Kokomo Sets Sail

They say the third time’s the charm. If that’s true, then the owners of the newly delivered Kokomo are living the high life. Kokomo is the third yacht they have commissioned from New Zealand-based Alloy Yachts.

Measuring 191’6”, Kokomo marks several significant milestones. First, it is the largest sailing yacht built by Alloy Yachts to date, as well as the largest yacht ever constructed in New Zealand. The mast, at nearly 244 feet high, was the tallest one constructed by Southern Spars when it was commissioned. And the sails that Kokomo furls are the largest set from Doyle Sailmakers. In fact, the asymmetric gennaker alone is the largest single sail ever created by the company, measuring more than 23,970-square-feet. Each of these attributes is the result of the owners’ desire to enjoy better performance while cruising.

Of course, there’s more to Kokomo than impressive figures. The yacht’s flying-bridge sloop design comes courtesy of Dubois Naval Architects,  which collaborated with the owners and Alloy Yachts on the two previous vessels. The owners wanted the exterior decks to be as clutter-free as possible, so a lot of equipment that is normally exposed has been concealed behind hatches. This doesn’t hamper the yacht’s ability to anchor out or tie up at a dock, of course. When needed, the bollards are exposed by lifting a hinged lid. The entire teak-laid foredeck is also clean, as the two tenders and the crane that lifts them are stowed beneath the deck.

Inside, 12 guests are treated to a contemporary décor, from the casual saloon and dining area to the five staterooms. The interior design team of Redman Whiteley Dixon selected dark-tone wenge wood for many surfaces, contrasted with lighter-tone teak. It’s additionally highlighted by chocolate-brown leather and nickel hardware on drawers and doors. Tony Dixon, one of the partners of Redman Whiteley Dixon, says, “The new Kokomo is a fabulous coordination from both the design and build teams who have learnt from and built on the knowledge of the last Kokomo to create a very refined new yacht.”