See all photos

During the Awards Gala, held on the 30th October 2008 at the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show, Vitters Shipyard’s latest launch Nirvana won the International Superyacht Society Design Award in the category “Best sailing yacht above 40m“. The winning yachts represent the very finest naval architecture, design, interiors and craftsmanship within the superyacht industry.

The 53.50 meter fast cruising ketch Nirvana is design by Dubois Naval Architects and her hull and superstructure are constructed in aluminium. The design brief required that the yacht shall be able to operate in shallow water and to anchor quite closely to the beaches as the owner wants to carry out a two-and-a-half year circumnavigation together with his family. For this reason Vitters designed in cooperation with Dubois Naval Architects a pivoting centreboard in order to meet the requirements of the owner. Due to the yacht’s pivoting centreboard she has a minimum draft of no more than 3 m and a maximum draft of 10 meter. This high aspect ratio foil gives efficient upwind performance while the combination of generous beam and high ballast ratio gives excellent stability.

The result of the cooperation between builder and designer is that Nirvanas offers effortless cruising or competitive sailing. In addition Vitters Shipyard invented for the first time a hydraulic garage door which converts into an enormous hydraulic bathing platform that offers more than enough space for leisure activities onboard during the planned circumnavigation.

Every aspect of this stunning yacht is considered blend of the best materials and the finest craftsmanship available. Josep Juanpere Miret of GCA Arquitectes is responsible for her unique interior design. The interior design defines a contemporary and elegant style, according to the precious materials and the strong care for details. Nirvana accommodates ten guests in five double bed cabins and ten crew members in four twin bed cabins and one double bed cabin.

Nirvana is the 14th yacht above 40 meter which was constructed by Vitters Shipyard in the last years. The shipyard has currently three remarkable projects under construction: the 52.50 meter classic sloop Boreas, designed by Hoek Design, the 39 meter lift keel sloop Cinderella IV, from the drawing board of Tripp Design Naval Architecture, and the 44.70 meter lift keel sloop Lady B, designed by Dubois Naval Architects.

After winning the “Prix du Design” for Nirvana during the Monaco Yacht Show 2008 Vitters Shipyard has received a second confirmation for its position in the top of the international yachting industry by winning the “International Superyachts Society Design Award 2008”.

For more information, please contact:

Tel: +31 (0)38 – 38 67 145
gwammes@vitters.com