Dutch design studio Vripack has revealed that it is working on an explorer yacht called Point Break, which the owners hope to use to traverse the Northwest Passage.
The Australian clients plan to set off from California and take Route 7 past Alaska and Canada before ending up in Maine. Along the way they will encounter some of the most dangerous cruising conditions on earth and the owners also hopes to surf in this extraordinary location.
Pim Dijksman, designer at Vripack, explained the client’s passion: “From day one we hit it off on all levels with the family particularly because of their lifetime dream of making this remarkable trip purely for surfing where no man has surfed before.”
With this in mind, Point Break will feature a transom water ballast tank designed to create the optimum surfing wake when cruising at its top speed of 20 knots.
The owner’s passion for surfing inspired the name of the yacht, which was is a tribute to the 1991 film of the same name.
Vripack is well placed to advise on such an ambitious project, as the Dutch design studio has created five yachts that have completed the Northwest Passage – more than any other designer.
The design of Point Break is classic Vripack, with floor-to-ceiling glazing on the top three decks and a rising sheerline.
Exact build details are yet to be announced, however Vripack revealed that Point Break will be fitted out with a hybrid drive train that will feature four modes from fully diesel to pure electric.
This functionality was key for the clients, who wanted to achieve 20 knots, while retaining the ability to cruise with as little noise as possible. The layout will also include storage space for a variety of toys, from surfboards to kite surfers.
Founded in 1961, Vripack’s notable designs include 45 metre Timmerman explorer yacht Latitude.