Asean Lady Yacht

Design & Construction

Designed around a displacement steel hull and superstructure she features a 21.28m beam and a 3.95m draft. The yacht has an internal volume of 2,385 GT (Gross Tonnes). The design also incorporates a heli-pad.

Construction started in mid 1998 with the keel laid under the project name 'Proa 2000'. Launched in March 2003 this yacht undertook sea trials over the following months. She was delivered to her owners in January 2004.

Exterior Design

A proa design is fairly uncommon for a motor yacht in the 21st century, but the concept is rooted in traditional boat design dating back thousands of years. While slightly more common in sailing yacht design, where the smaller outrigger hull, or ama, is positioned windward. It is said that the proa offers more stability than a catamaran, as the main hull dominates while the smaller hull follows along, reducing stress between hulls.

Efficiency was central to the design. The narrow hulls, shaped like a sailboat’s, cause minimal drag. The main hull presents a long body with a low-lying, elongated, raked bow featuring a double chine. The three deck levels are vertically stacked, with large, uniformly sized windows. Slight deck overhangs are forward on each deck, and the top tier has reverse-raked glazing for the bridge. Portholes within the hull provide light to the lower deck.

Open gunwales and circular fairleads add interest toward the bow, where a high mast and crane are positioned for tender and toy launch and recovery. A deep red bootstrap defines the waterline. Large windows on three sides provide an abundance of light, and, from certain vantage points, offer a view of the full width and breadth of the main deck.

When viewed towards the starboard shoulder, the outrigger hull appears as a solid piece of the superstructure without portholes. From this angle, the yacht features two deck levels, with the top of the second deck level being a large expanse of deck. There are no external walkways on the starboard side, and exterior deck space is only available from forward-facing areas where guests can access the foredeck or a fixed balcony from the upper deck. The bridge deck level has an open deck to its starboard side and a forward balcony for navigational convenience.

When viewed from the starboard aft, a circular stairway descends from the main deck aft to a small platform ideal for boarding from the tender. The main hull is predominant, with large open deck spaces and an upper deck for stowing tenders and personal watercraft, equipped with cranes for launch and recovery.

Interior Design

The interior design of Asean Lady reflects a commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail. The reception hall features a prominent carved archway. This archway is adorned with intricate patterns of leaves, birds, and trees, carved from a single slab of wood and fitted over the bulkheads. This area leads to the dining space, which spans the full beam of the yacht. The dining area can accommodate a 22-seat table along with a couple of smaller tables, all spaced adequately. Traditional Chinese artworks, created specifically for the yacht, enhance the dining area's aesthetic.

The forward section of the main deck includes a bar and lounge area. Here, timber and marble are used extensively as decorative elements. Solid timber panels are arranged in interweaving patterns, and carvings add further embellishment. The bar's ceiling, a detailed project that took five months to complete, complements the timberwork. Large windows on three sides provide ample light, making the space feel open and comfortable.

The central section of the main deck houses several key features. On the port side, there is a karaoke and theatre room, popular with the owner's grandchildren. This room has leather-lined doors that ensure soundproofing when closed. Additionally, a sweeping staircase leads up to the guest accommodation. A powder room decorated with a stepped, gold-lacquered ceiling, marble, and Bisazza mosaic tiles, adds a touch of intricate detail. The washstand in this room is a traditional Chinese cabinet topped with a porcelain bowl.

The staircase itself blends Eastern and Western design influences, with Italian-style wrought-iron banisters and an elaborate carved panel. This panel is reflected in a large mirror on the opposite bulkhead, creating a visually appealing effect. The uppermost deck features a spacious teak deck, and the wheelhouse, along with the captain's cabin and a gym. 

Asean Lady’s interior spaces include a large formal dining setting, a sit-up bar for 12 guests, and a grand central staircase. The use of glossy woods and occasional wood carvings throughout the yacht adds a cohesive design element.

Accommodation

Asean Lady offers accommodation for up to 18 guests in eight suites. The forward section of the yacht houses the expansive master suite, covering 160 square meters. This suite features a king-sized bed framed by backlit onyx columns. The en suite bathroom includes his-and-her basins and a spacious spa bath. An office on the starboard side can be closed off from the master suite for added privacy and is accessible through the adjacent cabin. Additionally, the master suite boasts a private balcony.

There are eight generously proportioned guest cabins, each with large windows and an en suite bathroom. Each cabin has a unique theme, reflecting a diverse design approach. The total guest capacity is capped at 20 to ensure ample space and comfort for all aboard.

The crew accommodation is designed to provide comfort for the 18 crew members, who are housed in the main hull. High ceilings and timber finishes on the bulkheads and floors contribute to a welcoming environment. A spacious mess area serves as a communal space for the crew. The captain has a dedicated cabin located on the uppermost deck near the wheelhouse.

Performance & Capabilities

Powered by a single diesel Caterpillar (3412) 12-cylinder 599hp engine running at 1,800rpm, motor yacht Asean Lady can reach a top speed of 15kn and comfortably cruises at 12kn. With a fuel tank capacity of 138,000 liters, she has a maximum range of 10,000nm at her cruising speed. Asean Lady features a retractable Rolls-Royce azimuth bow thruster with a propeller arm that can turn 360°, providing incredible maneuverability. In the event of a main engine failure, the bow thruster can generate 600hp to produce an emergency speed of 6 knots, sufficient to reach a safe haven.

Amenities

Air conditioning offers increased on-board comfort.