Turkish shipyard SES Yachts and brokerage firm Ocean Independence have unveiled a new series of gentleman’s motor yachts to celebrate the builder's 50th anniversary. The range, named EPOQ, comprises three yachts spanning from 24 to 46 metres and has been designed with a nod to the Belle Époque era.
London-based studio Sturge & Toth is behind the semi-custom designs, with Dutch firm Van Oossanen Naval Architects responsible for the engineering and Ocean Independence appointed exclusive sales partner of the series.
The first model presented is the 36-metre EPOQ, which will be offered in three platform configurations, including a split-deck layout and two tri-deck options.
Inspired by Belle Époque [an era of European elegance and craft that spanned from 1871 to 1914], the designers have opted for a contemporary profile to define the 36-metre, described as a showcase of "enduring qualities, elegance, leisure, confidence and a regard for beauty".
Characterising the yacht is a classic concave hull that blends into a smoothed round transom. Paired with teak detailing and balanced proportions, the design is said to offer "a presence that owes little to passing trends".
“The traditional gentleman’s yacht was often associated with status, prestige and the visual expression of wealth,” explained Sturge & Toth co-founders, Toby Sturge and Ben Toth. “Our interpretation takes a different path. EPOQ does not seek to impress through grandeur. Instead, she expresses sophistication through elegance, craftsmanship and a strong sense of purpose."
First details of 36-metre EPOQ reveal highlights including a glass-bottomed Jacuzzi on the sundeck, which is positioned directly above an al fresco dining area of the main deck below. The Jacuzzi is fitted with switchable liquid-crystal glass, which shifts between translucent and transparent, illuminating the deck below with beams of natural light and reflections.
The main deck is fitted with loose, freestanding furniture to offer a relaxed and residential feel. In terms of materials, traditional woods have been paired with fabric panelling to allow for late-stage personalisation for an owner during the build.
EPOQ is built around Van Oossanen’s Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF), combining the efficiency of a displacement hull with the speed opportunities of a semi-displacement platform. According to the firm, the result is a yacht that remains "calm and composed" in a variety of sea conditions.
Van Oossanen added: “For us, the brief of creating a yacht with a Northern European character and superior seakeeping goes far beyond technical specifications. It means engineering confidence into every nautical mile.”
Alongside an anniversary celebration, the series marks SES Yachts' first move into the semi-custom segment, following more than 50 years of building full custom sailing and motor yachts. Amongst its custom fleet is the celebrated 32.7-metre motor yacht Far Niente, delivered in 2024.
Read More/First look inside 33m "1900s-styled" superyacht Far Niente