The first Rupert 80 is well underway, with the Swedish yacht builder announcing that sea trials are now scheduled for the end of October.
Ordered in the spring of 2012, the 25m Rupert 80 composite-built motor yacht is designed to be a, 'workboat with a superyacht finish and styling,' says Thomas Rönnberg, founder and owner of Rupert Marine. Rönnberg felt that a yacht like this was missing in superyacht the market – a yacht with limited accommodation, but generous spaces for social activities, including a huge main saloon and aft deck.
The Rupert 80's aggressive and low-profile exterior design is by Ted Mannerfelt with a naval architecture by Petter Hakanson, while Nauta Yacht Design is responsible for the interior, which comes in two versions; either two cabins for four guests, or three cabins for six guests. There are crew quarters for two. The first Rupert 80 will feature a main-deck galley, but a below deck galley layout is also available.
Options also abound in the engine room, with four possible power configurations: first sees twin 900hp Volvo Penta IPS version with speeds between 30 and 34 knots; triple 900hp Volvo Penta IPS version with speeds between 34 and 40 knots; a twin 1,200hp MAN waterjet version with speeds between 38 and 43 knots; and a twin 1,400hp MAN waterjet version with speeds between 40 and 46 knots. The maximum range could exceed 850 nautical miles at an economical speed of 20 knots.