This Reinvented Dutch Icon for Private Exploration Is Where Tradition Meets Innovation

A brand-new, custom luxury yacht sounds terribly exciting, as long as you're willing to wait. An enthusiastic customer who owned several boats chose the Netherlands-based Vripak to bring to life an unusual vessel that's classic and contemporary at the same time. The yard is due to lay the keel this coming Fall, but the Doggersbank 77' Offshore won't be ready until 2025.

Still, this full-custom yacht is well worth the wait. First of all, it's designed to be owner-operated. A 77-footer (23.5 meters), this pleasure craft with a narrow beam and single engine won't require a crew, which makes it perfect for private adventures.

The reduced length and beam were also specific requests. That's because the future boat will be housed in a harbor berth on the northwest coast of North America, recently bought by the owner. For the same reason, the boat will feature a protective nozzle against driftwood for the prop and rudder and open portholes for adequate ventilation.

This Dutch beauty is a modern version of the classic Doggersbank explorer, born in the early '70s. It keeps the unmistakable look and rugged profile of the heritage model but with a contemporary twist.

For instance, conventional propulsion is replaced by a hybrid system. The future Doggersbank 77' will be able to run exclusively on batteries for up to two hours at a low six-knot (6.9 mph/11 kph) speed. Packed with a single engine, it also promises efficient cruising, burning just 50 liters (13 gallons) of fuel per hour. The optimized hull shape with a bulbous bow also improves efficiency.

Accommodation-wise, this small yacht offers a full-beam master suite on the main deck plus three guest cabins on the lower deck (a VIP and two twins). A beautiful open spiral staircase with a skylight connects the three decks. Thanks to this, the main salon offers excellent visibility to the bridge and lower deck. The lower deck also houses a large laundry and utility room.

The Doggersbank 77' is also equipped for al-fresco dining and fitted with a generous swim platform. Its lazarette can carry multiple water toys. In terms of interior décor, the pleasure craft reveals its American spirit through an unusual, warm color palette inspired by the famous Indian summers in North America. The American walnut and other natural materials create a classic ambiance in honor of the original Doggersbank.

This custom project is particularly important for the Dutch brand, which was in dire need of a revival. It showcases an improved take on the basic Doggersbank 77' Offshore. The basic model was introduced as the brand's largest model that can be piloted by the owner without the requirement of a captain's license.

It was designed to accommodate up to six guests plus two crew if needed. The specific length enables it to offer generous onboard space without the hassle of complying with larger yacht regulations. Paired with a highly-efficient hull based on an iconic design, these features create the perfect offshore yacht at an affordable price.

The Vripak shipyard was born in 1961, founded by Dick Boon. Initially, the company focused on smaller motor and sailing yachts under 12 meters (39 feet). In 1968, Boon launched the Doggersbank Explorer.

With its robust steel hull and aluminum superstructure, it would quickly gain a reputation for long-range exploration. The original model was a heavy-duty expedition ship with a high bow and backward bulwark (resulting in a safe working deck) and heavy onboard machinery needed for cruising in remote areas. Due to this configuration, the owner's stateroom was originally located on the lower deck aft, considered the most comfortable spot onboard at the time.

The first-ever Doggersbank, built for a Dutch customer, was only 10.8 meters long (35.4 feet), and it drew everyone's attention at the 1969 Dutch National Boat Show. Shortly after, a second customer went on to order two larger Doggersbank explorers. More than a decade later, the popular Dutch ship went overseas. By the '80s, the Doggersbank was already a popular model in the US after its 1983 debut at the Miami Boat Show.

In fact, the Doggersbank Offshore, which gradually replaced the original explorer design, was born due to an American customer. The first in the new series was Kathleen. This 25.6 meters (84 feet) boat became the first Doggersbank with Lloyd's certification and with a modern counterweight stabilization system. Several units in the Offshore series followed throughout the '90s, some of which became famous for challenging crossings and extensive voyages.

Vripak announced this upcoming 77' yacht as a revival of the legendary Doggersbank brand. It will carry this heritage into the future, continuing the work of the 500 explorers delivered since the 1970s.