Leapher Yachts, a new shipyard, has begun operations in Tolkamer, the Netherlands. The Dutch shipyard is launching three new custom expedition yachts, including a 60-footer that has been sold to a client and will reach its first significant construction milestone today (15 May) with a keel-laying ceremony.
The initiative is codenamed Lazarus, and its completion is scheduled for October 2025. Cor D. Rover is responsible for interior and exterior design, while Van Oossanen Naval Architects are responsible for naval architecture.
The 1,710 GT explorer will have a 40-day autonomy and Polar 1C classification, allowing it to cruise in some of the world’s more high-latitude regions. Two 9.5-meter tenders will be accommodated, and the yacht will be outfitted for helicopter operations.
The hotel has a diving room, a bathing room, and a 200-square-meter beach club. Her exhaustive list of amenities is completed by a wellness room with a sauna and a gym. There are accommodations for 14 passengers and 17 crew members.
The other two Leapher Yachts models are a 48-meter explorer with 500 gross tonnes and a 60-meter explorer with 1,000 gross tonnes.
According to Yiannis Andriotis, who helped establish the new shipyard, Leapher Yachts is “operated by a team of Dutch yacht builders and engineers with extensive industry experience.” Lucas Van Elsen, formerly of Oceanco, Feadship, and Heesen, is the yard’s production manager, whereas Wilma Van Rein, formerly of Feadship, is the chief technical officer.
The new shipyard is located in the former facility of mini cruise ship manufacturer De Hoop, which ceased operations during the pandemic. Andriotis explained, “We now operate our business in this location, respecting its tradition and continuing the shipbuilding legacy, but for the superyacht industry.”