Going to X-tremes:
Going to X-tremes
Going to X-tremes: Holterman Yachts building on success
Flexible partnerships
Holterman is working closely with specialised Dutch subcontractors and partners on the
X-treme range. The hull/superstructure construction of the first 54 was built together with Smeding Yacht Service, which also took care of the naval architecture. Partners for the 78 Sport included KB Alubouw, Sea Level and Diana Yacht Design
“Our way of working increases flexibility and allows us to concentrate on the installation, outfitting and finishing work at our state-of-the-art yard in the Netherlands,” adds Timmerman. “A compact company structure with three project managers and short lines of communication also helps. And the overall designer of the X-treme range Bernd Weel, who introduced us to the owner of Lady Fleur, has had a major influence, drawing a smooth ‘look’ that manages to be both out of the ordinary and classy.”
Powerful dynamic
The success of the 105 led directly to orders for the 54 and 78, confirms Bernd Weel. “I based the exterior profile for all three on the same DNA and design principles. The innovation on the aft deck of the X-treme 105 pushed the volume to the fore and resulted in a very robust bow. She is a muscular predator with a powerful dynamic that also reflects my background in car design. There’s lots of play with the reflections between shade and light, which are generated by deep recesses and manifested in the sculptural surfaces.
“Receiving the order for the first X-treme 54, the challenge was to capture the essence of Lady Fleur in a yacht almost half the size. We started from scratch with a new layout and centreline section, then recreated the lines and sculptural elements. You cannot simply copy but Ferox certainly has the same soul as her big sister. And the same applies to the 78 Sport Miramar, which has an even sleeker and slightly more stretched profile within a sportier design that emphasises the character of this fast performance yacht.”
Optimum comfort
Although proud of the exterior aesthetics, Weel is keen to stress they are only part of the reason why the X-treme range has been such an instant hit. “The level of finish at Holterman is phenomenal and each yacht features a wide range of amenities that make life onboard a real treat. To give one example, the 54 and 78 are fitted with three-piece telescopic spud poles to fore and aft that descend into the silt in the bottom of the harbour and keep the vessels firmly in position. This meticulous attention to comfort and detail also extends to the interiors and the X-treme ethos is truly impressive in every respect.” While the understated contemporary interior for the 105 came from the boards of Trimm Design, the interiors of the 54 and 78 Sport were created by Kitty van der Kamp Design. “I thoroughly enjoyed working on these yachts as they have a wide beam which gives lots of volume to play with,” says Van der Kamp. “The height of the forward suites is impressive too and both Ferox and Miramar are entirely based on the style preferences of the owners and how they live aboard.
“Each project required a very different approach as one owner likes wood and the other does not. After extensive meetings we designed a GA, made 3Ds of the concepts and presented mood boards to the clients, who were happy to proceed. I also had lots of freedom and trust from a yard which is always willing to go the extra mile for owners. Everyone really seems to enjoy their job at Holterman and the results speak for themselves.”
On the horizon
The sense of a brand on the move is confirmed by various new X-treme projects. A second 54 is currently in build with a different interior layout and twin Volvo Penta D6-300 engines instead of the D4-175. The first X-treme 60 is on the way with a longer swim platform, larger lower deck portholes, long glass sections in the hull similar to the X-treme 78 and a range of other customisations.
The second X-treme 78 is also under construction in a Flybridge version rather than a Sport. And a great deal of development work is proceeding on an all-aluminium 95-footer that will have a powerful propulsion set-up around the 5000 hp mark and be capable of 28 knots while retaining remarkably low fuel consumption levels. More information will follow in due course about all these upcoming members of the X-treme fleet but let us conclude with a dedicated look at the two most recently launched yachts.
The X-treme 54 Ferox
The term ‘pocket-size superyacht’ has rarely been more apt than with the first X-treme 54. Her owners required a relaxed and luxurious cruiser to enjoy on European rivers, made possible by a low height and collapsible mast for navigating inland bridges. This steel displacement boat has a superb underwater ship: twin 175 hp engines ensure she glides effortlessly through the water even at 30% power. With an eight-litre-per-hour fuel consumption at 7.5 knots and a 2000-litre tank, Ferox has a mighty range. And as the owners opted for stabiliser fins, a rare asset on a boat this size, they are always sure of a smooth ride.
A walk-around layout on the main deck makes the vessel easy to operate and grants access to a large foredeck with a double-sofa setup. The seats can be covered with a sun awning system using poles and canvas. Lots of work has gone into optimising storage, with large lockers integrated into the design of the bow. The stern garage holds an inflatable RIB tender, bicycles, additional fridges/freezers and much more besides. The option exists for future X-treme 54 clients to extend the hull by 0.7 metres in order to allow room for a larger swimming platform.
Space and harmony
The overall interior layout also revolves around maximising space. The main deck lounge has an extra-large sunroof which sheds lots of light on the seating area. A smart divider between the lounge and the galley doubles as an extra cupboard on the starboard side. The galley itself is highly specced and leads to a generous helm station. A bright and harmonious interior style with only a limited amount of wood was the brief, which Kitty van der Kamp Design achieved by starting with darker colours at floor level and gradually lightening the feel using elements of lacquer and leather.
Another specific owner request was for two suites of equal size rather than three smaller cabins on the lower deck. A staircase in the lounge descends to the lower deck where the full-beam master is located aft and a well-appointed VIP suite forward. If a three-cabin layout was chosen by later clients, larger hull windows could be installed in order to add more natural light to the central cabin.
The X-treme 78 Sport Miramar
This project started off with numerous meetings with the owners, who had a precise idea of what they were looking for: a fast yacht with large interior spaces to facilitate longer periods onboard with the family. The design concept matches this vision perfectly within an aluminium planing hull and a top speed of over 30 knots made possible by the latest Volvo-Penta IPS 1350 technology. Long continuous glass panels in the hull and superstructure offer excellent views on the water at all times.
Miramar has proven to be highly manoeuvrable and exceptionally quiet in operation. Her double chine design, with one spray rail located just below the waterline and one above, prevent any annoying sounds when docked in a marina. Humphree stabilisation and the Volvo-Penta trim system stably geo-position the boat in all conditions.
The interior style combines dark oak with lighter walnut elements, superbly hand-made by the Holterman carpenters. This style makes the most of extraordinary ceiling height of 2.4 metres on the main deck, the effect of which is further accentuated by adding dividers and translucent light panels on the sides.
Family entertainment
Miramar is a yacht made for entertainment and the spacious salon feels like a family living room with a large sofa and dining area. As the owners like cooking, the galley is placed to the aft of the lounge so they can entertain guests while preparing food for those seated both inside and out. Sliding doors seamlessly connect to the aft deck seating area while the helm station is located on a slightly raised floor at the fore end of the saloon. A staircase leads below to the amidships master suite, three guest doubles and a separate day head. Translucent panels connect the owners’ bedroom with their bathroom and a height line of leather has been implemented throughout the lower deck. By dividing materials in the bathrooms and setting the location of the door handles and switches on the leather panels, this line adds an additional air of calm to the overall design.
Practical thinking
Functionality has been given priority in Miramar‘s engine room where a practical layout makes it very easy to replace and maintain parts. Future owners could choose to retro-fit a separate crew cabin in the forward part of this expansive space. A large number of deck storage lockers and a separate garage are found above the engine room. An extra-large hydraulic swimming platform is also home to a remarkably large tender for a 78-foot yacht.
One other feature of note is the expansive foredeck lounging area, complete with a U-shaped sofa and wide sunbed. The bow is designed to accommodate many people while ensuing privacy when berthed in port. There is also a second control/helm station located here, allowing the owners to steer their yacht from a comfortable seating position while staying very much part of the fun.
