Skip links

Vitters launches Meraki, a modern-classic hoek design ketch

Vitters launched a 50 metre modern classic named “Meraki”, designed by Hoek Design with interior by Rhoades Young Design

The project began with an extensive research project comparing different hull models, beam length ratios, displacement length ratios and keel designs utilising velocity prediction programmes, computational fluid dynamics analysis and tank testing.

The owner is an experienced sailor, committed to the highest standards possible, and engaged in every step of the process. The design team included sailing legend Chris Bouzaid on hull shape and Clay Oliver who oversaw the optimisation of the underwater appendages. The overall structural engineering, naval architecture work and exterior design was done by the Hoek office in close cooperation with this team.

The yacht features sleek lines with reduced freeboard and low deckhouses which allow the helmsman unrivalled visibility over the deck.
The deck layout of Meraki features a large centre cockpit with two steering stations and forward of the main deckhouse another cockpit area for guests or crew.

The interior was done by Dick Young who worked closely with the owner, Hoek Design, and Vitters to optimise the layout and its integration with critical technical components. The interior of Meraki is unique and completely tailored to the owner’s wishes in a contemporary classic styling of the highest quality of any sailing vessel. 

The yacht was built to Lloyd’s LY3 in high tensile aluminium to structural drawings of Hoek Design. The hull was built at Vitters Shipyard to a high level of perfection; the engineering of the technical installations was also done by Vitters. The yacht has a large engine room with full headroom and good accessibility of all systems. A control room and ships office also provide access to the engine room. 

MCM Newport was responsible for the owner’s representation and supervision of the build. Vitters, Hoek Design, Rhode Young Design, and MCM are immensely proud of Meraki, the latest in a long line of prior collaborations of these firms.  


Leave a comment