Mulder Design & Ares Yachts: stunning 70-metre Project Opal takes shape in Turkey

Dutch naval architecture and design studio Mulder Design has teamed up with Turkish shipyard Ares Yachts to bring a stunning new yacht to the market with a powerful selling point – a shortened delivery time thanks to the fact the hull is already well underway. The yacht draws on Mulder’s exceptional high-speed cruising hull – developed to offer either a high degree of efficiency or the ability to exceed hull speed by up to 30 percent depending on engine package selected – complemented by contemporary styling that is both agile and timeless.

With the hull platform’s engineering already designed and proven, and with the hull already more than half complete, the project represents an excellent opportunity to acquire an exquisite 70-metre yacht with the possibility of refining the general arrangement and interior style according to individual needs and preferences.

The Mulder Design team has married its advanced naval architecture to modern yet timeless lines. “With the exterior styling, what we have aimed to achieve is a look that appeals to a lot of people and therefore isn’t something too crazy, and which mirrors current trends in a way that isn’t so super-modern it would date quickly,” begins Bas Mulder, Owner at Mulder Design.

“The core attributes are calm and elegant lines that work in harmony with the marine environment rather than screaming for attention,” he continues. “The project’s organic lines follow the flow of waves and clouds, and the yacht looks like she was sculpted by the wind. Further, the considered use of materials and colours with wood, glass and metal elements add to the clean design.”

Adds PirayeŞahi̇nkayaOrhun, Managing Director of Ares Yachts, “Project Opal is a very good-looking yacht which we think will appeal to a lot of people – and we would be able to deliver her in 36 months, which is exceptional for a fully custom 70-metre superyacht.”

The choice of gemstone for the project name is a fitting one – opal is seen as a protective and activating stone that brings cheerfulness, optimism and spontaneity alongside creativity, originality and stimulation for beautiful things, all of which are reflected both in the design of Project Opal and in the onboard experience she offers her fortunate future owners.

The yacht’s layout features a handful of trademark Mulder Design elements, including flared bulwarks forward on the upper two decks which improve vision for the bridge wing stations up top, and provide for an expanded deck area around the owner’s suite which sits forward on the upper deck. The provisional general arrangement developed by Mulder Design adds a guest sky lounge aft, but potentially this could be reconfigured for a client to turn the entire upper deck into a vast private owner area complete with large aft deck and forward cockpit lounge.

Elsewhere in the GA, the lower deck is given primarily to the crew with the crew cabins, mess, the main galley and technical elements. The main deck forward houses six luxurious guest doubles with elevated views, and the main deck aft offers a sumptuous saloon and dining area leading out to an inviting multi-zone aft deck with bar, alfresco dining and aft lounge area. The top deck accommodates the wheelhouse and the captain’s cabin, along with an aft sundeck area, and the yacht is capped with a hidden treat – an intimate observation deck in front of the mast complete with spa pool.

Guests will also benefit from a big beach club in the stern with glass doors leading out onto the generous swim platform, which offers excellent water access thanks to a large transformer platform. A transverse garage holds the yacht’s various tenders and toys, and the foredeck doubles as a touch-and-go helipad for the ultimate arrival and departure experience.

The yacht’s 70-metre LOA is coupled to a 63.4-metre waterline length and an overall beam of 13 metres. A maximum draft of 3.15 metres ensures access to popular harbours and anchorages, while the provisional interior volume in excess of 1,400 GT offers plenty of scope for exceptional interior owner and guest spaces.

“This will be a one-off project, and what makes it extra special is the fast delivery time thanks to our experience as a large shipyard and our sterling reputation,” enthuses Şahi̇nkayaOrhun. “We estimate four months for finalising the GA and the superstructure architecture, and 32 months to complete the build, which is an exceptional delivery time for a custom 70-metre project. It will be built to commercial specification and there is potential for various propulsion options, including Voith Linear Jets if performance in the mid-20-knot range is required, or hybrid and even full electric propulsion packages.”

Mulder Design confirms the studio is excited to be collaborating with Ares Yachts on Project Opal. “The combination of advanced hull naval architecture and contemporary superstructure with Ares Yachts’ capability to deliver the highest standards of construction and finish makes this the perfect yacht for effortless, efficient cruising in understated luxury,” he concludes. “We think a lot of people will be excited by the project, and we are looking forward to meeting with prospective clients and to building the yacht of their dreams.”