Time machine

At the Monaco Yacht Show in September 2024, the 32-meter Far Niente emerged as one of the biggest surprises. Its exterior initially led many to believe it was a well-preserved vintage vessel, only for the audience to discover that it was, in fact, a brand-new build!

In contrast to the futuristic trends dominating contemporary yacht design, Far Niente stands out with its deliberately old-fashioned appearance. The hull resembles that of a sailing lugger, complete with a massive smokestack and a square superstructure clad in wood. However, retro styling has always had its admirers, and it seems it always will.

This extraordinary project was masterfully executed by Turkish shipyard SES Yachts in collaboration with Dutch studio Hoek Design Naval Architects. The inspiration came from Dutch herring fishing vessels of the early 20th century, known for their practical design, reliability, and excellent performance in the challenging conditions of the North Sea.

Features like a vertical bow, long keel, rounded bilge, distinctive flare, and an elegant overhanging stern were originally functional. For Far Niente, they became aesthetic choices. There are notable differences, though: the stern has been elongated compared to traditional luggers, and it now features a hydraulic platform with a ladder on the starboard side, as well as fold-down bulwarks. Together, these create a modern swimming platform or provide easy access from the pier to the main deck. Ceiling heights are another luxury—2.3 meters in the main salon and 2.25 meters on the lower deck—something sailors of the early 20th century could only dream of.



Strictly speaking, the prototype wasn’t just any lugger but a specific vessel built in 1911. The owners of Far Niente purchased it with the intention of restoring it at the Turkish shipyard. However, when the restoration costs were calculated, it turned out to be cheaper to build a modern stylization (not a replica!) from scratch. This also allowed the new hull to be optimized for modern standards of fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness.

The choice of design studio was a natural one. Combining retro aesthetics with modern comfort and technology is Hoek Design’s specialty. The Dutch studio has extensive experience creating numerous sailing yachts in classic styles, as well as the 56-meter explorer yacht Blue II by Turquoise, which shares several design elements with Far Niente, such as the iconic yellow faux smokestack.

“We’ve blended the elegance of a classic exterior with a high-tech underwater hull shape, optimized using modern computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software,” explains André Hoek.



The displacement steel hull boasts impressive durability, while the superstructure, crafted from cold-moulded wood composite, helps save weight. Its internal volume measures 177 GT, providing ample space for ten passengers and a crew of six.
On the upper deck, you'll find the navigation bridge, a cosy skylounge that doubles as a cinema, and an open relaxation area. The bright yellow smokestack stands out as a striking art piece. Over the 10-person dining table designed for al fresco meals, a lightweight canopy can be installed, while sun loungers and a crescent-shaped sofa remain exposed to the sun, ideal for tanning.

The main salon spans almost the entire superstructure of the main deck. Its layout is unconventional: upon entering from the stern, guests are greeted by a lounge area with sofas. A long dining table runs down the centre of the room (this section is narrower due to a staircase descending along the starboard side). At the far end, there’s another lounge with an L-shaped sofa and a large plasma screen.



A discreet door to the right of the TV wall leads to the master suite. While the glazing here isn’t as expansive as on modern yachts, the front-facing windows still provide a lovely semi-panoramic view. Gray oak cabinetry contrasts with the white ceilings, evoking the misty fjords of the north and the sunlit skies above them. Oak parquet flooring mirrors this harmonious symphony, creating a sense of coolness and freshness underfoot.
The carefully curated color palette breathes life into nature itself. Every piece of furniture, every shade and texture has been meticulously chosen to create an atmosphere of tranquility and contemplation. The fabric on the headboard in the master suite is a true work of art, featuring cranes soaring skyward—a symbol of freedom and dreams, reminding us of the boundless world and the grandeur of the human spirit.


There’s nothing excessive or ostentatious here—just clean lines, natural materials, and muted tones that create a sense of space and light. These interiors invite you to breathe deeply, savor every moment, and forget the hustle and bustle of the outside world.
From a private exit, you can access the bow area of the deck. It’s a versatile space that can serve as a sundeck (the crew will bring out folding loungers) or a storage area for water toys, loaded using a crane. The onboard inventory includes electric hydrofoils, wakeboards, water skis, Seabob tow devices, and equipment for diving and snorkeling. A 10-meter Novamarine Chase Tender serves as the yacht’s shuttle boat, while its standout feature is a floating pool that can be mounted on the port side.

The four guest suites on the lower deck feature mirror-symmetrical layouts: two with double beds and two with twin beds that can be joined into one. Far Niente’s interior is designed in a contemporary Scandinavian style, dominated by cool gray and blue tones. Charming retro elements, such as round portholes and ceilings with exposed beams, add character.



The galley and crew cabins are isolated from the guest areas and engine room by sound- and watertight bulkheads, with a separate exit to the deck. The engine room houses a single MAN diesel engine (D2676 LE) with 799 horsepower, capable of propelling Far Niente to a maximum speed of 11 knots. With a cruising speed of 9 knots, the yacht has an autonomous range of 3,750 nautical miles. For comfort at anchor, the yacht is equipped with Sleipner stabilisers (noted for their exceptional performance during rolling), while bow and stern thrusters ensure excellent manoeuvrability.

Far Niente is available for charter and is sure to appeal to romantics and those who appreciate the “old money” aesthetic. Whether docked at Port Hercules, Cannes’ Old Port, or Porto Montenegro, it evokes the charm of characters from Agatha Christie and Somerset Maugham stories.

Far Niente is a time machine, transporting passengers to an era of elegant soirées, silk gowns, and perfectly tailored tuxedos, where luxury was as essential as air itself.
Picture yourself aboard, champagne in hand, as the sun kisses the horizon, painting the sky in peach and gold hues. The wind plays with your hair, carrying away worries and cares. You feel part of an exclusive circle, as if you’ve stepped off the pages of a Fitzgerald novel, where “life unfolds before you as an endless carnival.”