Borkumriff IV Yacht

Design & Construction

Designed around a full displacement aluminium hull and a wood superstructure she features a 9.2m beam and a 4.3m draft. The yacht is built over 1 decks with an internal volume of 245 GT (Gross Tonnes).

The yacht was designed and constructed in compliance with the Lloyds Register technical standards.

Exterior Design

Embarking upon the Borkumriff IV, one immediately discerns the harmonious blend of classic aesthetics and contemporary craftsmanship that defines her exterior design. This twin-masted topsail schooner, complete with bowsprit, is a striking vessel that harks back to the age of grand ocean-going schooners, yet is equipped with the most advanced technology of the 21st century.

Her hull, sculpted from the high-tensile Alustar alloy, boasts an impressive white finish that, together with her cream spars and sails, creates an image of timeless elegance on the water. The use of Alustar grants her not only an enviable strength and durability but also a lighter displacement, allowing for graceful yet sturdy navigation through the seas.

The clipper bow of Borkumriff IV, characterized by its finely raked and scalloped stem, is adorned with a formidable bowsprit, setting an assertive tone for her overall design. This is complemented by the high, arc-like transom and its elongated counter, creating a majestic profile that maintains a dignified presence on the water.

Above deck, the yacht showcases beautifully varnished teak structures, including a deckhouse and a pilothouse that exude a sense of classic maritime tradition. The cockpit, nestled between these wooden elements, serves as the yacht's central outdoor helm station. Here, one finds a traditional brass binnacle and a spoked wooden wheel that evoke the romantic era of sailing, while still incorporating a modern mechanical rod and gear steering mechanism for precise control.

The yacht's deck is thoughtfully arranged, with two yacht tenders housed beneath canvas covers and launched from carbon davits that blend traditional aesthetics with modern materials. The port side cradles the owner's pilot boat, a homage to the classic Alden-designed 'commodore's launch', while the starboard side carries a contemporary Avon RIB for crew use.

Ascending into the sky, Borkumriff IV's masts, fabricated from Alustar plate, display a refined tapering that contributes to her sleek silhouette. The carbon Park Avenue booms, gaff pole, and staysail boom further assert the yacht's commitment to modern materials and performance. All spars and a significant portion of the deck hardware are the work of Rondal, a testament to the synergy between Borkumriff IV and the Royal Huisman family.

Her sail plan is a testament to the collaboration between two distinguished design firms, combining traditional sail-making techniques with advanced materials. The sail wardrobe, crafted by multiple lofts, offers a variety of sails that enable Borkumriff IV to harness the wind efficiently and with grace.

Interior Design

The interior design, masterfully conceived by the renowned John Munford, is a testament to the yacht's dignified persona, offering a sense of timeless sophistication that only a 'gentleman's yacht' can embody.

The heart of the yacht’s interior experience lies within its deck saloon. Accessible from the cockpit via a few descending steps, this space presents itself as an ideal day room, bathed in natural light and providing a comfortable sofa, a dining table, and a writing desk. This area serves as a sanctuary for relaxation during sailing or a charming, informal dining area under the serene embrace of the sea.

Descending further into the yacht, the main saloon unfolds with grandeur, occupying the vessel's full beam. A substantial dining table occupies the port side, while a cozy lounge area graces the starboard, both spaces benefiting from the generous illumination of a cathedral dome-style skylight. Sliding panel doors offer the flexibility of separating these two areas, catering to the preference for either open-plan sociability or intimate seclusion.

The interior walls are adorned with bespoke artwork and a collection of half models showcasing the Borkumriff lineage. The inclusion of sail plans of Kaiser Wilhelm's famed Meteor racing schooners and exquisite marine paintings, along with an antique octant presented to the owner, signifies a reverence for maritime history and the owner's deep-seated nautical passion.

The main saloon, with its mahogany paneling, is a beacon of warmth and elegance. The natural light accentuates the rich textures and colors of the blue buttoned-leather and quality cotton upholstery, creating a harmonious balance with the satin-varnished teak and Brazilian mahogany veneers.

Accommodation

The private quarters are designed to accommodate the owner and up to four guests in sumptuous style. The owner's suite, a serene retreat, features a twin-bedded cabin complete with a dressing area. The suite is complemented by a combined study and sitting room, exuding an atmosphere of refined relaxation, finished with rich Brazilian mahogany paneling. An adjoining hall and shower room complete the owner's private domain.

For guests, Borkumriff IV offers two mirror-image cabins, each thoughtfully detailed with en suite shower rooms. The cabins are both versatile and inviting, with one bed positioned lower to double as a sofa, providing a cozy nook for single occupants. The guest accommodations reflect a commitment to sailing with close family or friends, ensuring that every stay onboard is intimate and memorable.

The crew's quarters have been designed with equal attention to functionality and comfort, housing up to nine crew members essential for the seamless operation of the yacht. The crew area includes an impressive galley, the captain's double cabin, crew mess, utility area, and four single crew cabins, two of which feature Pullman bunks to accommodate additional passage crew. Ensuring the well-being of the crew, the yacht features a separate engineer and mate's quarters, each accessible via steps from the aft pilothouse. The pilothouse itself doubles as a navigation station and office, with a pilot berth included.

Performance & Capabilities

Sailing performance is nothing short of remarkable, with Borkumriff IV having already surpassed her theoretical hull speed of 14.6 knots. The yacht's sail plan has been meticulously designed to maximize efficiency and speed, with a particular emphasis on the topsail for improved pointing capabilities. The schooner's rig, featuring Alustar plate masts, carbon Park Avenue booms, gaff pole, and staysail boom, has been supplied by industry leader Rondal. The rigging, provided by Ocean Yacht Systems and a combination of Dyneema and Vectran ropes, underpins a sail wardrobe crafted by three esteemed sail lofts.

When it comes to stability and comfort on the open sea, Borkumriff IV benefits from the design expertise of both Alden Design and Gerard Dijkstra & Partners. The long-keeled aluminum schooner profile, reminiscent of the Gloucester fishing schooners, ensures a stable and balanced ride, while the meticulous weight and stability calculations by the design teams have resulted in a displacement of just under 300 tonnes. This optimized balance between strength and weight ensures that Borkumriff IV can handle a variety of sea conditions with poise and resilience.

When not under sail, Borkumriff IV is powered by a robust 1,072hp MTU/DDC Series 2000 diesel engine, capable of reaching a maximum speed of approximately 12 knots, with a comfortable cruising speed of around 10 knots. This optimal cruising speed allows Borkumriff IV to achieve an impressive range of approximately 2,500 nautical miles, ensuring extended voyages can be undertaken with confidence and grace.

The integration of a four-blade 1.2m-diameter variable-pitch LIPS propeller, coupled with an advanced automatic control system developed by the engineers at Royal Huisman, provides seamless navigation and maneuverability. This sophisticated propulsion system enables Borkumriff IV to glide through the water effortlessly, whether she is powered by her sails or her engine, enhancing the cruising experience for all aboard.

Borkumriff IV's mechanical rod and gear steering mechanism, further enhanced with a Tenford Segatron autopilot system, exemplifies the yacht's commitment to marrying classical sensibilities with modern conveniences. This system provides a responsive and tactile connection to the water, allowing for precise and enjoyable helmsmanship.