Project Triple X: the first cut of steel

The 43m Vripack-designed Project Triple X has broken ground with the laying of the keel. Currently under construction at Alia Yachts in Turkey, Project Triple X spans the full range of Vripack’s holistic design disciplines and taps into the studio’s long-held reputation for penning some of the most accomplished explorer vessels on water.  
The American owners are experienced yachts people who chose to move away from their previous production boats to embark on their first full custom yacht build. Project Triple X is also their first explorer, represented by the ‘X’ in the name.

“The client’s wish is to explore the world with no limitations. They wanted a boat that would deliver on that dream and not hold them back,” says Marnix Hoekstra, co-creative director of Vripack. “They asked for a sexy, sporty explorer, and I believe that is exactly what Project Triple X is; capable of going through ice, adaptable in hot climates and super comfortable at sea.”

Vripack was introduced to the client by owner’s representative Rupert Connor, founder and president of Luxury Yacht Group. He saw a great fit between the Dutch studio’s holistic design approach and what the owners wished to achieve. “I introduced the client to Vripack as the most suitable design studio to execute their design brief and interpret their wishes,” says Connor. “Vripack’s heritage is very strong, particularly for long-range discovery yachts. They also have a great reputation for having a positive and collaborative approach to design.”

The Dutch design studio’s holistic approach came to the fore early on. Vripack’s practice of keeping preliminary designs to the lower end of an owner’s size range is, says Hoekstra, the best way to get the most out of a yacht’s interior volume. “Identifying the pinch points in a design is crucial, which is why we started with a 40m platform before lengthening the yacht to 43m to accommodate all of the owner’s wishes,” explains Hoekstra. “A successful design solution comes about when interior, exterior and naval architecture are addressed collectively, rather than individually.”

Key examples include the owners’ desire for a walk-in closet and large bathroom, which required more space than was allowed for in a 40m platform. The need for proper operations and maintenance in the engine room also increased the yacht’s length, while storage requirements for toys and technical amenities led to an enlarged lazarette. 

Another element high up on the owner’s wish list was the ability to carry an 8m beachlander tender from X-Craft. “Too many yachts that are below 500GT are forced to tow a chase boat as the guest tenders are inadequate for the job,” says Connor. “Marnix delivered a unique carriage solution that delivers a fabulous open dining/outdoor convertible deck once the tender is in the water.” 

With the tender placed on the “hip” of the main deck behind the bulwarks, it leaves a clean bridge deck aft, main deck aft and bow. When the tender is in the water, the open bulwarks convert into a veranda from where the dining area and gym open onto the water. 

Other design fundamentals include an owner’s apartment conceived for a live-aboard owner. Located on the bridge deck aft, the full-beam master suite has a separate office (a crucial detail deemed fundamental by the owner), as well as a spectacular private deck area. Four guest suites are found on the lower deck. There is large outdoor storage, generous engineering spaces, and further accommodation for a crew of 10. 

Notable exterior features include a long bow, with an aft-leaning superstructure that sweeps back off the mast to give a sense of speed, even at anchor. The sun deck is a relaxation hub, with a jacuzzi, observation seating, bar and grill.

“Our aim was to move away from the aggressive profile of a typically masculine design and embrace a more casual explorer with smooth flowing lines and a bit of sass,” says Hoekstra. “Project Triple X has graceful movement and soft rolling curves, but every curve ends with a bite.”

Following a year of highly detailed design, Project Triple X entered the exciting build stage in July, which was marked by the first cut of steel. 

“The design has deviated very little from the original sketches, which shows the owners knew what they wanted and that they were guided very well by Rupert during the early brief stage,” says Hoekstra. 

“My client likes facts, and good communication between Marnix and the client has fully delivered on their wishes,” adds Connor. “Some designers get lost in the theoretical, but Marnix has a great way of taking conceptual designs and articulating how they are going to be executed.”