Support yacht PHI Phantom undergoes sea trials

The custom yacht has been launched by Turkish builder Alia Yachts and will act as a support vessel to 58.5m (192ft) PHI when she is delivered next month.

The 36m (118ft) support yacht PHI PHANTOM has been launched and is now undergoing sea trials ahead of her delivery to her Owner next month, Alia Yachts has announced.

She will act as a support vessel to the Royal Huisman motor yacht PHI, which at 58.5m (192ft) is the world’s longest motor yacht in the sub-500GT category. 

Exterior styling on support yacht PHI PHANTOM comes from Cor D Rover and naval architecture by Van Oossanen. Interior design is from Alia Yachts themselves. The two yachts have a strong shared identity. Support yacht PHI PHANTOM is painted in the same matte blue-grey as her mothership, and shares the horizontal grille work at the bow and the same swooping shearline.

Support Yacht PHI Phantom getting prepared for launch
PHI Phantom shares many design elements with her mothership PHI © DTM
Support Yacht PHI Phantom viewed from above
Support Yacht PHI Phantom on rollers getting ready for launch

“As far as we’re aware, this is the first support ship that’s been built with shared aesthetic DNA from the mothership,” says Captain of the mothership PHI and skipper of PHI Phantom Guy Booth. “She looks like a mini PHI; a sibling. The team at Alia have had the opportunity to build something really cool, and the passion from them has been great. They really dig it!”

Support yacht PHI PHANTOM will provide support by carrying the tenders and toys her mothership has no garage to stow.  A 9m (29.5ft) HS Marine crane plays a vital role in the process and is capable of lifting 5.5 tonnes out of the water and onto the 150 square-meter (1,615 sq. ft) aft deck. A hydraulically operated lazarette under the deck will provide extra protection.

Inside there are berths for up to six crew, although it has been classified for handling by just three. This gives a little more space on board, sufficient for one of the cabins to be classified as a guest cabin with more volume and a desk.

Support Yacht PHI Phantom on rollers in yard
PHI Phantom is expected to be delivered next month © DTM

Gökhan Çelik, President of Alia Yachts, expressed his pride at his yard’s latest project: “When PHI Phantom does begin her adventures, she will represent one of the most robust and stylish support vessels ever built,”he said. “Alia Yachts is incredibly proud to have brought this project to life, which showcases our incredibly high standards of craftsmanship and finish.”

Mothership PHI is recognizable by her sleek, low hull and superstructure profile. Amongst her notable features is an infinite wine cellar and Cor D. Rover’s patented DEPP swimming pool which uses a minimum of freshwater.

CGI of superyacht PHI
Mothership PHI is the world’s longest motor yacht in the sub-500GT category. © DTM

A relative newcomer to the industry Alia Yachts was founded in 2008, and has three yachts in build and set to be delivered this year, they include the 55m (180.4ft) Al Waab II. In 2018 it delivered its largest build yet, 84m (275.5ft) White Rabbit, which gained many award nominations and won a Boat International Design & Innovation Award for Best Naval Architecture: Displacement Motor Yachts.

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