Holterman X-65

Equipped with a steel frame, ample storage space, cutting-edge exterior design, and a living area that spans two floors, the X-65 stands as not just a pinnacle of strength in cruisers but also marks the debut of a yacht tailored for a European client eager to explore the waters of Northern Europe and the Norwegian fjords. Bernd Weel Design created the exterior, Kitty van der Kamp created the interior, and Trimm Design calculated the naval architecture.

The owner’s primary desires centered on the interior design, leading to a living space divided into two levels. This includes a contemporary and well-outfitted aft galley, comfortable seating, and an expansive dining area at the main deck level. The latter offers a view of an atrium-inspired lower living space, which includes an office and a television lounge. The steering position is at the front of the living area, providing a comprehensive view of the yacht.

“The client, like our other clients at Holterman, came to us with a specific brief for a specific yacht,” begins Bernd Weel, principal of Bernd Weel Design – the studio behind the design of all Holterman’s Xtreme range of yachts. “He liked the Xtreme lines and the design of the boats, and he asked us to draw a yacht specifically made for his needs that also carried the design cues of the other Xtreme models. That DNA is evident in various aspects of her design – the long glass recess in the hull is very similar to the one found on the X-78, as is the superstructure, and the line of the top of the bulwark is similar across all Xtreme models.”

The television lounge can transform into an extra double bed for additional visitors or family members staying for the night. “The owner really wanted that lofty lower saloon area where he could have an office for work – the plan was that he could work while cruising and as a result extend his trips and cruises on the boat,” designer Bernd Weel elaborates.

“He had a dream to cruise the Norwegian fjords, and for that you need a really robust boat, which the 65 is – she has a steel, round-bilge hull, which is not only incredibly strong but which also offers a low centre of gravity which means she will be a very stable and comfortable boat,” Weel explains.

“She is also made for longer trips, and on the layout, the key was to have enough space for the family to stay on board,” he continues. “She is an ideal cruiser, particularly for Northern European waters and coasts around the world that require a yacht that has more capabilities than standard production models!”

The outcome is remarkable, and it’s undoubtedly one-of-a-kind in its scale. Naturally, the design can be customized to meet the requirements of future owners, which is a significant advantage of constructing a yacht with Holterman. The remainder of the lower deck is divided between a luxuriously designed, full-width midship master cabin equipped with an ensuite and a spacious forward VIP cabin with access to a second bathroom.

It’s not merely focused on providing comfort and ease on board. The X-65 was engineered to handle more demanding cruising adventures, and the owner’s request for this capability is evident in every detail of her construction.

The outside areas are also designed flawlessly for hanging out with friends. Ahead, the front cockpit provides seating, a dining area, and a forward-facing sofa that can transform into a sunshade. In the back cockpit, Weel has intentionally gone against the norm, choosing practicality over tradition.

“The aft cockpit has a pretty cool set-up,” he asserts. “On a lot of models there’s a U-shaped sofa at the stern and you end up looking forward into the saloon. On the X-65 we have two L-shaped sofas to the sides with very social tables, which means you look aft and out over the water. And along with a transverse aft sofa, you can have a really big group of people here.”

Beyond the cockpit, there’s a spacious hydraulic swimming platform that acts as a beach. It features a bench sofa concealed within the transom door. The platform also functions as a storage area and a launch platform for a sizable tender.