Vitters Shipyard announce Project 3097

Project 3097 © Vitters Shipyard

Vitters Shipyard is delighted to confirm the contract signing for build of Project 3097, a 53m sloop-rigged sailing superyacht.

Progressing under the build name 'Project SY 07' and commissioned by an experienced yachtsman, this luxurious superyacht will carry a premium design pedigree with naval architecture and exterior design by Dykstra Naval Architects, and an interior by Vripack.

The yacht's design will see her able to confidently embark on long-range world-wide cruising, and offer a sailing performance fitting the occasional superyacht regatta participation in style.

"Our objective is to deliver a yacht that is balanced, efficient, and highly responsive. The naval architecture focuses on optimised hydrodynamics, refined geometry and careful weight control to ensure strong performance across a broad wind range. The design is characterised by a pilot cutter-inspired hull form with a generous aft overhang, giving the yacht a dynamic yet timeless profile under sail. Both Dykstra and Vitters bring deep technical expertise in high-performance custom sailing yachts. Our naval architecture is developed with build feasibility and engineering precision in mind, and Vitters has the capability to execute complex solutions to the highest standard. The combination allows us to combine timeless looks with performance while maintaining exceptional quality and structural integrity." - Mark Leslie-Miller, Dykstra Naval Architects.

The deck layout, woodwork and panelling draw inspiration from the golden age of sailing in the early 20th century, combining classic detailing with contemporary execution. She is arranged to encourage shared sailing experiences, equally suited to an engaging afternoon sail as to more extended passages. Her deck layout is both functional and socially oriented, focused on the owner/helmsman and his family.

"The client's brief was for a distinctive interior, grounded in the traditional styling of 1920s and '30s classic sailing yachts, but reimagined for today. To reimagine does not mean to copy. A particular highlight will be the bar in the main saloon, which promises to be a real signature piece. The interior bears a genuinely fresh and novel design with real-world executability. Our longstanding relationship with Vitters, built continuously since Project Zero, can only help us deliver another yacht that truly matches the owner's vision." - Marnix J. Hoekstra, Co-Creative Director, Vripack

There will be accommodation for eight in four cabins, and crew quarters for a complement of seven.

Van Ineveld & Co will act as the Owner's Representative and oversee the technical specification, budget, and schedule.

"For Van Ineveld & Co. this is a dream-team project and one which we are thrilled to be a part of; a stunning pilot cutter from the endlessly talented team at Dykstra Naval Architects, passionate and involved owners, the creative, 'out of the box' thinkers at Vripack, and a shipyard who excels at building yachts of this quality, size and complexity." - Tako van Ineveld, Van Ineveld & Co.

A lightship displacement of 230t is the target, with a gross tonnage of 253. Project SY 07 will have a telescopic lifting keel that will extend her draft from 4.5m to 6.9m, and a mast that stands just under 62.5m tall - the Panamax limit, carrying a total 1,200sqm of sail. The sail plan itself features a square-top mainsail, reefed by a slab boom system.

"Across other projects, we have had the pleasure to collaborate with both design parties and the Owner's representation before. We look forward to bringing our insight and expertise to the build of SY 07, and welcoming these Owners to the Vitters family of yachts on the water." - Bas Peute, Sales and Marketing Manager, Vitters Shipyard.

The keel laying for SY 07 will take place in January 2027, with delivery planned for early February 2029. The yacht will be built to Lloyd's Classification and flagged with the Cayman Islands.

• Specification for Project SY 07:
• Yard hull number: 3097
• Length overall: 53m
• Length over hull: 48m
• Beam: 9.42m
• Draft - keel down: 6.9m
• Draft - keel raised: 4.5m