The keel laying of a new 24-metre Explorer yacht at the Dutch Acico shipyard in Enkhuizen has marked a new era for the German builder, Drettmann Yachts. For the first time, the Drettmann Explorer is being built in Europe. So far, 25 Bandido Explorer yacht as well as 300 Elegance yacht have been constructed in shipyards in Taiwan.
Drettmann Explorer Yacht 24
With the Dutch manufacturing location, Claudia and Albert Drettmann reconnect with the early days of their company. Up until the nineties, the Drettmann company sold 750 Neptunus motor yachts and from 1977 until 1989, the steel hulls of their DD yachts were procured from the Netherlands.
Yacht building has a long tradition in the Netherlands. Dutch shipyards such as Acico Yachts in Enkhuizen, with its motivated and highly qualified personnel are held in high regard throughout the world.
The additional advantage for the German owner of the 24 m long Drettmann Explorer yacht – he previously owned an Elegance yacht – is that he can follow the progress of the construction of his vessel during visits, which are only a short trip away and can see how far the construction has come.
The keel laying of the new Drettmann Explorer Yacht 24
Drettmann Explorer Yacht 24
The Explorer, designed by Drettmann Yachts and Focus Yacht Design, based on the specifications and built in accordance with the CE A regulations with a round steel hull and aluminium superstructures, will feature diesel-electric POD drive systems. It has been designed for a top speed of 13 kn and a maximum range of 5,000 sm.
This also applies to the generously dimensioned storage space, which is required for long sea voyages. The garage for a Williams 445 tender, a SeaDoo RXP are maintained in the forecastle below the raised main deck and are launched with the use of a 1.2 t crane. As a result, the space common on motor yachts of this size at the aft of the bottom deck can be used for a beach club with a lounge and sauna directly next to the swimming platform.
The owner welds the steel himself
The three cabins for the owner and guests are arranged amidships – precisely where the passengers are ensured to have the calmest sleep during their voyage. The crew quarters with their own passageway to the wheelhouse will connect to the forecastle. In order to dampen vibrations and reduce noise, the floors, ceilings and walls will be mounted in a flexible manner.
The new line of the Drettmann Explorer Yacht with its striking appearance – compact on the outside and extraordinarily spacious on the inside due to offset levels – was created for owners, who above all want to own a proper ship. A vessel, whose elevated prow will repel splash water and waves far away. However, also a ship that leaves nothing to be desired in regard to storage space, for instance for diving equipment and jet skis. And additionally a vessel, which on the inside enables a stylish and comfortable life onboard due to its exclusive interior, selected by Claudia Drettmann in cooperation with the designer Birgit Schnaase.
A particular highlight will be the large, pleasant eating and living area on the main deck. On top of the 54 m2 large flying deck there is an outside steering position, two couch areas, a bar with a BBQ and storage for deck chairs.
A coing as lucky charm
With the laying of the keel, ACICO Yachts director Christian Bolinger was euphoric about the new collaboration with Drettmann Yachts and their keen sense for the potential of a shipyard. The Drettmann family has once before helped a Taiwanese shipyard in achieving sensational success and in good years took delivery of 80 per cent of the annual production.
In the meanwhile, the number of employees in Taiwan increased from 50 to 1,300. Christian Bolinger is convinced that his Dutch shipyard will be able to achieve great things in the future together with Drettmann Yachts. He was already full of praise: “The cooperation has already been very pleasant during the preparatory phase – Drettmann Yachts provided the design and essential specifications, we complemented this with the engineering knowledge of our shipyard.”
Sectional view of DEY24M
Main technical specifications of Drettmann Explorer Yacht 24
Length overall: 23.90 m
Waterline length: 21.13 m
Width: 6.76 m
Draught: approx. 2.20 m
Displacement: approx. 135 t
Registered tonnage: <250 GT
Top speed: approx. 13 kn
Range max.: approx. 5000 sm / at 8 kn
Diesel engines: 3 x diesel generator, each with 225 ekW/50 Hz + 1x 27 ekW/50 Hz
Drive: Azimuth POD, Engtek
Classification: CE A
Stabiliser: Zero Speed
Tank capacities (approx.): Fuel 18,000 l, fresh water 2,000 l, black and greywater: 800 l
Design: Drettmann Yachts / Focus Yacht Design
Construction: Drettmann Yachts
Interior design: Claudia Drettmann / Schnaase Interior Design Consultancy
