Feadship kicks off 2019 with launch of 58m superyacht Najiba

Dutch yacht builder Feadship has launched its new 58-metre (190-foot) motor yacht Najiba. The superyacht, known as Project 699 during her construction, left her shed in Aalsmeer earlier this week and touched water for the first time.

Designed by Philipe Briand under the studio’s Vitruvius name, the vessel is luxurious inside and out with a ‘beach house’-style interior courtesy of Studio Liaigre and Claudio Cicconetti Architetto. The entire project has been managed by MCM.

MCM’s Peter Wilson, who served as project manager and owner’s representative, said, “Najiba is a truly remarkable superyacht and the family are thrilled with what you have created for them. They had seen Feadship quality in other yachts, hence the long-held dream to develop one of their own. Even so, the owners and their extended family could not believe their eyes when the final result was revealed to them this morning."

Inside the superyacht is replete with curves and displays remarkably few straight edges. Teak is plentiful aboard the build, with designer Briand suggesting it resembles a “whitewashed villa on the beach”. There are four state rooms (including two master suites), as well as accommodation for up to 14 crew members.

Najiba, which means ‘noble’ in Arabic, is the second largest all-aluminium Feadship to date. It is the first Feadship by Vitruvius, which is noteworthy due to the studio’s modus operandi: to craft superyachts with ultra-efficient hulls. This is evidenced in Najiba by her low fuel consumption (nine gallons per nautical mile at a cruising speed of 12 knots).

Briand explained, “The owners understood very well that a perfect yacht requires a strong scientific and architectural approach to support the exterior design.”

Toys on board include a traditional tender and a pair of water scooters for interactivity with the ocean.

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