11/2008 –

Feadship has delivered the second yacht in its groundbreaking SL39 modular concept. Kathleen Anne was christened at Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw in Aalsmeer, The Netherlands, in late October. While the first SL39 Ocean Mercury has a classic Feadship look, Kathleen Anne features a modern exterior from the drawing boards of Guido de Groot and an interior by Bannenberg Design. Her delighted owner, who was closely involved in the project throughout the build, has succeeded in creating the very definition of a family yacht.

The SL39 concept is unique in the superyacht sector as each yacht has an entirely original exterior styling above the hull. The infrastructure of the hull, technical systems and equipment are pre-determined, while the design is based on a grid pattern with zones for engineering and accommodation spaces. Taking these details as a platform, clients have complete freedom to choose the design of the living spaces and the layout of the outdoor deck areas. SL39 mk2 Kathleen Anne has an elegant contemporary exterior style. Her forward bulwark has been drawn high to reflect the overall lines of the boat, while the bow slopes downwards to give a speedy look. Like every SL39, Kathleen Anne is a full displacement world cruiser with a steel hull, aluminum superstructure and a top speed of 14 knots.

During the launch ceremony, Henk de Vries expressed his pleasure at again teaming up with Bannenberg. “While our recent partnership on Predator and now Kathleen Anne are making headlines today, it is good to reflect on the rich history that the De Vries and Bannenberg families share. Jon Bannenberg designed various trendsetting Feadships in the 1980s and our fathers’ generation felt privileged to build famous yachts such as My Gail II (currently named Ramses), Azteca (curently named Lionwind) and The Highlander.“ Dickie Bannenberg also spoke of the benefits of working with the experts at De Vries, “where projects always run like clockwork”. He also described the owner as a delight to work for. Captain Jol Nichols praised the experience and enthusiasm of all the different disciplines that had combined to make Kathleen Anne “the ultimate yacht”.

The third SL39 is scheduled to be ready towards the end of 2009. Dutch designers Fokkema have created the interior while De Voogt Naval Architects is responsible for the exterior brief.

NauticNews.com Tech Specs of Feadship Kathleen Anne

Feadship Range on NauticNews.com

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