Kokotea Is the Elegant Black Swan of Modern Sailing Yachts

Kokotea is a beautiful mix of old and new. Its sleek, 40-meter hull and high-performance sails look like a contemporary work of art, while the elegant, classic interior is reminiscent of the famous gentleman's yachts. This Kiwi pleasure craft came to life 23 years ago at the Alloy Yachts shipyard in New Zealand.

At the time, it was the fifth Dubois vessel to be commissioned by the same owner – an avid yachtsman, no doubt, and a fine sailing connoisseur. It was also the seventh Dubois vessel to be built by Alloy Yachts. Over the years, this fruitful partnership would result in more than 20 stunning luxury yachts. Dubois Naval Architects continues to be one of the most acclaimed names in the yachting world, and Kokotea is one of its finest creations.

Redman Whiteley Dixon, now known as RWD, matched the Dubois exterior design with an elegant, classic-style interior. Throughout the decades, the Alloy yacht changed hands several times and operated under multiple names, including Kokomo of London, Nuberu Blau, and Zalmon. Such a long life also included multiple refits in 2008, 2010, and 2016.

The most recent refit was completed this year. It started out as a comprehensive renovation project in 2012, which included a complete repaint of the hull and superstructure. The yacht's stealthy exterior was matched by a full set of Doyle Stratis GPC sails, complete with a new Carbo-Link rig. The refit and maintenance program also included an overhaul of the boat's main engine and generators. Additionally, Kokotea now sports a revamped sunroof and brand-new communication and navigation systems.

While Kokotea's exterior looks entirely contemporary and glamorous, its interior design exudes a homely, warm atmosphere. The four-cabin configuration can comfortably accommodate up to eight guests. The owner's suite is located in the aft. It comes with an elegant office, separated by a pocket door, and doubles as a lounge area.

It's furnished with a beautiful custom walnut desk, a bespoke walnut cabinet, and a large sofa. Additional seating turns it into a cozy lounge room with an informal vibe. As for the en-suite bathroom, it can be accessed from the aft, and it's equipped with his-and-her sinks plus a large shower.

The aft upper salon leads to the other guest cabins through elegant curved stairs that connect to a spacious foyer with a generous-sized walnut cabinet and a Bubinga rosewood sole. Two double cabins are placed forward. They boast an identical layout with en-suite bathrooms and additional seating. A smaller guest cabin is placed further from the foyer, and it also comes with an en-suite bathroom.

On the lower deck, Kokotea reveals a sophisticated salon with a separate area for formal dining. The cherry wood paneling with refined detailing creates the classic ambiance of a golden-era yacht. The beautifully crafted wooden table is generous enough for up to ten guests. The seating area nearby flaunts two premium leather sofas and extra armchairs – a cozy and sophisticated setup for after-dinner drinks.

Kokotea also delights guests with a spacious al-fresco area on the main deck. The covered cockpit located aft is another great spot for taking in the views while at sea. When it comes to water fun, those onboard have access to a newly added luxurious Castoldi jet tender.

Like all Alloy Yachts, this black beauty combines luxury comfort with high-performance sailing. The Caterpillar main engine ensures a range of more than 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km). In terms of speed, Kokotea can surpass 13 knots (14.9 mph/24 kph) thanks to its state-of-the-art sails.

The Kiwi sailing yacht is worth more now than it did three years ago when it changed hands once again. At the time, it was asking for €6,3 million as Zalmon. Following its recent refit completed at Thunderbolt Marine in the US, Kokotea is worth €7,8 million ($8.3 million). The upgraded vessel is now up for grabs, ready for a new owner to enjoy its eye-catching allure and sailing abilities.

This Dubois-designed black swan comes from a shipyard that had a short but revolutionary existence. Alloy Yachts was founded in the 80s by an enthusiastic team who wanted to build an unprecedented vessel – an aluminum yacht that was over 28 meters long. After the successful launch of "Chanel," they decided to continue working together, and that's how the yacht builder was born.

Their innovative projects included Atlanta, which won the 1996 ShowBoats International Award for interior design, the impressive Mondango with a unique curved glass rear window, and the 2010 Kokomo, probably the most famous Allow Yachts design. In 2016, the New Zealand shipyard closed its gates after the successful launch of Prana, a gorgeous 52-meter (170.6 feet) luxury sailing yacht.