Bring to bear
Balk Shipyard has released a first look at the exterior design of the 30-metre explorer yacht Ursus, which is currently being rebuilt inside and out.
12 August 2024
Advertisement
The 24-metre Acico motor yacht M/Y Ursus arrived at Balk Shipyard in 2022 for a complete rebuild, which encompasses a complete reimagining of the interior and exterior.
One of the most significant elements of the work has now been completed. The Dutch shipyard successfully affixed new bow and stern sections, extending M/Y Ursus by 6 metres and converting the vessel into a 30.36-metre pocket explorer yacht.
Balk Shipyard is collaborating with Mulder Design and the owner’s team on the rebuild of M/Y Ursus, with the objective of improving the vessel’s seakeeping performance and onboard living space.
Mulder Design outlined a new naval architecture, penned the exterior design and will oversee the interior design and styling with the owner’s team.
Advertisement
“We have been honoured to work with involved and passionate owners on this project. They are experienced yachtspeople who want to maximise the enjoyment they get from their vessel,” says Evan Kortmann, Chief Executive at Balk Shipyard.
This is a dramatic rebuild, and M/Y Ursus will not only leave larger than when she arrived, but she will leave completely changed.
“Mulder Design has beautifully reimagined the vessel – it will be hard to believe this is the same yacht.”
Bas Mulder, owner of Mulder Design, adds: “Both the bow and the stern are completely new extensions. Only the middle part of the yacht’s hull remained untouched. The superstructure has a 1-metre extension to create a larger salon and sundeck.”
Jan Willem Frederikze, naval architect and project leader at Mulder Design, says: “A rebuild is always a challenge. He continues: “Even more so if a yacht is taken from a CE (below 24 metres) to a Class vessel. This makes for a hybrid structure, hybrid layout and hybrid decision-making.”
The yacht’s deck areas will also be overhauled and remapped. The upper deck will be extended to provide more real estate for the owner and guests, and a new alfresco kitchen will be installed.
Other work includes new wing stations and crane foundations, a renewed beach club, and numerous technical upgrades. The new layout will increase crew accommodation.
“Our focus on the exterior was to blend the motifications with the original design characteristics, all to keep a cohered yacht,” says Mulder.
Balk Shipyard has a history of complex refits and rebuilds, with many extensions in its portfolio.
One key redelivery was the 16-month refit on the Feadship Emerald, which included a 3-metre stern extension. M/Y Emerald was redelivered before the summer season, and her refit has proven a great success – the owner and family have thoroughly enjoyed their time on board and under management by TWW Yachts, and M/Y Emerald has proven to be a successful charter vessel. The refit has also been shortlisted for a World Superyacht Award.
“The expertise channelled into all projects at Balk Shipyard ensures every delivery carries the Made in Holland stamp,” says Kortmann. “The team we’ve built over the centuries is passionate; this passion translates into quality, assurance and true craftsmanship – the hallmarks of Balk Shipyard.”
M/Y Ursus will be redelivered toward the end of 2024.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
