Alia Yachts Launches 55m Al Waab II

Alia Yachts’ latest superyacht is the first to be launched from the new 2000-tonne capacity ship lift, part of a wider investment by the Antalya Free Zone into the region’s yachtbuilding infrastructure. 

Alia Yachts President Gökhan Çelik comments, ‘We’re very proud of Al Waab II. We believe it is the longest steel and aluminium yacht below 500GT in the world, setting a new standard in external & internal volumes offered to a client in this category.’

He adds that owner interest in longer, wider builds that remain underneath the 500GT mark has been increasing in recent years, making Al Waab II’s launch all the more significant for the yard.

Despite obvious challenges imposed by the pandemic, the launch of Al Waab II successfully took place only a few weeks behind the original build schedule. 

“The last two years have been difficult, but we took a lot of health and safety measures, and to offset delays experienced by our European suppliers we worked around the problem and found ways to recreate lost time,” continues Çelik.“The fact we’ve done it in just over two years despite everythingis a credit to the determination of the men and women who work here.”

In partnership with the talented Dutch design and architecture firm Vripack, Alia Yachts effectively achieved Al Waab II’s lightweight form by emphasising the hull and exterior areas. Inclusive of a sprawling beach club and six staterooms, including a lavish split-level master suite on the upper deck, no compromise was made on luxury and comfort during the process.

SF Yachts served as owner’s representative during the build. Francesco Pitea, CEO of the Dubai-based dealership, comments: “The owner wanted a customised yacht that feels modern, fresh and most importantly like a home, and by that he means comfort, space, luxury, privacy and stability at sea.”

“For many owners, the concept of enjoying a ‘home at sea’ is what drives their passion for yachting,” says Bart Bouwhuis, Co-creative Director at Vripack.“The owner of Al Waab II had the explicit desire to use his boat as a family apartment. That desire became the founding principle of the entire design. The result is the very essence of living on the water.”

Al Waab II will now undergo the final stages of outfitting, before sea trials and delivery to her owner. She is set to star at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show in late September.