A new shipyard called Leapher Yachts has commenced operation in Tolkamer in the Netherlands. The Dutch yard is introducing three new custom expedition yachts to market, including a 60.5-metre which has been sold to a client and is due to reach its first major construction milestone today (15 May) with a keel-laying ceremony.
The project is codenamed Lazarus and is scheduled for delivery in October 2025. Interior and exterior design comes from Cor D. Rover, with naval architecture by O7 Designers and hull optimisation by Van Oossanen Naval Architects.
The 1,710 GT explorer will have 40-day autonomy and will be Polar 1C-classed, allowing it to cruise in some of the more high-latitude regions on the planet. Tender capacity will be for two 9.5-metre tenders and the yacht will be equipped for helicopter operations.
Special features include a diving room, mud room and a 200-square-metre beach club. A wellness room complete with a sauna and gym round off her extensive list of amenities. Accommodation is for 14 guests and 17 crew.
The other two models by Leapher Yachts are a 48-metre explorer with a gross tonnage of 500, and a 60-metre explorer with a gross tonnage of 1,000.
According to Yiannis Andriotis, who has played a role in spearheading the new yard, Leapher Yachts is "run by a team of Dutch yacht builders and engineers with vast experience in the industry". The yard's production manager is Lucas Van Elsen, previously at Oceanco, Feadship and Heesen, and the chief technical officer is Wilma Van Rein, formerly of Feadship.
The new yard is operating from a facility that previously belonged to mini cruise ship producer De Hoop, which closed its doors during the pandemic. "We now operate our business in this location, respecting its tradition and continuing the heritage of shipbuilding but this time for the superyacht industry," explained Andriotis.
The 60.5-metre was sold by Oxyzen Yachting.