Netherlands

MasterShip Services BV

Superyachts remain dedicated to providing utter relaxation for guests onboard. While beach clubs, saunas and Jacuzzis may initially come to mind, many superyachts boast idyllic library rooms, allowing guests the opportunity to unwind amid a peaceful sanctuary of books. SuperYacht Times takes a closer look at some of the most noteworthy libraries onboard superyachts.Founder of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7278" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Artonsuperyachts (Company)">Art On Superyachts</a>, Pandora Mather-Lees commented on the importance of keeping books onboard yachts, "Historical books are valuable artefacts in themselves and represent an important part of our cultural heritage. &nbsp; Conservation is vital and the books should have a curator who keeps an eye on them", she continued, "When keeping and displaying books onboard, an inventory should be kept of anything valuable with notes as to its condition."<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/228970/image/large-59020dc6dcfe6ca6eaf3c5e11b07167e.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/228970"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/228962/image/large-5460737fe44953667cd3e8ab6ba16ade.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/228962"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>&nbsp;| 126.2-metres | 2003The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> explorer yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus</a> is one of the most distinguishable superyachts in the world and was under the ownership of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen up until his untimely passing in 2018. Whilst her touch-and-go helipads and glass-bottom swimming pool are notable stand-out features onboard the superyacht, her stunning library should not go unnoticed. Octopus boasts interior design envisioned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/249" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jonathan Quinn Barnett Ltd (Company)">Jonathan Quinn Barnett Ltd</a>, while her exterior design was penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Espen Øino International</a>, and her naval architecture crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen Yachts</a>. Capable of locating a World War Two battleship in 2015, history is embedded into the very design and essence of the superyacht, making her extensive library all the more fitting. Showcasing a traditional leather sofa and adjacent wooden chairs, complete with lavish velvet furnishings, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Octopus126.2m (414'1&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2003">Octopus’s</a> library exudes classic elegance. The beautiful fireplace forms the focal point of the room with bright, mahogany bookcases bordering it either side.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/41070/image/large-696af6f5628e21cc9b1dadb825893d3c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/41070"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/41084/image/large-88c35f0d5d346458988aa2e8463e2ab2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/41084"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1596" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Planet Nine73.2m (240'2&quot;)Admiral2018">Planet Nine</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/570" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Admiral (Company)">Admiral&nbsp;</a>| 73.2-metres | 2018Delivered in 2018, the 73.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/570" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Admiral (Company)">Admiral</a> explorer yacht is recognisable to many for her starring role in Christopher Nolan’s 2020 film Tenet. The luxury motor yacht features iconic exterior design imagined by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tim Heywood Design Ltd. (Company)">Tim Heywood Design Ltd</a>, while her sophisticated interior aesthetic derived from the drawing board of German interior house, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4603" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fitz Interior (Company)">Fitz</a>. The 2,100 GT superyacht boasts a stylish saloon turned library for booklovers to indulge in. Showcasing a luxurious burnt-orange and grey sofa, bordering a bespoke coffee table, complete with hanging wall art and traditional globes, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1596" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Planet Nine73.2m (240'2&quot;)Admiral2018">Planet Nine’s</a> library forms the ideal backdrop for some immersive reading onboard.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/173431/image/large-0cf508db6aa9b49f6f7048cd2432b0af.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/173431"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/173430/image/large-8498065f29f83e184f3d66983e88bb9b.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/173430"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6788" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Q68.2m (223'9&quot;)Koninklijke Niestern Sander2012">Q</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4689" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Koninklijke Niestern Sander (Company)">Koninklijke Niestern Sander</a>&nbsp;| 68.2-metres | 2012Exhibiting a majestic volume of 2,272 GT, the expansive superyacht is in impeccable condition having undergone regular refits. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6788" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Q68.2m (223'9&quot;)Koninklijke Niestern Sander2012">Q</a> showcases both exterior and interior design envisioned by British design studio, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/61" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RWD (Company)">RWD</a> and was rebuilt at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/429" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ICON Yachts (Company)">Icon Yachts</a> shipyard in the Netherlands in 2020. Previously named Ragnar, the motor yacht’s interior design is inspired by one of the most famous Viking warriors Ragnar, and her Nordic-styled library is no exception. Situated in the yacht’s skylounge, the library acts as an idyllic haven for guests onboard. The distinctive wooden ship wheel displayed in the upper library saloon is reminiscent of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6788" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Q68.2m (223'9&quot;)Koninklijke Niestern Sander2012">Q’s</a> world exploring abilities and history as an ice-breaking multipurpose support supply vessel, prior to her conversion. The stately lounge boasts leather armchairs and a deep green sofa, bordering a tartan table. The surrounding dark walnut panelling highlights the spacious bookshelves and the secretive saloon even doubles as a games room, echoing a castle-like aesthetic design. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/222163/image/large-65c224ed22833a1d200f605a41b5033f.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/222163"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/280657/image/large-0daa1f8e2ef62562cf33e067e71e4c51.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/280657"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/150" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Atlantic64.5m (211'7&quot;)Van der Graaf B.V.2010">Atlantic</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/133" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van der Graaf B.V. (Company)">Van der Graaf Bv</a>&nbsp;| 64.5-metres | 2010The elegant 64.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/133" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van der Graaf B.V. (Company)">Van der Graaf</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/150" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Atlantic64.5m (211'7&quot;)Van der Graaf B.V.2010">Atlantic</a> sailing yacht features exterior design crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/949" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="William Gardner (Company)">William Gardner</a>, while her naval architecture is the work of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/134" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MasterShip Services BV (Company)">MasterShip Services BV</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/342" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Doug Peterson (Company)">Doug Peterson</a>. The impressive sailing yacht is the largest three-masted classic racing schooner ever created and can accommodate up to 12 guests across her six traditional staterooms. The interior was imagined by innovative yacht designer, Ed Kastelein, inspired by his interest in replicating classic yachts, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/150" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Atlantic64.5m (211'7&quot;)Van der Graaf B.V.2010">Atlantic</a> is a recreation of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/949" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="William Gardner (Company)">William Gardner</a>-designed winner of the 1905 Kaiser’s Cup. The classic yacht saloon boasts fully stocked bookshelves, with ocean-inspired wall hangings and a lavish red sofa and armchair, forming an understated sense of luxury onboard.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/280170/image/large-f9179053aed967bd2273fa97f2f4d168.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/280170"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/104945/image/large-4808053bb523f80c8beac70806002e1f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/104945"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/379" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Magna Grecia63.8m (209'4&quot;)Elsflether Werft GmbH & Co. KG1986">Magna Grecia</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/352" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Elsflether Werft GmbH & Co. KG (Company)">Elsflether Werft GmbH &amp; Co. KG</a>&nbsp;| 63.8-metres | 1986<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/379" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Magna Grecia63.8m (209'4&quot;)Elsflether Werft GmbH & Co. KG1986">Magna Grecia</a> was delivered by her German shipyard in 1986 and recently underwent a 24-month refit, leaving her in excellent condition. The motor yacht’s original interior design emerged from a collaboration between <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/41" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Donald Starkey Designs (Company)">Donald Starkey</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Terence Disdale Design (Company)">Terence Disdale</a>, while her freshly renewed interior aesthetic is the work of Florentine-based designer, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/586" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Francesco Paszkowski (Company)">Francesco Paszkowski</a>. The main deck displays an elegant office, featuring a uniquely designed library. The spacious bookshelves display a classic wooden design, perfectly positioned next to a timeless office desk, complete with multiple leather chairs for guests to use for work or relax whilst reading. The blend of wooden craftsmanship with hard leather is characteristic of the library room and extends across the entirety of the yacht’s interior, emanating an elegant charm.

onboard 5 superyacht libraries 

SuperYacht Times has carefully assembled a list of some of the most distinctive superyacht libraries, floating sanctuaries for booklovers onboard.

A closer look at 5 superyacht libraries 

Top 10 largest sailing yachts on the market

SYT takes a closer look at the top 10 largest sailing yachts currently on the market.

This morning the Schooner Atlantic was launched from the shipyard of Van Der Graaf in Hardinxveld-Giessendam. The original yacht was launched on July 28th 1903 and gained enduring fame in 1905 under command of the notorious captain Charlie Barr winning the golden Kaiser’s Cup in a race from New York to The Lizard on the south-west coast of England. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124271/image/large-30700b9a6e1f85a83bbf1f1652811ac6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124271"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124272/image/large-f92904b0b356b9601b6775857d11c4d2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124272">The <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/150">Atlantic</a> was designed by William Gardner and built by Townsend &amp; Downey, Shooter Island, New York. The replica is commissioned by Dutchman Ed Kastelein. He gathered copies of drawings of the original schooner from various archives in the USA, amongst which the MIT Museum in Massachusetts, which Doug Peterson, acting as consulting naval architect, has digitized guaranteeing the authenticity of the lines and floatation. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124273/image/large-f06effffc057b400b0dbfbcc77c48a4b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124273"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124274/image/large-5ed97927b5b34c963817615b69a3e5e5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124274"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124275/image/large-e6b03cfb644e0eccd133e83e39a78761.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124275">The structural designs for the construction by today’s methods and materials, like welded instead of riveted hulls, have been produced by the naval engineering company MasterShip at Eindhoven. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124276/image/large-1614f5bb2a7b5388f28f31683dc78bb9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124276"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124277/image/large-1db6cc6718480a3875ec9ab45b59edac.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124277">Atlantic is built for luxury charter purposes and as such she will participate in most classical boat races, like the famous Voiles de Saint Tropez. As the largest classical racing schooner ever rebuilt, she will generate waves of admiration wherever she sails.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124278/image/large-27f199b98fa04399565628efa5e3a97c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124278"> Atlantic will be sailing again soon and she will be as breathtakingly beautiful as ever. The myth is being created! By Merijn de Waard

Schooner Atlantic hits the water

In April the keel was laid of the new schooner Atlantic at the Van der Graaf yard. Two keel sections have been built upside down and by turning them the official moment of the laying of the keel was constituted. Seven more sections are being constructed to complete this strikingly large and slender three masted yacht. By the end of the year the motorized vessel will be launched, after which fitting out and rigging is expected to take another two years. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/122788/image/large-575e23fc48c579334abbc12f05ec9c4a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/122788"> The original yacht was launched on July 28th 1903 and gained enduring fame in 1905 under command of the notorious captain Charlie Barr winning the golden Kaiser’s Cup in a race from New York to The Lizard on the south-west coast of England. The cup appeared to be a plated fake later, but the mono hull record time of 12 days, 4 hours and 1 minute stood for 100 years, until it was broken in 2005 by <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1229">Mari-Cha IV</a>, setting a time of 9 days, 15 hours and 55 minutes in the Rolex TransAtlantic Challenge. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/122789/image/large-68a052ca1cc0c7fd9d33d0012b406585.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/122789">The <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/150">Atlantic</a> was designed by William Gardner and built by Townsend &amp; Downey, Shooter Island, New York. The schooner measured 56.43 meters (185’) over the bows, excluding bowsprit and mizzen boom outboard of respectively 8.76 meters (28’8) and 4.05 meters (13’3). With her beam of 8.85 meters (29’) and draft of 5.00 meters (16’5) her displacement was 395 tons. The replica is commissioned by Dutchman Ed Kastelein (left photo). He gathered copies of drawings of the original schooner from various archives in the USA, amongst which the MIT Museum in Massachusetts, which Doug Peterson, acting as consulting naval architect, has digitized guaranteeing the authenticity of the lines and floatation. The structural designs for the construction by today’s methods and materials, like welded instead of riveted hulls, have been produced by the naval engineering company MasterShip at Eindhoven. They too have completed the task of updating the design without changing an inch to the sacred aesthetics of the original. In the old design for example all 96 steel frames were spaced at 558.8mm (22 inches) and this has been adhered to for the sake of authenticity. The building takes place under Bureau Veritas classification for charter yachts. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/122790/image/large-5171d40ad267a6af8b2a32ba461cfff1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/122790"> 140 tons of Lloyds grade A certified steel have been plasma cut into 3,000 pieces of different shape and thickness. The keel plate is 20mm, the hull plating is 8 to 6mm and the deck is 5mm. After the forming of the hull plating, eventually all parts will be transformed into the most beautiful hull shape ever. The construction is divided into nine sections and the first two keel sections have now practically been finished (photo above). The next seven sections will also be built upside down. While the main, fore and aft deck will be constructed on contra-templates to preserve the camber of the deck. The use of temporary aluminium bridge straighteners on the outside of the hull plating will assure the smoothest possible surface to avoid excessive use of fillers later. Finally all sections will be joined. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/122791/image/large-357564adc807af8f56674bbbc3f0888b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/122791"> 30m³ of teak are drying to be spread out over the deck and around the bulwark and 58m³ of mahogany are waiting to be used for the interior paneling. The teak deck houses, hatches and skylights are being copied meticulously from illustrations of the original. The winches with bronze drums to contemporary design will be powered electrically, unlike the original steam driven units. For equipment like the anchor chain stopper, stanchions, belaying pins and pin rails new casting patterns are custom manufactured based on original designs. From the different sail plans of the original the record setting 1905 rig of 1,720m² (18,500 square feet) has been chosen for the recreated yacht. The original rigging had tapered steel tubes for the lower masts and bowsprit, but only the bowsprit will remain in steel. The base of the new 45 meters long masts will be made of alloy with the top masts, booms and gaffs to be built in Sitka spruce. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/122792/image/large-62c37ad6ef700521c7e681b72d7921df.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/122792"> Back in 1903 the <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/150">Atlantic</a> was built as a true mega yacht with every imaginable luxury at the time, like electrical power, refrigeration and warm running water. But in terms of comfort below decks she would still not bear comparison with the new schooner, which eventually will serve for luxury charters. The main saloon will be finished Colonial style with mahogany panels and furniture. The staterooms too will be executed in mahogany and light cream colors will prevail. Accommodation is foreseen for twelve guests, including a large master stateroom with library, private head and bath amidships. A modern galley will assure the catering and a pantry and laundry will provide for the household backup. The captain’s cabin is aft and crew quarters for 10 are located in the forepeak with separate deck access. In terms of space for the crew no parallel can be drawn with the old days when 39 crew and officers lived on board all year round. <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/150">Atlantic</a> will be sailing again soon and she will be as breathtakingly beautiful as ever. The myth is being created!<noscript></noscript>