February witnessed a momentous occasion as Feadship revealed its latest creation, Project 714, emerging from the construction shed at the prestigious Aalsmeer facility. The 79.95-metre vessel, characterised by its distinguished blue hull and elegant profile, represents the quintessential gentlemen’s yacht, blending timeless sophistication with cutting-edge innovation.

The unveiling marks the beginning of the final outfitting phase and sea trials, critical steps before the vessel joins the illustrious Feadship fleet. Spectators and industry experts alike have noted the yacht’s striking presence and impeccable craftsmanship, hallmarks of the Dutch shipyard’s unwavering commitment to excellence.

Design excellence through collaboration

Project 714 showcases the remarkable talents of RWD, responsible for the exterior design that has already captivated maritime enthusiasts worldwide. The yacht’s sculpted curves and commanding blue hull embody sophistication while maintaining an understated elegance that defines true luxury. Every line and contour has been meticulously considered, resulting in a vessel that appears both powerful and graceful on the water.

The naval architecture, developed by Feadship’s own De Voogt Naval Architects, ensures that performance matches aesthetics. This collaboration between design houses has produced a yacht that not only looks spectacular but promises exceptional seaworthiness and comfort during voyages.

Revolutionary propulsion technology

The technical prowess of Project 714 extends well beyond its striking appearance. At the heart of this maritime marvel lies an advanced propulsion system developed through the Feadship Advanced Electrical Drive (FAED) programme. This diesel-electric hybrid power system represents a significant leap forward in yacht engineering, sharing innovations with the groundbreaking Obsidian.

Most impressively, the electrical storage capacity exceeds that of Savannah, Feadship’s first hybrid yacht, by 4.5 times. This substantial increase allows for extended periods of silent, emissions-free cruising – a feature increasingly valued by environmentally conscious owners.

The propulsion system employs two contra-rotating thrusters, eliminating the need for traditional drive shafts and rudders. This innovative approach significantly reduces drag, enhancing both efficiency and performance. Through comprehensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis, the engineering team has finely tuned the pods and propellers to minimise vibration while maximising comfort on board.

Technical specifications and materials

Project 714’s hull construction exemplifies the marriage of traditional craftsmanship with modern materials. The steel hull provides exceptional strength and stability, while the aluminium superstructure reduces weight without compromising structural integrity. This combination optimises performance while maintaining the luxurious volume expected of a yacht in this class.

The vessel’s impressive dimensions – 79.95 metres in length with a beam of 13.57 metres – create generous interior spaces while maintaining balanced proportions. With a draught of 3.85 metres, Project 714 offers access to a wide range of destinations, from deep-water ports to more secluded anchorages.

Practical considerations have not been overlooked, with substantial fuel and water capacities ensuring extended range and autonomy. The 240 cubic metres of fuel storage supports long-distance cruising, while the 70 cubic metres of fresh water capacity provides ample reserves for guests and crew alike.

Engineering excellence in every detail

The engineering excellence evident throughout Project 714 extends beyond the propulsion system. Every technical aspect has been subjected to rigorous analysis and refinement to ensure optimal performance. From climate control systems to stabilisation technology, each component contributes to the overall experience of comfort and reliability.

Feadship’s engineers have paid particular attention to noise and vibration reduction, critical factors in creating a truly luxurious environment at sea. Advanced isolation techniques and carefully selected materials work in concert to create whisper-quiet spaces throughout the vessel, even when operating at cruising speed.

The yacht’s systems have been designed with redundancy and reliability as primary considerations. Multiple backup solutions ensure that essential functions remain operational even in challenging circumstances, providing peace of mind during extended voyages or when exploring remote locations.

Craftsmanship and heritage

Project 714 continues Feadship’s proud tradition of exceptional craftsmanship, a heritage dating back generations. The Dutch shipyard’s skilled artisans have applied their expertise throughout the vessel, creating finished surfaces and details that reward close inspection. From perfectly joined woodwork to flawlessly applied paint finishes, the quality of execution reflects countless hours of dedicated work.

This commitment to craftsmanship extends to areas rarely seen by guests. Technical spaces, crew areas, and storage compartments receive the same meticulous attention as the main saloon or owner’s suite. This comprehensive approach to quality has long been a Feadship hallmark and continues to distinguish its vessels from those of other builders.

Anticipation builds toward delivery

As Project 714 enters the final outfitting phase, anticipation builds toward her delivery and eventual maiden voyage. Sea trials will provide the first real opportunity to evaluate the yacht’s performance in practical conditions, validating the extensive engineering work and computer modelling that informed the design process.

The eventual handover to the owner will represent the culmination of years of planning, design, and construction. While much remains to be revealed about Project 714, the glimpses provided thus far suggest that she will uphold and enhance Feadship’s reputation for creating some of the world’s finest superyachts.

For yachting enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, Project 714 represents an exciting development in the luxury maritime sector. As further details emerge and the yacht approaches completion, she will undoubtedly continue to generate significant interest – a fitting response to a vessel that exemplifies the very best of contemporary yacht building.