Royal Hakvoort, the Dutch shipyard, has secured a contract for the construction of a unique 45-meter hybrid superyacht designed by Hoek Design Naval Architects. This project, known as Project YN 256, is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion in 2026. The design concept called for a yacht that combines a distinctive style with wheelchair accessibility, marking the inaugural collaboration between the Dutch shipyard and the studio.
Project YN 256 has been designed for comfortable long-distance cruising, featuring a round bilge displacement hull. The design incorporates a slightly flared bow, metallic bronze accents, and a classic-style funnel that also serves as additional storage. Both the main and upper decks are almost entirely surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass with rounded corners, providing excellent views from all guest areas and welcoming an abundance of natural light. The main and bridge decks feature glass bulwarks as well.
In an unconventional move for a yacht of this size, the owner chose a three-cabin configuration. The lower deck houses two full-beam VIP cabins, while the owner’s suite is situated forward on the main deck, featuring a centerline king-size bed, walk-in wardrobe, and an ensuite bathroom. Glass sliding doors seamlessly connect the suite to an intimate foredeck with seating and a private conversation area.
While the interior design has not yet been revealed, it is described as “contemporary, modern, and minimalist,” with an open-plan saloon and dining area. Notable features include a gym with oak parquet flooring and a saltwater pool that doubles as a garage for a five-meter tender or a venue for hosting large parties on the aft deck when the pool is covered.
The design of Project YN 256 prioritizes accessibility, with features like an elevator servicing all three decks, side decks wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair, and a hydraulic transformer on the swim platform for transporting wheelchair users from the dock to the main deck.
Sustainability is a significant aspect of the design, and the project will be powered by a hybrid engine with a range of 3,500 nautical miles at 11 knots and a top speed of 14 knots. It can sit at anchor in “silent mode” for up to eight hours.
This marks the third motor yacht project undertaken by Hoek Design, following the award-winning Blue II. For Project YN 256, sailing yacht design techniques have been incorporated to improve weight distribution and hydrodynamic efficiency, enhancing efficiency and performance. Another feature borrowed from sailing yacht design is the hydraulic side boarding platform, complete with a side boarding ladder amidships.
Klaas Hakvoort, owner and managing director at Royal Hakvoort Shipyard, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration with Hoek Design and their “outside the box” thinking. André Hoek, CEO of Hoek Design Naval Architects, highlighted the expertise of Royal Hakvoort in the mid-size full-custom yacht segment.
Project YN 256 is being constructed at Royal Hakvoort Shipyard’s facility in Monnickendam, Netherlands, and will adhere to Lloyd’s commercial classification standards. The MAN hybrid propulsion system comprises two 200kW shaft generators/drives and a 500kW battery bank connected to a 750VDC bus.