Effortless enjoyment
The Alia Yachts shipyard, founded in 2008 in the Antalya Free Trade Zone, has already earned a reputation as one of Turkey's best builders of custom and semi-custom sailing and motor yachts ranging from 20 to 60 meters in length. The international yachting community has repeatedly awarded its vessels with professional accolades: its "Wall of Fame" features the 60-meter Samurai with an award from the Showboats Design Award; the 55-meter Al Waab II, which took three Boat International Design & Innovation Awards and a special jury prize at the World Superyacht Awards; and the 45-meter SAN, recognized with Boat International Design & Innovation Awards and World Superyacht Awards.
Will the 43-meter Ximena, which had its world premiere in March 2026 at the Palm Beach International Boat Show in the USA, join this pantheon? To assess its chances, let's get a closer look at this yacht.
The keel laying for the vessel, known under the working name Project ALY431, began in late 2023, and delivery to the owner took place in the autumn of 2025 — excellent construction speed for a yacht of this size, considering the project is fully custom. The shipyard's long-standing partners worked on it: the exterior was designed by Omega Architects, and the architecture and engineering by Van Oossanen Naval Architects, both studios from the Netherlands.
Wherever Ximena appears, it immediately draws attention with its aggressive, arrow-like profile and its very characteristic pelican-beak bow. To achieve this visual coherence, the developers made the deckhouse "recessed" and the flybridge low-profile. Add to this the dynamic glazing pattern and the sharp overhangs of the upper deck — and the yacht gives an impression of swift motion, even when at anchor.
The underwater lines of the displacement aluminum hull, of the Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) type, are also optimized to achieve maximum speed. A pair of 2000-hp MTU TIER III 16V 2000 M96L engines allow Ximena to reach up to 22.6 knots, with a cruising speed of 20 knots, while the economical "long-range mode" at 12 knots provides a range of 3,200 nautical miles. Furthermore, the pronounced bulbous bow and spray rails ensure confident course-keeping in any conditions, while the shallow draft (2.1 m) makes shallow water areas accessible.
The design, construction, and power clearly illustrate Ximena's purpose. The American owner, specifically from Miami, leads a relaxed lifestyle typical of Florida and the entire Caribbean basin — and the yacht is meant to serve both as a floating residence for "chilling" in cozy secluded coves of the Caribbean or Bahamas, and as a reliable means of transport for making fast trips between distant marinas when necessary. In fact, the very passage from its Mediterranean birthplace to the shores of overseas Florida, to shine at the local boat show, became a kind of final exam for Ximena, which it passed with flying colors.
Even the official description of the deck plan goes beyond dry statements of fact. "Ximena's spaces are designed with a clear goal: effortless enjoyment," says the Alia Yachts press release.
This is precisely why there are so many areas for relaxation and sunbathing on board. The sun deck, spanning over 50 m2, is divided into two parts. The open aft area features a jacuzzi pool and sun loungers, while the semi-enclosed forward lounge (protected from the scorching sun by a black hardtop and from the wind by the windshield and side glazing) is equipped with an upper helm station, a bar, a sofa group, and a large retractable screen for movie screenings.
There is also a vast sun pad on the forward part of the main deck. It is complemented by a lounge with coffee tables, and the guest area is visually isolated from the working foredeck area (where bollards and anchoring equipment are located) by a well-thought-out level change.
The traditional spot for relaxation and al fresco dining is, of course, in the cockpit, which connects via two stairways to the swim platform spanning the full beam (8.4 m). Its movable hydraulic section facilitates both guest access to the sea and the launching of recreational water toys. Behind the glass transom panel, a well-equipped gym opens up, adding to the positive experience: you can work out in the open air or with the doors closed, in an air-conditioned space — but the great view is guaranteed either way.
The side-loading garage, located amidships, accommodates a 6.5-meter tender and a set of water toys. This location is also more convenient for the crew (7–8 people), as the crew's living and service quarters are situated nearby — in the forward part of the lower deck.
For Ximena's interior arrangement, Alia Yachts collaborated with the young, lesser-known studio Yodezeen from Miami, which was entrusted with the interior design. The industry newcomers sought to combine respectable moderation with striking decor that impresses guests as soon as they first come aboard. For instance, the main salon's color palette is kept in beige and light brown tones with accents in the form of individual black furniture pieces (coffee table, chairs). But in the center of the ceiling, like a sun, shines a circular golden niche made of wavy glass with perimeter lighting, and the surrounding relief of longitudinal slats further adds a certain expressiveness to the restrained, deliberately calm design of the space. Similar design techniques are used in all five guest cabins: a neutral light background, soft, where possible hidden, lighting, and visual accentuation using expressive accessories.
The owner's cabin, located forward on the main deck, spans over 50 m2, allowing for two bathrooms and a huge walk-in wardrobe. Four guest suites, two of which are in a VIP configuration, are located one deck below.
Only premium materials were used in the finishing, including textured travertine, Invisible Grey marble, and light onyx slabs from the new collection by Antolini. The shade of the oak parquet echoes the color of the exterior teak decks. Brass details, high-gloss "royal" tone lacquer, and natural leather add solidity to the interior.
"The goal of the project was to create a very comfortable, open space," says Yodezeen co-founder Artur Sharf. "The owners wanted something contemporary — but not cold, spaces with warmth, texture, and character. The combination of smooth curves, natural materials, and exquisite details allowed us to achieve this balance. Alia Yachts' ability to fabricate complex custom pieces in-house played a major role in bringing the concept to life."
During the yacht's presentation at the American show, Alia Yachts President Gökhan Çelik did not hide his joy at the public's interest: "Presenting Ximena in Palm Beach is a proud moment for our entire team. She embodies our approach to creating truly custom yachts focused on high performance, possessing unique architecture, and developed according to the owner's vision. This is the owner's first yacht, and he is very pleased."
In summary, it can be stated: fast, with a respectable range and shallow draft, boasting extensive outdoor relaxation areas, a good gym, and spacious cabins, Ximena is perfectly suited for all its intended purposes. Its timeless interior creates that neutral backdrop that doesn't draw excessive attention but ensures comfortable relaxation. There is no doubt that this versatility and meticulous execution will be appreciated by both the yacht's guests and the international juries that select the best that the yachting industry has to offer today.
