Milele wins a Neptune at the World Superyacht Awards!

Boat International pubished as follows: “A sleek explorer yacht built by Hakvoort in the Netherlands, Milele won the judges’ approval thanks to her “incredible build quality” and surprising spaces on board. Most notable of these is the innovative foredeck garage, which stores a submarine and crane, and has a full entertainment suite with a large television screen built into its hatch.

“You’d never expect to find a submarine in that space,” said one of the judges. The two-person submarine from U-Boat Worx was custom-designed for the owner to fit on board Milele. Lighter and more streamlined than previous models, this submarine has now been made into a series by U-Boat Worx.

Somewhat unusually, the design of Milele began with the naval architecture, with Van Oossanen Naval Architects called upon to create a fast, efficient and comfortable sub-500GT motor yacht. Milele utilises the naval architect’s proven Fast Displacement Hull Form and Hull Vane. But in order to reduce weight, the Hull Vane was conceived in carbon fibre – a world’s first – instead of the typical steel.

To reduce emissions, Milele has been fitted with a hybrid propulsion system with electric motors and a generator dry exhaust system that runs up her mast, the latter of which is unusual for a yacht of this size. A dynamic positioning system allows the yacht to be positioned around sensitive areas, like coral reefs, without having to drop anchor.

The judges pointed out the owner’s background in carpentry and design. The owner worked hand-in-hand with designer Martin Hanff to customise the interior, which is highly detailed yet easy on the eye and very liveable. The judges said the yacht shows “an understanding of what will age well”, meeting her brief for timelessness.”