Phoebe Launched
Phoebe, the first 99 Alu, is a stretched version of the 94 Alu in the shipyard’s Semi-Displacement Fast Yacht Series. Phoebe was hauled out of the construction hall in Moonen‘s main ‘s-Hertogenbosch facility on Saturday 6 June and lowered into the water by travelift. Turnover to her owners, after sea trials, is set for July 2009. Like all ‘Alu’ yachts, Phoebe is built in Sealium, a lightweight, strong, highly corrosion-resistant aluminium alloy. She has a tank-tested hull and is driven by Servogear Controllable Pitch Propellers set in high-efficiency tunnels. Powered by twin Caterpillar C-32 ACERT diesels, she has a composite-built antenna mast and Bimini top, to save weight aloft and assure her top speed of 26 knots. Phoebe is classed by Bureau Veritas and has MCA certification. The 99 Alu, as other recent Moonen models, was styled by René van der Velden Yacht Design over a hull form of Stolk Marimecs naval architecture. Rhoades Young, in cooperation with Moonen, suggested a variation of the interior layout and created the interior styling for the client. The 99 Alu has the same superstructure ‘footprint’ as the 94 Alu, with essentially the same accommodations and engine room areas. The added length was applied to enlarge crew quarters and lengthen the main afterdeck and flying bridge. On the main deck, the saloon is typical of many Moonen yachts, but has a larger adjoining enclosed galley with its own door to the side deck. The wheelhouse centres on a console with engine controls; a plush settee is set aft for guest observation. Stairs lead to the flying bridge and sundeck. Below, the full-beam master suite has an open plan. Forward, the watertight bulkhead has been moved slightly aft to enlarge the VIP suite. The joinery design by Rhoades Young makes use of a rich walnut with contrasting white-painted surfaces and fabric panel insets.