MARIA

Superyacht MARIA (ex: Aquarius, My Shanti, Shanti, Teddy, Nirvana) is a 67m (219.82ft) custom motor yacht built in 2007 by Amels Holland B.V. She has exterior and interior design by the well renowned Terence Disdale and is the twelfth yacht created to a Disdale design. MARIA is able accommodation up to 18 guests in 9 suites

NOTABLE FEATURES

• Extremely stable
• Impressive water slide
• Vast wind-protected sundeck
• Bar
• Spa pool
• Gym equipment
• Plunge pool with counter current
• Touch and go helipad
• Large swim platform
• Beach club
• Stabilizers at anchor and underway
• Impressive array of water toys

Tank-tested at MARIN in The Netherlands, it was found that the hull had such design stability that only one pair of stabilisers were required, and the Quantum units that were installed have proved extremely effective both at sea and at anchor. Another excellent feature is her independently controllable articulating rudders that can direct the thrust of her inward-turning propellers 90 degrees to either side, giving her excellent maneuverability making a stern thruster unnecessary.

MARIA was built for clients who owned a Disdale-designed 50-meter AMELS, who wished the same elegant character, on a larger, grander scale. She was designed for entertaining with each deck dedicated to providing the maximum possible space with several indoor and outdoor entertainment possibilities. The yacht can also be described as a child-oriented yacht which has features such as an impressive water slide that is a vast inflatable structure fixed to a ‘pirate’s plank’ that extends athwart-ships, lubricated by a constant flow of water.

Her vast, 27.5-metre sun deck has a dual function, offering not only superb relaxation spaces with a bar, spa pool and a plunge pool with counter current, but also a guest arrival point as the aft part doubles as a touch-and-go helipad. Instead of a garage at the aft of the yacht, the sizeable tenders which both measure 8.2 metres are stored on the foredeck and launched with a substantial 3.2 tonne centrally mounted crane. For passages in rough weather, the tenders join the IMO rescue tender on the aft portion of the sun deck.

MARIA’s bridge deck aft is perfect for large-scale entertaining, which can be sheltered from the wind by extending glass sides. The area is dominated by a vast Corian-topped dining table that can seat up to 18 in comfort, with the option to increase this number by making use of the two semicircular alcove tables and the pair of tables fronting the corner seats.

A further dining area is found one deck below on the aft portion of the main deck, but this area is more commonly used as a place to receive guests before guiding them forward into a small lobby that gives entrance to the yacht’s interior.

MARIA has a calm, cool and understated interior. Her saloon stretches forward through a seating and dining area for a full 13 metres. The dining area seats 22 guests while the aft deck has a great seating area overlooking the large swim platform and beach club. The spacious upper saloon offers plenty of informal seating along with great views and a warm atmosphere. There is a Sky lounge with bar and a further dining area.

The sundeck is large with a Jet pool, Jacuzzi and bar as well as dining tables and seating, large sunpads and sun loungers.

MARIA underwent an extensive refit which included full repaint, audio/visual equipment upgrades, a stern extension and new windows in the main salon. Machinery and systems have also had a full review and overhaul.

MARIA has a steel hull with an aluminium superstructure. She is incredibly spacious with a beam of 10.80m (35,43ft) and a 3.45m (11.32ft) draft spanning 3 decks. She is built to comply to MCA and Lloyd’s Register standards, can attain a cruising speed of 15.60 knots and a maximum speed of 17.50 knots. She has a range of 5250 nm from her 160000-litre fuel tanks.

MARIA was the 12th superyacht Amels produced with a Terence Disdale design. The yachts preceding MY MARIA (ex Aquarius, SHANTI) includes M/Y Karima (1993), Montkaj (1995), Tzarina (1997), T.J. Esperanza (1999), superyacht Tigre d’Or (1999), motor yacht Boadicea (1999), Malibu (2001), Kiss The Sky (2001), luxury yacht Deja Too (2003), La Masquerade (2003) and Lightning (2004).