Soyaslan record cat

“We have engineered and built cold-moulded yachts which are already 30-plus years old. To date, we have produced more than 100 boats and yachts.”

Cold moulding is the method of building up a shape by forming sheets or planks of wood over a plug or frame. The individual wooden elements are glued together with high-performance epoxy and later sheathed in epoxy for protection and longevity.

“In the final look, users cannot tell the difference between a cold-moulded yacht and a GRP or metal one,” continues Soyaslan. “In practice, the durability and longevity of the hull is without comparison. Wooden yachts can last well over 100 years, while the vibration, sound and heat insulation are much better.”

Weight for weight, there is little difference between cold-moulding and GRP. But of course, wood is a sustainable material and there is also the sense of true craftsmanship that only comes from using wood.

“It is not easy to explain, but you can notice/feel the difference of a wooden hull when you get onboard. It feels warmer and more honest,” says Soyaslan.

But the construction method is just one of the unique features of CAT63. Soyaslan is renowned for its commitment to technology, and the evidence is everywhere aboard. The 63-foot catamaran is powered by twin Yanmar 110hp engines, hooked up to big ZF saildrives, for an 8.5-knot cruising speed and over 10 knots full throttle. There are a huge 60kWh of lithium batteries aboard and no fewer than eight 430W solar panels.

“With the current setup she can spend the night at anchor without generators, even with the air conditioning running. And with eight solar panels, we have minimised the generator usage,” explains Soyaslan.

Accommodation comprises two large double cabins and two twins for eight guests, and a further three berths for crew.

Tumer Design has created an interior that feels modern and minimal, with a neutral palette of darker colours blended with colourful blue and orange patterned fabrics. Atmospheric lighting allows you to switch from a calm, relaxed vibe into evening entertainment mode, with social spaces inside and out. There’s a large electrically-controlled bathing platform aft which carries the 3.5-metre tender.

Sailing should bring plenty of excitement, with a generous sailplan that includes a 100 square metre mainsail, a 58-square-metre jib and a giant 145-square-metre Code Zero for reaching.

Little wonder the boat achieved better than 10 knots during sea trials. A stylish bowsprit offers plenty of downwind sailing options, while windward performance gets a boost from the swinging centreboards in each hull. Twin wheels are located at the forward end of the flybridge, and there is a full navigation station in the saloon below.

“Our whole team is very proud of this sleek, powerful catamaran,” says Soyaslan. “The yacht will bring her owner safely and comfortably across oceans and provide an excellent cruising platform.

“It is further proof that our company excels at delivering complex and inspiring designs for owners who do not accept the status quo.”

Soyaslan was founded in 1992 by Turhan Soyaslan, who has held a leading role in the Turkish shipbuilding industry since 1980. The yacht builder has completed over 100 successful projects.

Soyaslan’s shipyard in Tuzla, Turkey has the capacity to build three vessels at the same time, each with a length up to 40-metres. The yard covers 1,400 square metres, including 650-square-metres of covered build space. Soyaslan possesses the skills to build in wood, steel, aluminium and GRP.

Soyaslan is also the naval architecture studio for Gulf Craft’s Majesty Yachts, and completed the design work for new 120 model. Non-disclosure agreements prevent Soyaslan from listing many of its ongoing projects.

Soyaslan Design is a specialist in the design and provider of consulting and engineering services in the areas of sailing and motor yachts, as well as workboats such as research vessels, fishing vessels, high-speed pilot boats and tugs. As the studio follows current design trends, materials technology it can offer timeless designs one step ahead.

At the end of 2013, Soyaslan established an R&D office in the Teknopark Istanbul science park to focus on innovation and research projects based on transport, naval architecture and green energy.

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