Willow Is a Proven World Cruiser With a Homely Vibe

If you are one of those folks who find today's superyachts tacky and outrageously decadent, you'll most likely enjoy the calming and nostalgic experience offered by Willow, starting with a classic-looking profile. Willow is one of the contemporary yachts that successfully combine the traits of older boats with the typical features of modern luxury pleasure craft. The result is a vessel that can easily take its owners on extensive journeys to exotic destinations while pampering them with the unique experience of a true home away from home.

Willow is a Moonen 84 that made its debut in 2006. The names behind the original vessel are Stolk Marimecs BV for the naval architecture, Rene van der Velden Yacht Design for the exterior design, and Art Line for the interior. It was built in steel and aluminum by the Dutch shipyard almost two decades ago and remained a fairly discrete presence at sea.

Like most yachts its age, it had to undergo an extensive refit as it got older. From this point of view, 2017 was a turning point. That year, the vessel was extended to its current size of 89 feet (27 meters). Its interior style was also refreshed. More specifically, the entire main deck interior was completely restyled by the well-known Laura Pomponi.

Two years later, after Willow arrived at its new home in New Zealand, where it's still located today, the yacht underwent a second, smaller refit. That time, its hull went from the standard bright white to a deep navy blue that emphasized the white superstructure and complemented the yacht's classic-style silhouette.

For a yacht in this size category, the 2006 Moonen is remarkably spacious and, most of all, delightfully comfortable and informal, just like a warm family home. The redesigned main salon is beautifully framed by large windows that ensure uninterrupted views. It's bathed in natural light and big enough to include a sumptuous U-shaped sofa. An elegant bar and a large dining table turn the salon into a perfect spot for fancy dinner parties onboard. The table can seat up to eight guests, and it faces the bar.

Willow's salon opens onto the beautiful main deck through modern glass doors that blur the line between the outdoors and the indoors. On deck, guests will discover enough space for a luxurious al-fresco dining setup and a separate lounge area with comfy seating. The main deck boasts an open-plan configuration where the salon, the galley, and the pilot house are all on the same level. This creates an intimate, homely ambiance on board and the illusion of wider, uninterrupted spaces.

At the same time, there's enough privacy. Although on the same level, both the galley and the pilot house can be closed off from the main salon. In terms of accommodation, Willow features a four-cabin configuration with a larger master suite and three guest staterooms, all with en-suite bathrooms. Willow is comfortable enough for eight guests but can welcome a total of ten. A small crew of four people also enjoys separate quarters.

Style-wise, Willow displays a harmonious blend of classic and contemporary features. The neutral color palette has the same calming and relaxing effect as that of modern yachts, while dark wood panels and furnishings in warm shades of yellow and orange add a nostalgic touch. Last but not least, decorative accents in various shades of blue add the typical beach house vibe, particularly when it comes to the outdoor socializing areas.

Willow reveals a surprisingly spacious sundeck, considering its overall length. It extends over three-quarters of the yacht's length, turning into a sunbathing sanctuary at sea. Down at the water level, the swim platform is also wider than what you'd expect, and it's perfect for fishing.

Powered by twin Caterpillar engines, the refitted yacht can reach a top speed of 12 knots (22 kph) and cover more than 2,600 nautical miles (4,800 km) at a little over 10 knots (18.5 kph). Despite its serene and carefree appearance, Willow is a proven world cruiser. One of its most memorable voyages was a trip from New Zealand to France, with stops in Bermuda, California, and Hawaii.

In addition to its extensive cruising capabilities, reliability, and onboard comfort, the 2006 Moonen also promises low vibration and noise levels, which makes cruising onboard even more comfortable. It's said to be one of the best Moonen yachts currently on the market, and it shows.

After a price cut of nearly $400,000 last year, Willow is now asking for €3,2 million ($3.5 million). It's a decent offer considering the most recent refit in 2021, the overall impeccable maintenance, and the yacht's cruising capabilities – Willow is the perfect family yacht for cozy, private cruising.