A yacht that purposely breaks the rules of traditional design is changing shipyards. German Naval Yards has signed a contract to finish the yacht Project ELF, for delivery in 2028. It’s the newest large superyacht taking shape on the grounds of a facility with quite the history.
The 374-footer (114-meter) initially began construction elsewhere in Germany a few years ago, as the code-named Project Arwen. The owner collaborated for two years with UK-based Andy Waugh Yacht Design plus USA-based Pindaros for the unconventional, even futuristic look prior to that. It’s forceful yet refined, from fore to aft. The strong bow, for instance, leds a purposeful look. The scoop-like framing of the open aft decks, meanwhile, lend graceful appeal. Further making the yacht Project ELF distinctive, her aft decks cascade down in a wedge-like shape.
One of the most striking features, however, is the nearly 66-foot-long (20-meter-long) pool. In fact, it dominates the main aft deck, stretching from the entry to the interior areas to a pedestal-like perch fully aft.
Unfortunately, few other details are available about the yacht Project ELF. Currently, German Naval Yards does confirm that a party of 18 guests will have staterooms. Additionally, 39 crewmembers will handle operations. Throughout the interior, Pindaros and the French firm Champeau & Wilde will ensure custom touches highlight the social and private spaces. The builder says it will reveal more specifics as construction on the steel-hulled superyacht progresses.
In the meantime, German Naval Yards is not new to yacht construction. Indeed, it emerged from the acquisition of HDW in Kiel, Germany by CMN Naval, a French shipbuilding company, in 2011. As HDW, it constructed and delivered multiple private yachts. Furthermore, following the acquisition, it constructed four superyacht hulls from 2016 to 2018. Primarily focusing on naval vessels, German Naval Yards has the largest drydock on the Baltic Sea. “Our shipyard has long been recognized for both naval excellence and superyacht innovation,” says Rino Brugge, German Naval Yards’ CEO. “With Project ELF, we are once again showcasing German quality and craftsmanship on a vessel of exceptional size and sophistication. This project underscores our unwavering commitment to building some of the most remarkable yachts in the world.”
“We have full confidence in German Naval Yards’ expertise and their ability to realize our vision,” adds Roger Friedrich, the owner’s representative. “Their technical mastery, dedication to detail and experience with large yacht projects make them the ideal partner for a vessel of this magnitude.”
Andy Waugh Yacht Design andywaugh.co.uk
Champeau & Wilde champeau-wilde.com
German Naval Yards germannaval.com
Pindaros pindaros.net
More About the Yacht Project ELF
LOA: 374’0” (114 meters)
Beam: 51’8” (15.8 meters)
Draft: 12’5” (3.85 meters)
Guests: 18 in 7 staterooms
Engines: not specified
Range: not specified
Builder: German Naval Yards
Stylist: Pindaros, Andy Waugh Yacht Design
Naval Architect: Azure Yacht Design & Naval Architects
Interior Design: Pindaros, Champeau & Wilde