,500 and 2,700 gross tonnes. Simply Custom offers owners the freedom to realise their desired design features on an already established technical basis. "With Y729, we were able to use the Simply Custom framework that was already available to start the project," explains Oceanco project manager Erwin de Looff.

First yacht for the owners

For the owners, Y729 is their first yacht of their own. After many years of chartering, they wanted to create something completely their own - a place where the family can spend time together. Although they are looking forward to the finished result, they are already enjoying every stage of construction. The transport to the outfitting yard marks another special milestone. "There is a great chemistry between us, the designers, our representatives and the shipyard, so every meeting naturally becomes a celebration," explain the owners. "Everyone involved gives their best for our yacht, and the whole team feels like an extended part of our family. Building our dream boat is a wonderful experience."

Accelerated construction time thanks to "Simply Custom" concept

Noel Walsh, Managing Partner at Arrow, emphasises the benefits of the Simply Custom platform: "Y729 embodies the true strength of the Simply Custom platform, namely the ability to accelerate a complex build while maintaining the highest standards of innovation, technical excellence and bespoke detailing." The yacht will accommodate up to 14 guests, who will be looked after by up to 28 crew members. With an overall length of 80 metres and a beam of 13.8 metres, Y729 offers plenty of space for self-sufficient world cruises. Propulsion is provided by a diesel-electric system that enables a maximum speed of 16 knots.

Oceanco recently handed over the 111 metre long "Leviathan" to the shipyard owner and owner Gabe Newell. The diesel-electric superyacht serves as a floating research laboratory.

The "Leviathan" owner lives on board all year round

Today, the likeable tech entrepreneur lives on board his boats all year round: "I work eight hours a day, and when I don't feel like it anymore, I jump off the bathing platform. It's the perfect life for me!"

Gabe Newell is relatively new to the yachting world

Computer games such as "Half-Life" and "Counter-Strike" made developer Gabe Newell rich. The US-American, who was also part of the founding teams of Microsoft and OpenAI, is considered one of the wealthiest people in the world. Newell only discovered his passion for yachting a few years ago and today manages various research vessels (68 metre "Dagon", 66 metre "Hydra") in addition to large formats (92 metre "Draak", 78.5 metre "Rocinante", 72 metre "Game Changer").

"I wasn't interested in yachts at all at first," says Newell, who chartered the sailing yacht "Mirabella" for his then wife's birthday. "I thought I would be miserable. Instead, I discovered this fantastic opportunity to spend time with friends and family."

The entire industry dreams of such owners.