Feadship’s New Reverse-Bow “Predator” Heads for Sea-Trials

All too often new additions to the global luxury motoryacht fleet are described as
revolutionary breakthroughs, claims that are justified in terms of size, technology or new
heights of splendor. A truly radical shift in thinking is much rarer, however… and the
phenomenal new 72.80 meter Feadship Predator might just fit the billing.

During the launch ceremony at the Koninklijke De Vries yard in Aalsmeer (NL) on 5 January 2008, all eyes were on Predator’s sensational reverse bow. This bow forms part of the aggressive new styling brief at the core of the client’s wish-list. “The owner arrived at the yard in late 2004 with a request that we partner on something different than anything else afloat,” comments Henk de Vries. “Together with De Voogt Naval Architects and Bannenberg Designs (interior), we have created a super-sleek and highly sophisticated yacht that is genuinely innovative.”

Photo Credit: Arjan Schleeper

The bow is far more than a styling element alone. Its unconventional shape is designed to slice through the waves and help Predator attain a top speed over 25 knots, an astonishing feat for a yacht of this magnitude. Other speed-related features of the project include the low weight combined with the great strength of a longitudinal-framed steel hull, which was achieved by the most stringent weight-watching program. Four MTU diesels offered a fearsome combined power in excess of 23,000 horsepower.

At 3.70 meters, Predator is also the deepest yacht ever built at De Vries. This exceptional draft meant that she had to be launched on a floating dock (on loan from Feadship partner Royal Van Lent) for transfer to Rotterdam. Here the giant controllable pitch propellers and the yacht’s rudders and stabilizer fins were added.

Photo Credit: Arjan Schleeper

“Building Predator has been the greatest experience of my yachting career,” commented build captain Greg Drewes at the launch ceremony. “Everyone at De Vries has been dedicated to making this the finest Feadship ever and it was a real pleasure to come into the yard every day. I cannot imagine how Predator could be any better and I can’t wait to drive her!”

Technical specifications:

Builder: Feadship – Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw
Type: Twin screw motor yacht, steel hull and aluminum superstructure
Length overall: 72.80m 238’10”
Beam max: 11.40m 37’11”
Draft (loaded): 3.70m 12’2”
Fuel capacity: 183,000 l 48,340 US Gallons
Fresh water capacity: 38,600 l 10,200 US Gallons
Naval Architect: De Voogt Naval Architects
Exterior styling: De Voogt Naval Architects
Interior design: Bannenberg Designs Ltd.

Propulsion:

Main engines: 4x MTU 16V 595 TE90, 4320 kW / 5793 bhp
Propellers: Rolls Royce Controllable pitch propellers
Propeller shaft: Rolls Royce
Reduction gears: Renk
Stabilizers: 2 pairs of Quantum Non-retractable zero-speed stabilizers
Max. speed appr.: 25+ knots
Range: Transatlantic
Classification: Lloyd’s 100 A1, SSC, Yacht(P), HSC, Mono, G6, +LMC, UMS, SCM,
IWS and MCA
Air conditioning: Heinen & Hopman
Entertainment system: Van Berge Henegouwen

Electric system:

Generators: 1x Caterpillar C9/ 200 ekW @ 1500 rpm
2x Caterpillar C18 / 280 ekW @ 1500 rpm
Main electric system: 400/230 VAC/50 Hz
Shore connection: 400/230 VAC/50 Hz/2x125 kVA

Accommodations:

Owner: Stateroom with sitting room and TV room, double dressing room with
large bathroom
Guests: Two double staterooms
Crew: Nine double cabins, double captain’s cabin
Watersports: 2x custom tender, 2x waverider, 1x custom jetski, dive equipment
Interior: Owner’s and guests areas in Karelian Birch, Macasar ebony and
Zebrano. Custom furniture and carpets

Photo Credit: Arjan Schleeper