PRESS RELEASE
Hakvoort’s trailblazing Just J’s
The largest Hakvoort to date is a true flagship. Greater than the sum of her substantial
parts, the 61-metre Just J’s marries a distinctive overall style and concept with
exceptional attention to detail, capping it all off with an extraordinary technical
foundation. Take a tour of this truly pioneering superyacht in the company of those
who created her.
Three of Holland’s leading exponents of superyacht design and construction are behind Just
J’s. Built by the expert craftsmen and engineers at Hakvoort Shipyards, she features an
exterior and interior design that originated on the drawing boards of Sinot Exclusive Yacht
Design, while her naval architecture was provided by Diana Yacht Design. Produced for
highly knowledgeable and committed owners, Just J’s also showcases the latest in
sophisticated technology.
At 61 metres, Just J’s is the largest Hakvoort launched so far. This was made possible by the
yard’s 2012 expansion of its main production shed in Monnickendam to 65 metres. Being in a
select club of vessels in her size range to feature five decks, Just J’s has a huge volume and
a stunning layout over five decks.
A streamlined allure
“There are several striking elements in Just J’s overall profile,” explains Sander J. Sinot of
Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design, who directed the project and worked on it together with
designer Paul Costerus. “Despite the large windows in the main deck forward section, the
yacht has an elongated look. Just J’s is 61 metres long, but looks longer on the water
because of her partially closed foredeck and the balance between the superstructure and the
hull. This is enhanced by the style of the mast and the sundeck, with the comparably large
observation area on the sundeck.
Hakvoort project manager Marc van Ditshuizen agrees: “Just J’s looks and feels as a
marvellously integrated whole. Lots of quality deck furniture combines with wonderful teak
decks into a lovely composition. And while she has a huge amount of volume, Just J’s
remains streamlined and elegant on the outside – one would hardly guess she is 61 metres
long.”
Coherence and style
“The unifying style of this tale of five decks is contemporary modern overall,” Costerus of
Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design says. The owners wanted to create a yacht atmosphere
combined with the informal feel one finds in beach houses. Connecting the outside with the
interior of every lounge and every stateroom is important. We created spectacular lines of
vision in every direction, with large windows providing grand views to the outside. This was a
major part of the brief, and it worked out particularly well on this project.”
All of the decks have a coherent theme inside and out, with lounges and exteriors in sync
with each other in terms of both colour references and degree of comfort. On each deck, the
colour tones are a cohesive whole, even when materials and fabrics differ in degree of
sophistication – the master stateroom has 100% raw silk in the panelling, for example, while
the hallways are clad in much more durable linen.
Hakvoort Shipyards . Havenstraat 22 . 1141 AX Monnickendam . The Netherlands
T +31 (0)299 651403 . F +31 (0)299 651041 . www.hakvoort.com . [email protected]
While the feel of each space is distinctive, they are all clearly themed by deck. “We did not
need every single space on the yacht to be completely unique,” Costerus continues. “They
are all recognisable as belonging to Just J’s and the materials and the architectural detailing
are consistent throughout.”
Captain Eric Edscorn agrees: “From an interior stand point, Just J’s has an incredible amount
of volume for a boat of her size; you would be hard pressed to find another 61-metre yacht
with the same amount of space. The overall feel of her core is on par with the finest boats in
the world. She is truly outstanding.”
An unorthodox main deck
Just J’s main deck features four guest cabins, the VIP suite, the pantry, the dining room and
the salon. This positioning of these accommodations, coupled with the very large windows,
ensures unbeatable views for the guests.
The main deck is the most formal of the five levels on Just J’s, a fact demonstrated in both
materials and colours. Deep blue and silver tones are apparent in elements ranging from the
scatter pillows to the carpets, as well as the exterior seating. The main lounge at the aft
extremity of the deck connects to the dining room further forward through a seating area. The
prevailing colour scheme of the deck is complemented in the dining room by off-white dining
chairs and a settee. Fourteen people fit round the formal dining table, and the spaciousness
of the dining room is accentuated by its edges. Twin stairs lead down from the aft end to the
lazarette and gym on the lower deck.
Further forward on the main deck, past the central staircase, is the beautiful main lobby. This
lobby is the gateway to the guest quarters. “Suites on the main deck are the way of the
future,” Captain Edscorn says. “They let every guest feel almost like they are the owner.”
The main lobby is flanked to port by the splendid VIP suite, which sports a king-sized bed.
The four guest cabins are further forward: three of them have queen-sized beds and the
fourth features twin berths. All have spacious bathrooms in luxurious materials with different
colour schemes. The toilets are in separate rooms from the marble showers, and there are
twin sinks in the VIP suite and the two guest cabins closest to it. Double blinds on the
windows ensure complete privacy.
Owners’ deck: the height of luxury
Located above the main deck, the owners’ deck is taken up by the private areas and a
lounge. The open area on the aft deck consists of a comfortable dining space centred on a
large circular table. The lounge further forward has the ambiance of a gentlemen’s club,
complete with well-furnished bar, and is characterised by moodier colours such as reds and
oranges. As on the main deck, the colour scheme is reflected in the cushions and upholstery
as well as the carpets and exterior furniture. The lounge connects to the crew staircase
through a large pantry to port.
Forward of the lounge is the owners’ deck hallway with the main staircase and a day head,
which links to the owners’ suite. Going into the suite, one first enters the master state hallway
to starboard. This links to two individual dressing rooms, which in turn lead to separate
bathrooms, one of which has a large bathtub. A separate door leads from the hallway to the
master bedroom. This huge, semi-circular room is bordered on three sides by windows,
which open onto the owners’ private deck forward with Jacuzzi and breakfast nook.
Hakvoort Shipyards . Havenstraat 22 . 1141 AX Monnickendam . The Netherlands
T +31 (0)299 651403 . F +31 (0)299 651041 . www.hakvoort.com . [email protected]
The master bedroom is capped with a dome-shaped ceiling consisting of concentric circles
ending in a skylight. Paul Costerus of Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design explains: “One can lie in
bed and look up at the stars. Combined with the windows all around, this ensures an almost
unlimited view of the ocean and the sky. You feel like you are outside, at one with the
environment.”
Captain Edscorn agrees: “Just J’s extra deck has a great balance. She looks wonderful, and
stability hasn’t been an issue at any point. Moreover, this opens up so much space and really
increases visibility. There is a truly dramatic feeling in this space.”
Flying high
Just J’s’ bridge deck consists of a large outdoor lounge aft with multiple comfortable seating
areas. This is adjacent to the indoor lounge, which is an accomplished area for family
socialising and TV watching – there is a screen that is easily large enough for a small
cinema. “The colour scheme consists largely of aqua tones and more vivid green-blues,”
Costerus says. “This was specified by the owners, who wanted it to be a sparkling, open and
enjoyable place.”
Past the spectacular central staircase and lift is the captain’s cabin to starboard and office to
port. Further forward, the bridge is reached through the office, which also opens onto the
crew staircase. “Although the bridge is positioned quite high up, we still have outstanding
visibility, partly thanks to the wing stations on either side,” Captain Edscorn says. “All the
equipment is state of the art – the bridge is fully electronic without paper charts – and I have
been involved in its development pretty much since day one.” The bridge has seven screens
and the latest monitoring equipment – two radars and an infrared camera for night vision and
low visibility situations, as well as an overall monitoring system for the vessel.
The bridge deck is very much connected to the sun deck above, which is characterised by
blue-green and aqua tones. The lounge here has plenty of seating space underneath the
arch, as well as a bar. The adjacent combination whirlpool bath and swimming pool features
custom-made tiling designed by the owners.
Marvels down below
Just J’s’ lower deck is as ingeniously designed as the rest of the yacht. The beautiful main lift
and staircase shaft here opens onto a hallway which gives access to two guest cabins, a
smaller twin room and one larger guest space consisting of a dedicated hallway, separate
bathroom and toilet, and bedroom with queen-sized bed.
The crew staircase which flanks the main staircase opens onto the impressive crew spaces.
It leads through a large pantry to the very well-equipped galley on the one hand, and through
a hallway to the crew quarters on the other. There are eight crew cabins forward, six with
ensuite and two with shared shower and toilet, and a stairwell leading down to the crew mess
room and laundry.
“The galley is phenomenal,” says the chef Kenneth Malignity. “I have worked on yachts since
2002 and this is the best stovetop on which I have ever worked. It gets really hot and has
excellent ventilation. The combi steam oven is fantastic, and includes a massive cast iron
plate at the bottom which ensures dry heat for baking bread or making beef jerky.
Furthermore, the galley is super spacious – the view out of my main working area is lovely,
and I even have a little office. The countertops are of exceptional quality and really easy to
keep clean and there is a fantastic amount of storage – we can carry a few weeks’ supply
without a problem. I can’t say how much of a difference it makes to my day.”
Hakvoort Shipyards . Havenstraat 22 . 1141 AX Monnickendam . The Netherlands
T +31 (0)299 651403 . F +31 (0)299 651041 . www.hakvoort.com . [email protected]
The crew mess and laundry are on the tank deck below the lower deck. “This is a huge
advantage in terms of organisation and noise,” says chief stewardess Lauren. “With crew
working – and the mess being potentially in use – 24 hours a day, the distance to the
quarters means there is no interference with people’s sleep. You can laugh, joke and talk
and not disturb anybody who might be on a different shift and trying to sleep. The galley,
similarly, is separate from the surrounding areas so there are no issues with noise or smells.
“The owners have a special bond with their crew, and the practicality of the yacht was a
major priority. The routing around the yacht and the storage space aft are all optimised to
make our life easier – there was a real dialogue to ensure the best possible outcome.”
Hi-tech wonders
Just J’s’ substantial length and very large volume required a number of pioneering
technological applications. “The larger size has real impact in terms of regulations and
implementation,” Hakvoort project manager van Ditshuizen points out. “Plumbing and piping
is one example. Windows are another: due to their size and curvature, we had to solve major
concerns related to pressure. We decided to source the windows from our specialised Dutch
supplier, who normally delivers mirrors for us, and had them shaped in Germany.”
Another technological – not to mention aesthetic – triumph is the stunning central lift and
staircase, which connects all the decks. The lift shaft was built separately and then lowered
into the hull from above by crane, which required the roof of the construction shed to be
removed.
“The owners are very discriminating buyers, and highly detail oriented,” Captain Edscorn
concludes. “This is one of the reasons why we chose Hakvoort to begin with. We can say
beyond a shadow of a doubt that the attention to detail and the level of finishing did not
disappoint.”
Enclosures:
Main Specifications
General Arrangement
Photoshoot Nassau, Bahama’s
June 2016
Note for editors
For questions or to request material, please contact Esther Lucas at [email protected].
I would really appreciate if you mail me a copy (pfd or weblink) when an article is published
at [email protected]
Hakvoort Shipyards . Havenstraat 22 . 1141 AX Monnickendam . The Netherlands
T +31 (0)299 651403 . F +31 (0)299 651041 . www.hakvoort.com . [email protected]
Main specifications YN 248
L.o.a.
61 m. / 200’13” ft.
L.w.l.
50.4 m. /165’35” ft.
Beam
11 m. / 36’09” ft.
Draft
3.37 m. / 11’06” ft.
Exterior and interior design Sinot Exclusive Yacht Design
Naval Architecture
Diana Yacht Design BV
Construction
steel hull, aluminium superstructure
Classifications
Lloyds +100A1 SSC Yacht Mono G6 (+) LMC, UMS, LY2 and
MCA
Main engines
2 x Caterpillar diesel engines type 3512C, each with an MCR of
1174 kW at 1800 rpm
Generators
Two Caterpillar C-18 generators: 275 kW at 1500 rpm
Speed
cruising speed 13 kts, max speed 15,5 kts
Range
4.000 nm at 12.kts
Fuel capacity:
120.000 ltr. / 31.704 gallons
Fresh water capacity:
20.000 ltr. / 5.284 gallons
Berths
Full-width master stateroom on owner' deck, accommodation
for 14 guests in a VIP stateroom and 6 double guest suites,
accommodation for captain and 16 crew members in 8 cabins
Delivered
12 February 2016
Hakvoort Shipyards . Havenstraat 22 . 1141 AX Monnickendam . The Netherlands
T +31 (0)299 651403 . F +31 (0)299 651041 . www.hakvoort.com . [email protected]