The Bestevaer 66ST ‘Anabel’ was one of the most visited yachts during the Hiswa in-water boat show in Amsterdam. It wasn't long before she was the talk of the town and people on the jetties were calling out that 'you really have to go and see the 'helicopter' boat!'.
The owner of the 'Anabel' does indeed like to fly in an helicopter, and this is clearly reflected on board his yacht. There is one big leather helm seat in the pilot house. And on the dashboard you will see countless meters, displays, buttons and warning lamps. Below in the salon you will find the 'master panel', where all the yacht's functions can be read out, steered or monitored.
But why have such a panel in your yacht? Other yachts don't have them, do they?
Eeuwe Kooi, owner of KM Yachtbuilders: "Our philosophy is that a yacht has to 'fit' its owner, like a tailor-made Italian suit. That's only possible if everything is made-to-measure according to the owner's wishes and ideas. It's sometimes hard for outsiders to understand certain choices that are made on board, or they're not the choices they would make themselves. That's understandable - after all, no two people are the same. Anabel was designed and built for her owner and for nobody else. That's the great thing about custom building. If the owner is happy we are too, and we've succeeded in our mission!
The owner of Anabel wanted a yacht based on his own ideas. He couldn't find what he wanted 'in the market'. One of his wishes was the ability to sail completely self-reliantly and independently, i.e. no quayside power connection, a large set of batteries, plenty of solar panels on deck, a water maker and two large telescopic wind generators.
'Safety' was also on his wishlist, another important reason to choose a KMY aluminium yacht. This requirement was met by the ice reinforcement in the 8 mm hull and 10 mm hull plates around the lifting keel, the standard integrated watertight bulkheads, the addition of a watertight door and the deep cockpit from which everything can be operated.
The type of wood used for the interior catches the eye: oiled tiger wood. This is a wild wood type that is rarely used for yacht interiors. Combined with the white ceiling and walls the appearance remains fresh and light.
The designers of Dykstra Naval Architects have once again designed a superb yacht with outstanding sailing qualities. During one trial in the North Sea a speed of 19.5 kn was measured, and up to now she has an average of 242 nm per 24 hours.
After the Hiswa the Bestevaer 66ST ‘Anabel’ was delivered to its new owner and headed towards Southern Europe. The owner will be then be making the crossing to the Caribbean. He has not yet decided where he will be continuing his voyage after that.
