In a world increasingly dominated by sleek, aggressive, and sometimes sterile fiberglass superyachts, the 24-meter LARIMAR Yacht, built by Turkey’s esteemed Yener Yacht, stands as a magnificent, polished mahogany rebuttal. Launched in 2011, this motor yacht is far more than just a vessel; it is a meticulously crafted Gentleman's Yacht—a floating piece of art that resurrects the golden age of yachting. Designed by the visionary Taka Yacht Design, LARIMAR embodies the Spirit of Tradition, blending robust, cold-molded wooden construction with the refined elegance of the 1920s and 1930s, making her a highly sought-after classic that perfectly encapsulates maritime heritage and modern reliability.
 |
| LARIMAR yacht |
I. A Return to the Golden Age: The Ethos of the LARIMAR
The story of the motor yacht LARIMAR is a narrative of conscious design choice, a powerful rejection of ephemeral trends in favor of enduring, classic beauty. Commissioned and built in an era defined by fast, flybridge-heavy cruisers and aggressively angular superyachts, LARIMAR chose a different path—one paved with polished Iroko wood, deep mahogany finishes, and the measured elegance of a bygone maritime era.
At 24 meters (78 feet 9 inches), she occupies a segment of the yachting market often overlooked: the "little ship" class. Yet, to call LARIMAR merely a "motor yacht" is an understatement. She is a floating library, a classic study in proportion, and a testament to the enduring appeal of the gentleman’s cruiser. Her designation as a Turkish Lloyd Class A (Ocean) vessel speaks not only to her robust construction but to her capability to cruise the open seas with the confidence and stability expected of a much larger vessel.
The vision for LARIMAR was clear: create a contemporary yacht with the soul of a historical classic. This required the perfect synergy between a masterful builder and a sympathetic designer. That synergy was found in the collaboration between Yener Yacht, renowned for their expertise in wooden construction, and Taka Yacht Design, led by the respected naval architect Osman Tanju Kalaycıoğlu. Their partnership resulted in a vessel whose lines are both familiar and fresh, a ship that seems to glide out of a black-and-white photograph and onto the sun-drenched waters of the Aegean.
 |
| LARIMAR yacht |
II. The Builder: Yener Yacht and the Heritage of Turkish Craftsmanship
To appreciate LARIMAR, one must first understand the deep roots of its creator, Yener Yacht (also known as Yener Deniz Tekneleri). Located in Tuzla, Istanbul, the Yener shipyard operates in one of the world’s most historically rich centers of boatbuilding. Turkish yacht building, particularly in wood, is a tradition dating back millennia, perfected through generations of constructing everything from efficient fishing vessels to the iconic Gulets of the Mediterranean.
The Tuzla Legacy
Tuzla is a name synonymous with shipbuilding in Turkey, a hub of both industrial naval construction and highly specialized custom yacht building. Yener Yacht distinguishes itself within this environment by championing traditional materials and methods, yet critically integrating modern engineering principles. They are not merely boat builders; they are custodians of a centuries-old craft.
Yener Yacht’s portfolio, which includes other notable vessels like the sailing yacht Queen of Datca and the motor yacht Justiniano, demonstrates a consistent dedication to custom, high-quality, and often classic-styled construction. They specialize in wood, recognizing its unparalleled properties: excellent insulation, natural dampening qualities that contribute to a quieter cruise, and a timeless beauty that fiberglass simply cannot replicate.
 |
| LARIMAR yacht |
The Philosophy of Wood
For Yener Yacht, building LARIMAR from wood was an ideological choice. They utilized the sophisticated cold-molded technique. This method, far superior to traditional carvel or plank-on-frame construction in terms of strength and structural integrity, involves laminating thin strips of wood (in this case, Iroko) in different directions over a temporary jig. These strips are meticulously glued together using high-strength epoxy resin. The result is a monolithic, incredibly stiff, and lightweight hull that is resistant to twisting, far more durable than a single block of wood, and effectively impervious to water penetration. Crucially, the external layers are often sheathed in fiberglass and epoxy, creating a composite structure that benefits from the warmth and sound-dampening qualities of wood, combined with the low maintenance and structural strength of modern composites.
This construction choice is paramount to the LARIMAR experience. It ensures that the classic aesthetics are backed by contemporary safety and performance standards, earning the yacht its robust Class A certification.
 |
| LARIMAR yacht |
III. The Visionary: Taka Yacht Design and the Spirit of the 1930s
The visual identity of LARIMAR is owed entirely to Taka Yacht Design and its founder, Osman Tanju Kalaycıoğlu, who served as both the naval architect and exterior designer. Kalaycıoğlu is known for his deep respect for classical yachting lines, often drawing inspiration from the grand motor yachts and pilot cutters of the early 20th century.
Perfecting the Lines
The request to capture the essence of a 1920s/1930s yacht required a subtle hand. That era of yacht design was characterized by a certain stately proportionality: a moderate beam, a relatively high freeboard for seaworthiness, and a balanced superstructure that did not overwhelm the hull. LARIMAR executes this perfectly:
The Bow: Unlike modern planing yachts with their aggressive, flared bows, LARIMAR features a more upright, traditional bow profile, contributing to her excellent sea-keeping ability in a chop and reinforcing her "little ship" pedigree.
The Sheer Line: The sheer—the curve of the deck from bow to stern—is perhaps the most defining feature of a classic yacht. LARIMAR’s sheer line is subtle yet definite, imparting a sense of motion and grace even when the vessel is at anchor.
The Superstructure: The cabin trunk and pilothouse are designed to sit harmoniously on the deck, with generous windows that maximize light without appearing out of place. The flybridge is not an enormous, dominating sun pad but a functional, intimate area that respects the yacht’s overall profile.
Kalaycıoğlu’s design philosophy ensures that the yacht is not a pastiche or a caricature of a classic, but a natural evolution. She is a classic design built with a contemporary awareness of efficiency, space, and comfort.
The Name: Larimar
The name itself, Larimar, suggests a connection to the sea and elements of natural beauty. Larimar is a rare blue pectolite mineral found only in the Dominican Republic, prized for its soothing turquoise to deep blue hues, often resembling the crystalline waters of the Caribbean. This choice of name perfectly complements the yacht's character: rare, beautiful, and deeply connected to the tranquility of the ocean.
 |
| LARIMAR yacht |
IV. Construction and Engineering: The Endurance of Iroko
The choice of construction material—cold-molded Iroko—is one of the single most important factors defining LARIMAR’s character and longevity.
The Marvel of Iroko
Iroko, often referred to as African Teak, is a dense, highly durable hardwood celebrated in maritime construction for its stability and natural resistance to rot and pests. It is an exceptionally oil-rich wood, allowing it to withstand the harsh marine environment with minimal maintenance when properly finished. By using Iroko strips laminated with epoxy, Yener Yacht achieved several critical objectives:
Monocoque Strength: The multi-layered lamination process creates a stiff, seamless hull shell that acts as a single structural unit (monocoque), giving it superior resistance to racking and torsion compared to traditional framed vessels.
Acoustic Comfort: Wood, by nature, is an excellent sound and vibration dampener. A wooden hull cruise is inherently quieter and smoother than a cruise on a GRP (fiberglass) boat of similar size, enhancing guest comfort significantly.
Thermal Regulation: The thick, composite wood hull provides natural insulation, helping to keep the interior cool in the Mediterranean sun and warm in cooler evenings, reducing the reliance on the air conditioning system.
LARIMAR yacht
A Shallow Draft for Coastal Freedom
Another crucial engineering detail is LARIMAR’s relatively shallow draft of 1.72 meters (5 feet 8 inches). For a vessel of her displacement and style, this is a significant operational advantage, particularly when cruising the shallow coves and hidden anchorages of the Turkish and Greek coastlines. This low draft allows her to explore pristine, uncrowded areas where deeper-draft yachts cannot venture, providing guests with a uniquely intimate cruising experience. The ability to pull in close to a hidden beach or a small village pier without concern adds immeasurably to her charm and utility.
Stabilization and Seakeeping
For a classic displacement vessel, comfort at anchor and underway is paramount. LARIMAR is equipped with an advanced stabilization system. While details on the specific brand vary, the inclusion of stabilization technology ensures that the yacht remains steady, minimizing roll both while cruising and when stationary in an anchorage. This crucial modern amenity ensures that the old-world aesthetic does not come at the expense of contemporary comfort, making the yacht an excellent choice for guests prone to seasickness or simply seeking maximum tranquility.
 |
| LARIMAR yacht |
V. On Deck: Functionality Meets Classic Elegance
A true gentleman’s yacht places emphasis on functional, aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces where guests can fully immerse themselves in the surrounding marine environment. LARIMAR’s deck spaces are a lesson in balanced design.
The Aft Deck Sanctuary
The focal point of outdoor living is undeniably the spacious aft deck. Covered by the overhang of the main deck, this area is dedicated entirely to alfresco living and dining.
Dining: A large, highly polished wooden table, likely mahogany or teak, is set up to accommodate all six guests in comfort. This is the primary social area of the yacht, perfect for long Mediterranean lunches and formal dinners under the stars. The covered nature of the area provides essential shade from the midday sun, making it usable throughout the day.
The Aesthetics: The teak decking is immaculate, with the warm, honey-colored wood contrasting beautifully with the bright white of the superstructure. The stainless steel fittings and railings are robust and finished to a mirror shine, reflecting the light and emphasizing the yacht's high-quality build.
LARIMAR yacht
The Foredeck and Sun Pads
Moving forward, the foredeck is dedicated to relaxation. While LARIMAR avoids the massive sun lounges of contemporary sport yachts, she offers strategically placed sun pads where guests can relax in privacy. The traditional arrangement allows for unobstructed views over the bow while cruising, providing a classic vantage point enjoyed by mariners for centuries. This space also serves a crucial functional role, housing the anchoring gear and providing a stable platform for the crew during docking and anchoring maneuvers.
The Water Access
Easy and safe access to the water is a modern necessity, even on a classic yacht. LARIMAR features a thoughtful design for boarding and swimming. A side-mounted boarding ladder (passerelle) on the port side ensures elegant and stable transfers to and from the dock. The stern area, while compact, is perfectly set up for launching the tenders and water toys, connecting the guests directly with the marine playground.
 |
| LARIMAR yacht |
VI. Inside the Timeless Study: The Mahogany Interior
Stepping inside LARIMAR is like entering a bespoke library from the 1930s. The interior design, also credited to Taka Yacht Design, is defined by an overwhelming use of highly varnished mahogany and fine woodworking, creating an atmosphere of warmth, permanence, and restrained luxury.
The Main Salon: The Library
The main salon is described as having a library-style atmosphere. This suggests an interior focused on comfort, conversation, and quiet enjoyment rather than loud, open-plan entertainment.
The Woodwork: The walls, cabinetry, and flooring are dominated by rich, polished mahogany. The quality of the joinery—the fit and finish of the wood paneling—is a hallmark of Yener Yacht's expertise. Every corner, every cabinet door, and every trim piece is executed with the precision of a master craftsman, showcasing the deep, reflective luster that only high-gloss varnish on natural wood can achieve.
Seating and Lighting: Comfortable chairs and a plush sofa are arranged around a central table, inviting guests to settle in with a book or enjoy an evening aperitif. The atmosphere is kept bright and airy by a generous array of large, traditionally proportioned windows that line the salon. These windows, essential for allowing natural light to flood the interior, ensure the rich wood paneling does not feel too dark or heavy.
Amenities: The salon is typically equipped with a stereo system, satellite TV, and Wi-Fi, providing contemporary entertainment options seamlessly integrated into the classic decor.
LARIMAR yacht
The Galley and Service Areas
Forward of the main salon is the well-situated galley. While the guest areas retain the classic aesthetic, the galley is a modern, functional workspace designed for efficiency. This separation is key to the luxury yacht experience, allowing the crew (including the "excellent chef" noted in charter descriptions) to operate without infringing on the guest experience. The yacht’s focus on high-quality service dictates that the galley is equipped to deliver superior culinary experiences, whether alfresco on the aft deck or formally inside the salon.
Guest Accommodation: Classic Comfort Below Deck
LARIMAR is designed to accommodate six guests in three luxurious, en-suite cabins located on the lower deck. The configuration reflects the traditional values of the yacht's design:
Master Cabin: Located forward, the master cabin is a serene retreat featuring a twin-bed configuration. This detail is notable, as it prioritizes comfort and the classical "ship's bed" feel over the large, often impractical king-size beds found in modern yachts. It includes an en-suite bathroom with a shower.
VIP Guest Cabins: To port and starboard are two additional VIP cabins, also featuring twin beds.
Consistency and Comfort: All three cabins are finished with the same beautiful polished wood, fully air-conditioned, and equipped with en-suite facilities. This consistency ensures that every guest enjoys the same high standard of accommodation, reinforcing a sense of equal luxury for all onboard. The classic decor in the sleeping quarters extends the 1920s/30s aesthetic, making the transition from the salon to the cabins seamless.
LARIMAR yacht
VII. Performance and Range: Efficiency in the Aegean
LARIMAR is not a vessel built for scorching speed, but for comfortable, efficient, and reliable passage-making—a hallmark of true expedition and displacement yachts.
Machinery and Power
The yacht is powered by twin Scania DI 12 59M diesel engines, each rated at 300 horsepower. This configuration provides a total of 600 horsepower, which is a modest but perfectly matched power source for her semi-displacement hull form.
Cruising Speed: She comfortably cruises at 11 knots. This is the sweet spot for a vessel of her design, minimizing fuel consumption while maintaining an excellent pace.
Maximum Speed: The top speed reaches 13 knots, providing a small reserve of power when needed for maneuvers or outpacing inclement weather.
Range and Efficiency
One of the most impressive technical specifications is her operational efficiency. With a fuel capacity of 6,000 liters (approximately 1,585 gallons), the yacht boasts an estimated cruising range of 825 nautical miles. This range is crucial for extended cruising in the East Mediterranean, allowing the captain to plan voyages that can cover the entirety of the Turkish coast or hop across the Aegean Sea between multiple Greek islands without constant concern for refueling.
Furthermore, the reported fuel economy is remarkably efficient for a vessel of her size: around 80 liters (21.1 gallons) per hour at cruising speed. This efficiency makes LARIMAR not only economical but also environmentally considerate compared to many higher-speed, high-consumption modern yachts.
 |
| LARIMAR yacht |
VIII. The Crew and Guest Experience: Personalized Service
The luxury of a yachting vacation often rests not on the vessel’s hardware but on the quality of its human element. LARIMAR’s operational setup emphasizes high-touch, personalized service.
The Crew Compliment
LARIMAR typically carries a crew of three to four members, including the captain and an "excellent chef." For only six guests, this crew-to-guest ratio is extremely favorable (up to 1:2). This ratio allows for:
Highly Personalized Attention: Each guest receives prompt, anticipatory service. The crew can cater to individual preferences, from dietary requests prepared by the chef to customized itinerary planning by the captain.
Seamless Operation: The generous crew size ensures that the vessel is maintained meticulously (a necessity for a high-gloss wooden boat) and that all onboard services, from operating the tenders to setting up dining areas, are handled efficiently and discreetly.
The Water Toys and Amenities
While LARIMAR is a classic yacht, she is provisioned with modern fun in mind:
Tenders: A large, 4.2-meter (14-foot) Zodiac Rib with a powerful 50hp outboard engine serves as the main tender for transporting guests ashore, wakeboarding, or exploring. A smaller tender (2.3m) is often provided for crew use.
Water Sports: The amenities typically include water skis, inflatable kayaks or canoes, and full snorkeling gear. This array of toys ensures that while the yacht’s profile is traditional, the holiday experience is thoroughly contemporary and engaging.
Onboard Systems: Essential luxury features like continuous air conditioning, satellite TV, and robust Wi-Fi connectivity complete the modern amenity suite, ensuring guests are comfortable and connected while cruising in remote locations.
LARIMAR yacht
IX. LARIMAR's Life and Legacy in the Mediterranean
Since her launch in 2011, LARIMAR has become a celebrated fixture in the East Mediterranean yachting scene, primarily operating around Turkey’s Turquoise Coast and the nearby Greek Dodecanese islands. She has been recognized in yachting circles, even being celebrated by brokers as a "most beautiful little ship" at the Marmaris International Yacht Festival.
Maintenance and the 2023 Refit
A wooden yacht, particularly one with a highly polished interior, requires continuous, loving maintenance. The need for occasional major work is a natural part of owning a classic. The reported 2023 refit (conducted, for instance, by MCE Yachts) is a testament to the owner’s commitment to preserving the vessel’s exquisite condition and functionality.
Refits on wooden yachts typically involve:
Hull and Structure Check: A full assessment of the hull’s composite structure, ensuring the Iroko-epoxy lamination remains sound.
Varnish Work: The intensive and critical process of sanding and re-applying high-gloss varnish to the mahogany and external brightwork, essential for maintaining the 1930s-style luster.
Systems Upgrades: Updating navigation, communication, and domestic systems to ensure they meet the latest standards for reliability and guest comfort.
This continuous cycle of care ensures that LARIMAR not only maintains her value but continues to offer a pristine, reliable, and authentic cruising experience year after year, guaranteeing that the original vision of Yener Yacht and Taka Yacht Design remains vibrant.
 |
| LARIMAR yacht |
A Charter Favorite (When Available)
While LARIMAR has been noted as a "private yacht" at various times, she has also been made available for charter, a fact that speaks volumes about her appeal. Charter guests are typically seeking something unique—an escape from the generic. LARIMAR offers a tangible link to maritime history, a quiet, comfortable, and elegant platform from which to explore the stunning coastal scenery of the Eastern Mediterranean. She attracts a discerning clientele who value quality, craftsmanship, and a classic aesthetic over sheer size or speed.
 |
| LARIMAR yacht |
X. Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of a True Classic
The LARIMAR Yacht by Yener Yacht is a profound statement in the modern superyacht industry. She is a reminder that genuine luxury is found not in fleeting trends or maximum velocity, but in enduring quality, impeccable craftsmanship, and a deep sense of aesthetic history.
From the complex, artisanal cold-molded Iroko hull crafted by the experts at Yener, to the beautifully balanced 1930s-inspired lines drawn by Osman Tanju Kalaycıoğlu, LARIMAR is a masterpiece of collaboration. She is a vessel that demands admiration, not through ostentatious size, but through sheer, unadulterated class. Cruising at a steady eleven knots, enveloped by the silence that only a meticulously constructed wooden hull can provide, LARIMAR offers her guests a rare commodity: a peaceful, elegant passage back to the golden age of yachting, firmly secured by the reliability of 21st-century engineering. She is, quite simply, a classic for the modern age, and Yener Yacht’s finest declaration of the enduring power of Turkish maritime tradition.