Inside Out 127 Hakvoort Motor Yacht REVELRY
Northrop & Johnson yacht broker Wes Sanford explores the beauty of the 127-foot Hakvoort from the inside out.
A barrage of innovative components aboard cutting-edge yachts can make it difficult for buyers to get excited about more traditional concepts — those that aren’t outfitted with swimming pools, hybrid drives and foldout balconies. Yachts are a complicated, customized and expensive part of a luxury lifestyle, so there is much to be gained by shifting focus to the less flashy aspects, features and expectations. When you stop to consider that the yacht will be operated and enjoyed in remote locations by an often changing and limited number of crew, simplification often yields more user satisfaction than any other design element. In fact, it can be said that perfecting a formula to effectively balance the operation and reliability of a yacht is a fundamentally important consideration and goal in every aspect of yachting.
When the 127-foot Hakvoort motor yacht REVELRY (ex-SNOWBIRD) recently sold to her second owner, the buyers considered it paramount that the yacht be extremely capable, proven in its reliability and simple in its mission and operation. The combination of a well-respected Dutch shipyard, traditional propulsion, steel hull, manageable size and relatively reasonable operational budget all contributed to these primary goals. Her owners wanted a tool to enjoy the culture and environment of each cruising destination, focusing more on what was outside the yacht rather than what was inside.
Albert Hakvoort purchased the eponymous shipyard, located in Monnickendam, Holland, in 1919. For nearly a century, the Hakvoort family and its remarkably skilled workers have been perfecting the concepts and construction of its yachts. Though the shipyard is now producing 200-foot superyachts, REVELRY is the culmination of nearly 100 years of mastering the grand-scheme design of the modern-day “pocket mega yacht.”
REVELRY was designed and constructed to withstand decades of use and abuse on on the world’s oceans. Tried-and-true technology and brands were used throughout to assure her reliability, long-range and safety, regardless of sea condition or port of call. For example, her Caterpillar engines have only 600 horsepower, but provide a generous transoceanic range of 3,800 nautical miles at 10.5 knots. There is nothing fancy about this propulsion, but rather there is elegance in its reliability, low-decibel readings and complete lack of vibration underway. She has a 26-foot beam and eight-foot draft, which not only makes her very stable and seaworthy, but also allows her to access many cruising areas, such as The Bahamas, that larger yachts are too big and deep to enjoy. Albert Hakvoort’s vision of perfecting the world cruiser, along with the rules and oversight of Lloyd’s Classification, mean REVELRY’s crew can focus on ensuring the owners are enjoying their journey rather than worrying about technical problems and cruising restrictions on a daily basis.
Having said that, REVELRY does not look like an old, outdated yacht from generations ago. She was fortunate to be styled by Cor D. Rover Designs, which gave her a very modern, aggressive look. The inside was designed by Michela Reverberi to complement the beautifully crafted joinery in bookend-matched teak and a darkly stained mahogany sole. Originally owned by an art aficionado, the yacht was well publicized for its incredible modern art collection, much of which remains on the boat today with its new owner. The style and feel throughout is relaxed yet refined, which allows the owner to live comfortably or entertain formally as the occasion requires. Thanks to the bright interior and the yacht’s large windows, one never has the feeling of being trapped indoors. Another advantage of the windows: Incredible views from almost anywhere inside the yacht.
Functionally, REVELRY has a traditional five-stateroom layout with an on-deck master, as you one would expect to see on many yachts today. The use of a large garage for watersports toys allows the crew to keep the decks clear for owner and guest use, particularly the teak-covered sundeck, which has a Jacuzzi, sunpads, chaise lounges and a service bar.
As SNOWBIRD, she was a very successful charter yacht and her new owners wanted to continue that legacy. When yachts change hands, many often wonder what’s changed on board. On REVELRY, the list is very short. Once she completed her flawless five-year Lloyd’s special survey, a few pieces of art were exchanged, and new name boards that more accurately reflect the general atmosphere on board were installed. Otherwise there was little room for improvement on REVELRY, which in the end embodies her new owner’s idea of the perfect yacht. She has completed her first trips and is ready for many more successful adventures and happy guests for years to come.
