BORN FROM A PERSONAL NEED
From a pioneering solution to seasickness to a fully rebuilt explorer yacht, the 40.5-metre NURJA represents an exceptional chapter in superyacht innovation.
A yacht born from a personal ambition to explore the world in comfort is ready to begin her next chapter. NURJA, the 40.5-metre SWATH superyacht originally built by renowned German shipyard Abeking & Rasmussen, has emerged from an extensive three-year rebuild, combining pioneering maritime technology with contemporary design, upgraded engineering and exceptional long-range cruising capabilities.
Originally delivered in 2008 as SILVER CLOUD, the yacht was commissioned by American entrepreneur, inventor and photographer Alexander Dreyfoos, whose vision was driven by a deeply personal motivation: enabling his wife, Renate, who suffered from severe seasickness, to accompany him on extended voyages around the world.
Despite their shared passion for exploration, conventional yachts, even those equipped with advanced stabilisation systems, had proven uncomfortable for Renate. Determined to find an alternative, Dreyfoos turned to an innovative maritime concept that would ultimately redefine their experience at sea.
The solution was SWATH technology (Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull), a specialised twin-hull configuration designed to minimise vessel motion by reducing the waterplane area exposed to wave action. Following a successful trial aboard one of Abeking & Rasmussen’s SWATH pilot vessels in the challenging waters of the North Sea, the couple recognised the technology’s remarkable potential.
SILVER CLOUD became the world’s first SWATH superyacht, purpose-built to deliver exceptional stability and comfort while retaining the freedom to explore some of the world’s most remote destinations.
The concept soon proved its capabilities. During an extraordinary 19-month circumnavigation covering approximately 48,000 nautical miles, SILVER CLOUD travelled to destinations including northern Alaska, Papua New Guinea and the Galápagos Islands. The yacht’s impressive seakeeping performance validated the original vision and earned international recognition, including a World Superyacht Award for Technology in 2009.
A New Chapter: Three Years of Transformation in late 2020, the yacht entered a new era under her current ownership. Recognising the exceptional qualities of the original SWATH platform, the owners embarked on an ambitious programme to comprehensively rebuild the vessel while preserving the pioneering technology that made her unique.
The project was entrusted to Abeking & Rasmussen, the same German shipyard responsible for her original construction. Commencing in 2021 and completed in 2024, the extensive three-year rebuild represents a significant investment in the yacht’s future, transforming SILVER CLOUD into the thoroughly modern NURJA.
Her exterior has been redesigned by Focus Yacht Design, introducing a sophisticated contemporary grey finish, refined styling and substantially enhanced outdoor living areas. The extended aft upper deck provides additional space for relaxation and entertaining, while new glazing creates a seamless visual connection between interior and exterior spaces.
Further enhancements include a fold-out side platform, renewed deck finishes and upgraded tender-handling facilities, offering greater flexibility for guests to enjoy life on and around the water.
Inside, YVS Design has refreshed the yacht’s interiors, creating a contemporary and welcoming atmosphere. Advanced Crestron entertainment technology and an integrated Böning vessel automation system bring modern convenience and functionality throughout the vessel.
Beyond the visible transformation, the rebuild encompassed extensive technical and engineering upgrades, including significant work on the main engines and associated machinery, renewed safety equipment and improvements to essential onboard systems. A helicopter landing area further enhances NURJA’s versatility as a long-range exploration yacht.
Exceptional Stability. Remarkable Space. True Exploration Capability while NURJA’s appearance and onboard technology have evolved considerably, her most distinctive characteristic remains unchanged: the innovative SWATH platform at the heart of her design.
With an exceptional beam of 17.8 metres, NURJA offers remarkable interior volume and generous deck spaces for a yacht of her 40.5-metre length. More importantly, her specialised hull configuration is engineered to significantly reduce motion in challenging sea conditions, providing an unusually stable and comfortable cruising experience.
Accommodating up to 12 guests across five spacious cabins, NURJA features an expansive main salon with bar and dining areas, a comfortable upper deck salon and extensive outdoor spaces designed for both relaxation and entertaining.
With a reported range of approximately 4,000 nautical miles and a cruising speed of around 13 knots, she combines genuine long-distance exploration capabilities with the comfort and amenities expected of a modern luxury superyacht.
A Rare Opportunity to Own a Piece of Superyacht History now offered for sale through Ocean Independence, appointed as Central Agent, NURJA presents a distinctive opportunity to acquire a yacht with an extraordinary story, pioneering engineering and a comprehensive recent rebuild.
Peter Hürzeler, CEO of Ocean Independence, comments: “NURJA represents an unusual opportunity to acquire a vessel whose history is rooted in a clear and enduring purpose. She is not simply a yacht that has been modernised; she is the continuation of an idea that began with one couple’s wish to experience the world together.”
From a husband’s determination to make ocean travel comfortable for his wife to a groundbreaking superyacht that successfully circumnavigated the globe, NURJA’s story has always been defined by innovation with a purpose.
Today, following her extensive transformation, she stands ready for a new owner to continue that legacy exploring the world’s oceans with exceptional stability, comfort and confidence.
NURJA is exclusively offered for sale through Ocean Independence as Central Agent.
