André Hoek’s latest design perfectly combines form and function. Toby Hodges sails Atalante, the Truly Classic 127 that is turning quite a few heads

TAGS: Superyacht

Versatile layout

From the guest cockpit to the guest wheelhouse, to the lower saloon, there is a relaxed flow between the different leisure areas. Atalante has a homely feel – luxurious, yet welcoming. It will suit both family use and charters.

Photo Cory Silken

Deck lights above the berths, large hull windows and white tongue-in-groove deckheads create a light and airy feel to the interior. Atalante has classic-style soft furnishings supplied by London-based Hamilton Weston. The cabins are tastefully finished, with an abundance of satin-finished mahogany. An air-operated slide door separates the galley and crew quarters forward. This is finished in the same style of mahogany veneer.

“We originally designed Atalante at 115ft,” said André Hoek, “but for charter you need five crew at this size. So we added 10ft to the crew accommodation, including the laundry and captain’s office, so she can house five crew for charters.” The captain’s office also doubles as an extra crew cabin, and the laundry room has a compact heads with a shower.

Semi-custom concept

I was puzzled as to why an owner might want a series design like a Truly Classic rather than a bespoke yacht. But it seems bespoke doesn’t appeal to all.

“It makes sense to be able to see a yacht before you buy it and then customise from there: less decisions, easier to deal with the yard and designers, proven hull concept and no de- cisions to be made on hull design,” says Hoek.

Photo Cory Silken

To buy from a prestigious range also has advantages in build price and resale value. It is part of a family of yachts with a good and well-known brand name and market for resale, something Nautor do with their Swan range as well.

“There is a lot of interest in the larger size,” Hoek agreed. “We have done four 90s and five 80s now. These clients don’t want full custom yachts – they like to know what they are getting and these are based on a proven concept. They are cost-effective because the engineering is all done – something Swan have found with their 115 line [three of which are in build], which have similar-size accommodation.”

Photo Cory Silken

The Truly Classic 127 is a clever size, with a versatile layout, and one that can be crewed by four or five. “It’s a multi-purpose boat: performance-oriented, that can sail with family or be chartered,” said Hoek.

I predict that if you see a Truly Classic under sail the first thing you’ll do is give it ‘that look’. It is a brand that is deservedly revered. André Hoek has this new flagship just right in terms of looks, feel and how she makes you feel.

She is truly a classic.

Truly Classic success story

The Truly Classic range, which started in the late 1980s and now includes yachts from 51ft to 127ft, is one of the most successful semi-custom series of sailing yachts. Classic looks inspired by yachts from the 1930s combine with modern underwater hull configurations and rigs to produce elegant performance.

Truly Classics have been built all over Europe, and with wooden and aluminium hulls. They share a common look, including flush decks, neat deckhouses, classic sheerlines and overhangs.

With a vast portfolio of classic designs to his name, André Hoek is considered the maestro of the modern classic.

“We started the development of the Truly Classic range because we wanted to offer clients a platform without needing to go to a full custom design,” he said.