Feadship often captures attention for the exceptional, luxurious, fully custom yachts in their shipyards at Kaag, but the April 26 launch of Project 815, aka Sherpa, had many doing a double take. The hull is unmistakably that of an explorer, sporting a purposely industrial appearance with an unfaired hull exposing welding and platework. The height of the vessel is what put her on display, requiring Sherpa to be moved outside the shed to accommodate her huge mast, air/exhaust funnels, and cranes. Upon delivery later in the year, she will be the tallest of the Feadship fleet.
Created in a partnership with British Design House RWD and brokerage house Cecil Wright & Partners, Sherpa was built to carry, and carry she will. The enormous technological and engineering effort required to create structures and solutions for this very active yacht benefited immensely from Feadship expertise. The experienced owner, already a Feadship fan, is expected to use Sherpa as a support vessel for the 78.5 meter Hampshire II, built by Feadship in 2012.
Large open spaces on the main deck and two massive boom cranes with up to a 20-meter reach will facilitate a place on board for large tenders, land vehicles, helicopters, and additional equipment. With a top speed of 15.7 knots, Sherpa is expected to boast a 5200 nm range at 13 knots. Prepared to undertake exciting voyages to nearly every point on the globe, she has what it takes to get there in style, keeping in mind that unfaired does not mean unrefined. After all, she is a Feadship.
At 73.6 meters, Sherpa will house 13 guests in a main deck owner's stateroom, two VIP staterooms, and four guest suites, while accommodating 22 crew. Below the helicopter platform, a lounge, dining area, bar, and pantry welcome on board socializing. With structure and design that is practical and versatile with regard to operations, the guest facilities have a luxurious feel, dressed in teak, finished aluminum and polished steel.
Despite the industrial exterior requested by her experienced owner, interiors are stocked with high-end creature comforts and sociability in mind. The large hull door to starboard folds down to form a beach club with flush floor. The carbo bay platform to port and the stern bulwark rotate to reveal a very versatile beach club with bathing platform.
To discover additional details and view additional images of this unique Feadship yacht, look for a feature-length article on Sherpa in a future issue of NAVIS.
