Dutch builder Moonen has launched the first of their 99 Alu, a stretched version of their 94 Alu Semi-Displacement Fast Yacht Series.
Christened Phoebe she was hauled out of the construction hall in and lowered into the water by Travelift and will be handed over to her owners, after sea trials late this month (July 2009).
The Moonen 99 Alu is built of Sealium, a lightweight, strong, highly corrosion-resistant aluminium alloy. She has a tank-tested hull and like her samller sister Nilo is driven by Servogear Controllable Pitch Propellers set in high-efficiency tunnels. Powered by twin Caterpillar C-32 ACERT diesels, she has a composite-built antenna mast and Bimini top, to save weight aloft and assure her top speed of 26 knots. Phoebe has been built to class with Bureau Veritas and is MCA compliant.
Styled by René van der Velden Yacht Design over a hullform of Stolk Marimecs naval architecture. The British firm Rhoades Young, in cooperation with Moonen, suggested a variation of the interior layout and created the interior styling for the client.
The yacht has the same superstructure footprint as her smaller sisters with essentially the same accommodations and engine room areas. The added length was applied to enlarging crew quarters and lengthening the main afterdeck and flying bridge. On the main deck, the saloon is typical of many of the company’s yachts, but has a larger adjoining enclosed galley with its own door to the side deck. The wheelhouse centres on a console with engine controls; a plush settee is set aft for guest observation. Stairs lead to the flying bridge and sundeck.
Below, the full-beam master suite has an open plan. Forward, the watertight bulkhead has been moved slightly aft to enlarge the VIP suite. The joinery design by Rhoades Young makes use of a rich walnut with contrasting white-painted surfaces and fabric panel insets.
