Bestevaer 53 'Tethys', Tom Waes; sailing yacht launched

Bestevaer 53 'Tethys', Tom Waes' sailing yacht, has been launched at the KM Yachtbuilders shipyard. A special moment for both the shipyard professionals and the owner.

The 'Tethys' sailing yacht was built with as many sustainable materials as possible. A staggering 70% of the aluminium in the ship's structure is recycled. And instead of a diesel engine, it has an electric drive with a regenerating propeller. The interior is made of bamboo, again an environmentally friendly choice. There is plenty of space on board thanks to three cabins and a large storage space in the forward point. The ballasted centre board allows the ship to enter shallow harbours and rivers.

The Bestevaer 53 guarantees fantastic voyages. As Tom mentioned before during the KM Yachtbuilders Open Day, he dreams of sailing the route to Antarctica, the same one his compatriot Adrien de Gerlache navigated in 1897. The expedition with the three-master 'Belgica' was the first international scientific expedition to the South Pole.

"Being able to embark on such a legendary voyage is pure adventure," says Tom. "Our voyage to Antarctica starts in Antwerp, as a tribute to expedition leader Adrien de Gerlache."

The yacht will undergo several sea trials in the coming period. The yacht can be admired during the Hiswa te Water (the largest in-water boat show in Northern Europe), which will be held in Lelystad from 3 to 7 September. 

Specifications

Overall length 16.20 m
Length hull over deck 16.00 m
Length waterline 14.97 m
Overall beam length 4.57 m
Draught 1.70-3.50 m
Centreboard ballast 5.3 tonnes
Displacement 20 tonnes
Air draught 22 m
Design Dykstra Naval Architects
Rigging Seldén
Sails Elvstrom
Propulsion Ocean Volt
Nav/Comm B&G
Antifouling Finsulate