X-54 Holterman in deep blue water.

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With her revolutionary tender dock that doubles as a pool, the double-award winner X- 105 Lady Fleur placed our yard firmly in the superyacht spotlight. We’ve since launched two more yachts in this line, the X 78 Sport Miramar and the X- 54 Ferox. Both are shaped by their owners and share the same sleek and robust design DNA. With further builds underway, the X brand is ideal for clients looking for high-end quality in a very different jacket.

When Lady Fleur was launched in January 2022, many were astonished at how well Holterman Yachts had ripped up the rulebook to create a genuinely innovative motoryacht. This first X 105 also showcased maximum redundancy, the very latest equipment & tech, optimal comfort, meticulous attention to detail, and a fresh take on spatial use focused on the areas most used by owners. She also swiftly captured the attention of potential clients and led to two new orders for 54 and 78 feet respectively. Although these lengths prohibited the inclusion of an aft tender bay/pool, all the other assets of the X line are very much in place. “The design has struck a chord for its blend of sturdiness and elegance,” says Holterman Yachts’ general director Herman Timmerman. “Based on a proven platform, all kinds of wishes are up for discussion, from the exterior design to the interior and the choice of engines. A hybrid option is on the table too, and we love to innovate with clients by involving them in every step of the process. The X philosophy is attracting people who appreciate our down-to-earth approach and understand that creating something new takes time, effort and imagination.”

When Lady Fleur was launched in January 2022, many were astonished at how well Holterman Yachts had ripped up the rulebook to create a genuinely innovative motoryacht. This first X 105 also showcased maximum redundancy, the very latest equipment & tech, optimal comfort, meticulous attention to detail, and a fresh take on spatial use focused on the areas most used by owners. She also swiftly captured the attention of potential clients and led to two new orders for 54 and 78 feet respectively. Although these lengths prohibited the inclusion of an aft tender bay/pool, all the other assets of the X line are very much in place.

“The design has struck a chord for its blend of sturdiness and elegance,” says Holterman Yachts’ general director Herman Timmerman.

“ Based on a proven platform, all kinds of wishes are up for discussion, from the exterior design to the interior and the choice of engines. A hybrid option is on the table too, and we love to innovate with clients by involving them in every step of the process. The X philosophy is attracting people who appreciate our down-to-earth approach and understand that creating something new takes time, effort and imagination.”

Flexible partnerships

We work closely with specialised Dutch subcontractors and partners on the X 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 and Sea Level.

“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,” adds Herman. “A compact company structure with three project managers and short lines of communication also helps. And the overall designer of the X range, Bernd Weel, had a major influence, drawing a smooth ‘look’ that is both out of the ordinary and classy.”

Powerful dynamic

The success of the 105 led directly to the orders for the 54 and 78, confirms Bernd. “I based the exterior profile for all three on the same DNA and design principles. There’s lots of play with the reflections between shade and light, which are generated by deep recesses and manifested in the sculptural surfaces. The challenge with the first X 54 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, Bernd says they’re only part of the reason why the X range is 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. For 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 extends to the interiors and the X ethos is truly impressive in every respect.”

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 Kitty. “The height of the forward suites is impressive too and both Ferox and Miramar are 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 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 60 is on the way with a longer swim platform, larger lower deck portholes, long glass sections in the hull similar to the X 78 and a range of other customisations. The second X 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.

Onboard the X 54 Ferox 

The term ‘pocket-size superyacht’ has rarely been more apt than with the first X 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 stabilisers, 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 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.

Onboard the X 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.

utch yacht and superyacht builder Holterman Yachts will soon deliver the first of its X X-65 models, which will be available to view during the upcoming HISWA Te Water boat show in Lelystad, the Netherlands, 28 August to 1 September 2024.
20 August 2024
utch yacht and superyacht builder Holterman Yachts will soon deliver the first of its Xtreme X-65 models, which will be available to view during the upcoming HISWA Te Water boat show in Lelystad, the Netherlands, 28 August to 1 September 2024.
20 August 2024

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