Slow Poke: Feeling the ocean

The owner of this yacht is quite young but has a deep appreciation for vintage style. He believes that time bestows a unique charm and beautiful patina on every object, serving as an exquisite backdrop for his own creative experiments. He is not a restorer but a renovator, boldly reshaping, changing colors, and updating the interiors of everything he touches, whether it be classic cars, airplanes, or buildings. It’s only natural that his passion has extended to yachting.

He spent a full two years searching for the perfect boat to renovate. His primary desire was to find an elegant yet sturdy "little Dutchman" — a pocket explorer about 100 feet long. Additionally, the expedition vessel needed to operate with a small crew and be economical to run, while still offering comfort on board comparable to that of a much larger yacht, approximately 40 meters in length.

The Doggersbank Heritage platform, with its reliable steel hull, aluminum superstructure, and excellent seaworthiness, met all his requirements. “I participate in many design projects and sit on the board of a design school, and for me, Doggersbank is the benchmark of design in yachting,” he explains.

The yacht Coy Koi, measuring 25.5 meters, was launched in 2000. It belongs to the Kuipers Doggersbank Long-Range Explorer series. The new owner purchased the vessel without hesitation and immediately began its transformation. Despite undergoing significant technical modernization in 2018 (with the replacement of Caterpillar engines and generators, and the installation of new electronics and a helm), he saw new opportunities to enhance its performance and aesthetic qualities. The repairs at Safe Harbour Lauderdale Marine Center involved a complete disassembly of the boat and took two and a half years, costing around $8 million.

“The first thing I wanted to do was improve the speed characteristics,” the owner explains. “Additionally, based on my experience, I spend most of my time on the swim platform, so this area was very important to me in terms of modernization.”

During the renovation, the hull was extended by 2.5 meters, allowing for a full swim platform with hydraulic steps. The modification, which included a carefully optimized bulbous bow using CFD, increased speed by 2 knots while simultaneously reducing fuel consumption by 10%.

The enlarged swim platform simplifies boarding as well as entering and exiting the water. There’s now more space on board for relaxation and sunbathing, along with a new heated outdoor shower. This solution improved the crew's working conditions — there’s now ample space to store gear and water toys for guests.

As with any renovation, the changes were not without challenges. The new bulbous bow, designed to reduce water resistance, required significant engineering effort, especially since it is now equipped with underwater lighting and a glass window with cameras (in honor of Jacques Cousteau), allowing guests to observe marine life from screens in the cabins and on the bridge.

The original flybridge with seating, a bar, a cozy dining area, and panoramic views has been preserved, along with a large space at the stern for morning coffee and evening cocktails. Other changes include updates to all external decks, lighting, and wooden elements. The hull was repainted black with a signature stripe of British racing green, and the sunshade was painted by the owner’s friend and artist, Paul Kremer. “His paintings calm me, and in every room I inhabit, there’s at least one of his works,” the owner says. Works by other Houston artists, such as Julian Schnabel and Howard Hughes, add a unique character to the interior.

The original layout and floors have remained largely unchanged, while the new interior design by the New York firm Redd Kaihoi gives the yacht a striking glossy retro appearance.

Bright shades of blue, green, and even black in the main salon complement the original cherry wood panels, moldings, and other decorative finishes, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere reminiscent of an upscale residence. Just the rounded Chippendale leather sofas and the small check upholstery are worth mentioning! Special attention has been given to the master bedroom, with colors matched to the owner’s 1952 Porsche 356A. The yacht can accommodate six guests in three cabins, each with an en-suite bathroom.

Now the owner enjoys traveling along the West Coast, from Mexico to the Pacific Northwest. He ironically renamed the yacht Slow Poke, although he insisted on increasing its speed. But that’s just for show. After all, why rush when you can savor every moment away from the land and its concerns? Indeed, Slow Poke radiates a special tranquility. It feels as if time flows differently here.

“It’s important to feel the ocean while on board, and at the same time to be safe, knowing that the boat is sturdy enough for sailing,” the fortunate owner continues. “For me, Slow Poke is the perfect place for a three-day trip,” he adds. “It offers a sense of calm that you can’t experience on a larger boat. Even when I’m just an hour’s drive from home, I prefer to stay on board.”