Feadship Launch ROCK.IT

Feadship have launched the stunning 60m (197ft) superyacht "ROCK.IT". She was created for an experienced owner who has chartered Feadships in the past. She is fast from the outside, cosy on the inside and features the first time application on a superyacht of an innovative control and manoeuvring system developed for naval applications.

"Each Feadship is unique and no two Feadship owners are the same," comments Feadship director Henk de Vries to an audience of several hundred guests at the launching ceremony. "It is our privilege at Feadship to create the most amazing yachts on the oceans for the most fascinating people on the planet, and it has been an amazing and sometimes rollercoaster ride to partner with the owner of ROCK.IT. During his many visits to the yard, we had terrific fun with this unconventional and no-compromise client. His between-your-eyes honesty and tremendous respect for and appreciation of Feadship craftsmanship pushed us to new heights. This is the epitome of the Feadship experience, which encompasses the entire design and construction process. ROCK.IT is a true 21st-century Feadship: stunning aesthetic design nestled in a super- stable oceangoing package that will truly rock the waves."

It takes only takes a few glances at her to see the challenge faced by the yard, the designers and naval architects from Sinot Yacht Design and Feadship. They had to pull out all the stops to realise the owner's vision of a striking, innovative and sporty look. "ROCK.IT is very sleek and bold without being pretentious," explained exterior designer Sander Sinot. "A natural flow of lines and surfaces makes the yacht breathe speed and exude elegance."

The awesomeness continues inside, where she has dark precious woods and light stones are blended with a detailed classic modern interior. One of the most striking features is the skylight in the sun deck canopy, which dims automatically depending on the strength of the sunlight. This allows for an open feel while keeping the comfort levels.

She contains cutting edge technology, as in the installation of a unique control system that includes a semi DP autopilot system. This will allow her to keep her heading at anchor, hovering on the main engine and the thrusters. Optimal use of the various manoeuvring modes is made by the use of a three axis steering joystick with a rotational factor.

"I was willing to accept this new system because it comes from a proven military background," said ROCK.IT's captain. "I'm also glad we did this with Feadship as it requires a high degree of confidence in the hardware and the people. This manoeuvring system represents a real step towards the future. To make it happen at this point in time, took real vision and considerable skill."