Haute Yachts: Mulder Shipyard and Guido De Groot Collaborate on 72-Footer

Holland-based Mulder Shipyard may be surrounded by several other yacht builders with far larger offerings, but it’s pretty happy with its lineup of yachts to 92 feet. Its clients clearly are, too, as a previous customer requested it build a 72-footer.

Having owned a Mulder 68 Convertible, the client wanted a bit more room. The all-aluminum Mulder 72 Convertible is therefore based largely on that yacht’s proven design platform. Also similar to the 68, the 72 is from the drawing boards of Guido De Groot Design, with naval architecture by Vripack. Both are well-respected Dutch firms that have collaborated a few times with Mulder Shipyard.

The deep-blue hull and off-white superstructure strike a nice, classic contrast. In a contemporary twist — and an eco-friendly one at that — the decking will be Esthec, rather than teak. Esthec is widely considered to be one of the better faux wood products available in the marine marketplace, looking much like the real thing. Meanwhile, an oversize sunroof will spill plenty of light into the interior.

Inside, satin-finished oak will line the walls, with accents of high-gloss macassar ebony. Rather than carpeting, honey-tone oak will be used for flooring, an increasingly popular (and frankly more practical) choice. The red, gold, and green fabrics that the owner chose should complement the woodwork well, as should platinum art ferro panels.

The owner has a full-beam stateroom on the lower deck, with an en suite bath highlighted by onyx and macassar ebony accents. Three guest staterooms can accommodate six friends or family, though extra-special guests will certainly be granted the VIP stateroom. It’s separate from the others, accessed down a few steps from the lower saloon.

If a “lower saloon” strikes you as being unusual, it is for a traditional motoryacht. Most simply have one lounging area on the main deck. But the 72 Convertible will actually have two saloons: the main saloon, accessed from the aft deck; and the lower saloon, located just forward and down a small sets of stairs. That lower saloon also contains a dining spot and the galley.

As for speed, twin 1,015-hp Caterpillar engines should push the 72 Convertible to a top speed of 26 knots. Delivery is set for next year.