Feadship launches 74m explorer ‘Sherpa’

On 26 and 27 April, Feadship’s Kaag facility undertook a two-day launch of a 74m explorer yacht named Sherpa – a project that was brokered and supervised by Cecil Wright & Partners for one of its longstanding clients.

“It was a highly technical and time-consuming launch for Feadship,” explains Liz Cox, build manager at Cecil Wright & Partners, in an exclusive conversation with SuperyachtNews. “The facility could not have taken on a larger project. We actually had to raise the roof of the shed by a good couple of metres to prepare it for the launch and we had to reinforce the railings because of the weight.”

The original concept was for a support vessel, however, during the early stages of the construction, it was decided to add accommodation for 12 passengers. Consequently, the build team decided that the ‘explorer’ tag was more appropriate.

As a result of Feadship’s dedicated workmanship, the change to the design has not added any time onto the delivery schedule – the client will still receive the yacht in time for the 2018 summer season as requested.

There are two distinctive superstructure sections on board – the forward structure comprises the main cabins and the aft has other living spaces such as the main salon. “There is a helipad on top of the aft structure, and the idea was to have a large open deck between the structures for all the toys and everything else one must have to actually explore and not just cruise,” adds Cox.

The design work was completed by UK-based Redman Whiteley Dixon, which has collaborated with Feadship on a number of projects in the past. The rugged-looking finish of the exterior, which leaves the plate work and welding completely exposed, was a request from the owner, who wanted an industrial look.

“Even though she has a rugged looking exterior, she is very much a Feadship on the inside,” continues Cox. “The interior is definitely some of Feadship’s finest work and the carpentry is more spectacular than anything the yard has ever built.”

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