Moonen sells first high tensile steel Moonen Caribbean

Moonen Shipyards in the Netherlands is to start construction of the first in its recently unveiled Caribbean series of motoryachts. The 36.58-metre (120‘) Martinique is an innovation for the yachting industry as it will have a hull built of high tensile steel. Along with an ingenious hull design and Moonen’s ‘enhanced length principle’ (ELP), this will allow for an impressive turn of speed, low fuel consumption and high comfort levels. Martinique will be launched in the summer of 2016.

Both Martinique and the entire Caribbean series will reflect Moonen’s decades-long experience in the design, engineering and construction of luxury motoryachts. Over the past thirteen years the yard has launched fifteen of its successful classic motoryacht range in Moonen 84, Moonen 94, Moonen 97 and Moonen 99 versions. All these first-class vessels benefitted from Moonen quality, a superior seakeeping performance, very low noise and vibration values, exquisite finishing, a bespoke interior design, low operational costs and a high resale value.

Now, with the back-up of a new shareholder, Moonen Shipyards is offering a more modern looking range of superyachts that blend all these values with a contemporary twist. The shareholder has ordered the first Martinique as a sign of his total commitment to the future of the yard. It also confirms Moonen’s ambition to continue excelling in the 30 to 50 metre range.

Moonen quality
The new Caribbean series was introduced in May 2014, offering six different designs ranging from 85 feet to 125 feet. All are named after islands in the Caribbean, reflecting the fact that these Moonen quality luxury cruisers are likely to spend much of their times in warm and exotic climates.

In addition to its semi-series superyachts, Moonen also builds fully custom yachts, the most recent being the 42-metre Sofia. The first yacht of her size to carry a three-man submarine, Sofia received a Judges Commendation at the recent World Superyacht Awards. The options to adapt the interior and facilities of a Caribbean yacht are enormous, and Martinique’s owner will benefit accordingly.

Smart Moonen thinking
The advantage of using high tensile steel is that the construction can be made significantly lighter than normal steel with the same strength, resulting in a lighter boat that retains the benefits of steel. This lighter construction allows for a higher speed than one would expect from a full displacement yacht of this size. In addition, the Caribbean yachts have a hull form that give a higher hull speed than normal full displacement yachts while ensuring lower fuel consumption at below hull-speed speeds.

Moonen has been pioneering this type of high speed displacement concept for a number of years. The yard gained considerable experience with the Moonen 94 Nilo and the Moonen 99 Phoebe in reducing resistance at low speeds. These and other projects reinforced the fact that length is vital for hull-speed and that weight should be reduced wherever possible.
Increasing the length without overly increasing the weight provides for a much better performance in terms of both fuel economy and seakeeping. The use of high tensile steel reduces the weight and gives the extra displacement, comfort and safety of a traditional steel displacement yacht.

Thanks to Moonen’s ‘enhanced length principle’ (ELP), Martinique will benefit from increased speeds and excellent fuel consumption levels. Her length reduces drag in the same way as a bulbous bow and the waterline is as long as possible thanks to her steep bow. The hull shape has a much reduced drag at economical speeds, while the increased waterline and length/beam ratio further enhance seakeeping.

Moonen styling
In addition to all the above, Martinique is a fine looking superyacht too. Her styling will appeal to a broad public with a low profile (facilitated by only having one mast), sharp lines, vertical windows, a knuckle in the bow and that characteristic overall Moonen feel. Martinique also has a layout that reflects the latest thinking in comfort and style. The master suite is on the main deck and has splendid panoramic views. Other highlights will include a spacious ‘country kitchen’ galley, a large saloon and outside space on the wheelhouse deck, an expansive swimming platform and an engine room designed for easy maintenance.

Moonen quality control
By the time she is launched in the summer of 2016, Martinique will also benefit from Moonen’s stringent quality control. Her owner, like all Moonen clients, will have the assurance of Moonen’s superior warranty terms and renowned after-sales service.

In short, Martinique combines a distinctive and timeless style with all the attributes that have made the Moonen brand so well known. Exuding that irreplaceable Moonen sense of quality and an unbeatable price-quality ratio, the Moonen Caribbean may well be the future of luxury yachting.