AALSMEER, NETHERLANDS — Feadship has officially launched the 49.50-metre (162'5") Project 717, a vessel that challenges the traditional spatial limitations of the sub-50-metre market. Emerging from the construction hall at the Royal Dutch Shipyard’s Aalsmeer facility on January 8, 2026, the all-aluminium yacht showcases a design philosophy centered on maximizing volume and onboard flow without compromising the sleek, balanced profile synonymous with the Feadship marque.
While many yachts in this size category struggle to balance interior volume with exterior elegance, Project 717 appears to have solved the equation through subtle architectural sleight of hand. By extending the exterior lines and widening the superstructure’s "shoulders," the design team has created a vessel that offers the amenities and spatial experience typically reserved for larger platforms.
Exterior Design: The Art of "Visual Harmony"
The exterior styling, penned by Studio De Voogt, is a study in controlled proportions. According to Jan Schaffers, Senior Designer at Studio De Voogt, the goal was to avoid the "stretched" look that often plagues high-volume yachts of this length.
"In the exterior design, we extended the lines without allowing the yacht to feel stretched. The widened shoulders along the sides of the sun deck play a key role in achieving this balance." — Jan Schaffers
This focus on width rather than just length is most evident on the sun deck. Rivaling the dimensions of much larger superyachts, this deck is a dedicated social hub featuring a forward seating area, a secondary helm station, and a complete alfresco dining area with ceiling fans. Aft, a bar and lounging area offer guests an elevated retreat, while the midships section includes bar units equipped with a barbecue.
The "Beach Atmosphere" and Deck Innovation
Perhaps the most defining feature of Project 717 is the engineering of the main deck aft. Feadship has moved away from the traditional enclosed aft cockpit, instead favoring an open-air "beach atmosphere" that connects guests directly to the water.
This effect is achieved through the use of fold-down bulwarks. When deployed, these platforms expand the usable deck space significantly, opening the yacht to the sea and creating uninterrupted views that Schaffers describes as "comparable to those of a yacht nearly twice this size". The area is anchored by a glass-fronted Jacuzzi and ample seating, creating a multi-functional space that serves as both a daytime beach club and an evening lounge.
Moving forward into the interior, large windows define the main deck salon and dining area. These glazing elements are critical to the design’s success, ensuring that even when guests are indoors, they remain visually connected to the marine environment.
Interior and Accommodation
The interior arrangement, designed by Marty Lowe, Inc. in collaboration with the owner and shipyard, prioritizes privacy and flexibility. The yacht accommodates ten guests across five staterooms, a layout that balances intimacy with capacity:
- Owner’s Suite: Positioned on the main deck, this full-beam sanctuary features panoramic views, a private study for conducting business at sea, and a separate dressing area.
- Guest Suites: The lower deck houses four guest cabins—two double staterooms and two twin staterooms—ensuring flexible lodging options for families or charter groups.
Crew welfare and operations have also been carefully considered, with accommodation for eight crew members across four cabins, plus a separate captain's cabin and an officer's cabin.
Engineering: The Feadship Advanced Electrical Drive
Under the hood, Project 717 represents a significant step forward in Feadship’s commitment to sustainable and efficient propulsion. The yacht is equipped with technology developed through the Feadship Advanced Electrical Drive programme.
Unlike traditional shaft-drive systems, Project 717 utilizes thrusters for both propulsion and steering. This configuration eliminates the drag associated with shafts and rudders, significantly enhancing hydrodynamic efficiency and manoeuvrability. For an owner, this translates to reduced fuel consumption and onboard comfort.
Technical Specifications at a Glance:
- Generators: 2x John Deere 13.5L (472 kWe) & 2x John Deere 6.8L (126 kWe)
- Battery Capacity: 100 kWh
- Top Speed: 15 knots
- Cruising Range: 4,000 nautical miles at 10 knots
- Fuel Capacity: 51,000 litres (13,483 US Gallons)
The vessel’s aluminium hull and superstructure further contribute to its performance, keeping the displacement light enough to achieve a shallow loaded draught of just 2.25 metres (7'5").
A Win for Feadship Resale
The launch also underscores the commercial success of the shipyard's newly established Feadship Resale division. Project 717 was successfully resold earlier this year while still under construction, a testament to the enduring value of the Feadship pedigree and the effectiveness of the builder's in-house brokerage support.
Next Steps: North Sea Trials
With the exterior reveal complete, Project 717 will now undergo final outfitting and preparations before being transported to the North Sea. There, she will commence an extensive series of sea trials to validate her speed, range, and the performance of her hybrid thruster propulsion system. Delivery is scheduled for the coming spring.
Stay tuned to NAVIS for exclusive coverage of Project 717's sea trials and interior reveal later this spring.
