Buizen 52 steadily progressing towards launch

The highly-anticipated Buizen 52 is steadily progressing towards its scheduled launch later this year, with teak decks laid, the galley fit-out completed, stateroom nearing completion and floorboards being crafted.

Buizen Yachts managing director Steve Howe said he was already looking forward to the Buizen 52’s first sail.

“I can’t wait to see the finished product in its natural environment… the whole vessel has been designed with CAD 3D modelling and everything going into the boat is millimetre perfect,” Mr Howe said.

“From the Corian galley tops and hand-crafted cabinetry and floorboards to the full electrical installation, it’s all coming together beautifully.

“The boat has a 23 per cent increase in volume compared to the 48 yet it’s only a tonne and a half heavier… the vacuum-infusion hull construction process has resulted in it being lighter and stronger so the yacht has performance inherent in its design.”

The new Buizen 52 has been designed and built using superyacht processes, procedures and materials. Australian superyacht designers Anthony Starr Design and Peter Lowe Naval Architects have collaborated to bring European superyacht design and expertise to the project. Anthony Starr has now been retained by Buizen as the in-house chief designer and fit-out coordinator.

Furthermore, Buizen’s factory foreman and production manager Phil McIntyre previously managed shipwright projects and yacht fit-outs in several European superyacht yards – another Australian bringing world-class experience back home.

“The whole process is incredible and we’re the only luxury yacht builder in Australia at present working at this level, to my knowledge,” Mr Howe said.

“The details taken into consideration include everything from fixtures and fittings to using raw cedar for clothing drawers [as it has a natural insecticide that keeps clothes fresh and moth free].

“Even the Franki sinks we’ve brought in from Switzerland are beautiful and it’s this kind of detail and semi-custom approach that differentiates the Buizen 52 from other cruising yachts.”

The anticipation is growing ahead of the proposed launch in October/November this year. The Buizen 52 is the first new model from the Australian marque in 15 years and with a whole new approach to design and construction, while not departing from traditional Buizen values, the excitement is palpable.

Work is now well underway on hull number two with completion of hull lay-up and infusion, and bulkheads are now being fitted. Interested parties will have the opportunity to see the construction process at different stages highlighting the quality and expertise of a Buizen yacht.

Viewings and inspections of the new Buizen 52 can be arranged at the factory.