This Classic Dutch Yacht Is a Living Legend With Art Gallery-Like Interiors

Those in love with classic designs and shapes would instantly notice the Meserret II among other all-white yachts. The classic Dutch silhouette with a beautiful canoe stern brings to mind the golden era of gentlemen's yachts and carefree sailing. But don't let this imposing profile with a somber vibe fool you. Meserret II opens up like a cruising wonderland with all kinds of goodies, from a generous jacuzzi to multiple outdoor entertainment options.

The nearly 200 feet yacht (188 feet/57 meters) was born decades ago in the Netherlands. Cammenga Jachtbouw, a shipyard that was already operating at full speed by the 1950s, launched this elegant yacht in 1978. It became the builder's flagship and one of the largest luxury yachts at the time. That's no surprise, considering the wealthy customer who commissioned it – the Bahri family of Lebanon.

Tragically, the beautiful vessel would also become Cammenga's swan song. Completing this major project was such a huge effort for the relatively small Dutch shipyard that it basically drained all its power. After delivering it to its owner, the yard never returned to the previous levels of activity and ended up slowly fading away.

Born as Majestic M, the Dutch yacht would be renamed multiple times throughout its long life. It was also rebuilt and then extensively refitted several times in recent years, starting in 2004. That is when the original interiors, created by the legendary UK-based studio Bannenberg & Rowell, were restyled by Dimitri Koutoukos. The most recent refit was completed in 2021.

Meserret II was built with a sturdy steel hull and aluminum superstructure, with an exterior design by the Dutch De Vries Lentsch. The modernized version combines generous accommodation with wide outdoor spaces and notable performance.

Twin 1,350 HP Paxman engines propel it at 16 knots (18.4 mph/29.6 kph), with Vosper Thornycroft stabilizers ensuring a smooth ride. At an economical speed, the old boat promises an impressive transatlantic range of 6,000 nautical miles (11,100 km).

Guests step onboard via the hydraulic passerelle located port aft or the hydraulic side gangways, each fitted with shell-door swim platforms. The owner's suite, with a traditional placement forward on the main deck, can be accessed both from the lobby and from the deck. It's big enough to include a walk-in dressing room and a stylish marble bathroom.

A beautifully-crafted central staircase connects the upper deck to the main deck lobby. This lobby leads to two dayheads, the main salon, and the spacious room for formal dining, sitting next to the galley.

More than 14 guests can be accommodated onboard, thanks to the generous eight-cabin layout. The VIP suite is placed on the upper deck, while the other cabins sit on the lower deck. Two single cabins were specifically configured for the owner's staff, such as security guards or secretaries.

Meserret II's sun deck is all about water fun. The main attraction is raised jacuzzi, flanked by cozy sun pads. The circular wet bar is shielded from the heat by a hardtop. A versatile area serves as a boat deck and a party stage. When the two tenders are out at sea, the generous space is free for parties and other fun possibilities. The yacht also features two deck cranes for launching water toys.

In the evening, guests onboard the Meserret II can enjoy watching a movie under the stars. A large lounge area on the upper deck easily turns into an onboard cinema with C-shaped seating, comfy armchairs, and a pop-up TV. During the day, the upper deck is perfect for al-fresco dining.

Like the upper deck, the main deck also boasts beautiful walk-around side decks. Plus, the main deck aft houses a second open-air lounge area.

Style-wise, this refitted classic beauty feels like a floating art gallery. Each room is filled with numerous art pieces, mostly classic paintings. The classic furniture and wood panels are highlighted by a surprisingly colorful and vibrant color palette.

Every space onboard the Meserret II is like a miniature gallery waiting to be explored. This ornate style, bursting with color, is definitely not in line with the current ultra-minimalistic trends, yet full of life and respectful of the vessel's classic origin.

If anyone would rather cruise onboard this Dutch ship instead of any other young luxury yacht and has deep enough pockets, they're in luck. The Meserret II is currently up for grabs, although not for a small price. For €10.2 million ($11 million), someone could become the new lucky owner of this 45-year-old beauty and soon celebrate its history, spanning half of a century.