M/Y Xanadu

If you look this term up in the Wikipedia you may find out that XADANU is a Wonder Land. A great and exotic place. English defines such a thing as an ideal place full of tranquility and magnificence. If you take a few more steps back into history we can discover that XANADU (Zanadu) was the Mongolian Emperor Kublai Khan’s summer capital.

But, back to yachting. XANADU, or in her previous name Helgoland was a passenger ship, that was used for a long period to take passengers to a small island in the North Sea, named Helgoland. This island is located a few kimometers north of the German mainland. The local tourism of the island is extremely developed, mainly thanks to the fact it is a duty free island ,and its relatively short distance to the mainland had developed a tourism of ‘Tax saving’. The Helgoland carried on its decks over 1500 people each day. The cost of a ticket was equivalent to the save on purchasing one pack on margarine.

How and why to convert a vessel that was carrying over 1500 people to a private luxury yacht that will be used for 24 guests only?

The not so common answer is here.
Let’s start with some numbers: The vessel is planned to be one of the 20 largest yachts ever built. With over 9000 horse powers, powering at max speed of 24 knots , 3464 Tons which divided on 7 decks with total sqm of over 5000, and in Total 104 meters of length and 15 meters of beam.

After purchased, and surveyed , the vessel was taken from Germany to Turkey, for preparations to her new life. She was put to a dry dock. Sand blasted. Shafts and propellers were pulled out and treated. Zinks and underwater openings were replaced. Her previous interior was completely dismantled, and Asbestos, that was very frequently used at that time, was entirely removed (nowadays this material is considered hazardous and its use is prohibited).. Afterward the entire vessel was re-painted both by basic undercoat and antifouling (under water line), and an elegant blue strip was painted.
A general condition survey of the ship and upgrades list to answer the requirements of the laws in the Instruction that is to come into force in 2010 were performed by the world Germanister Lloyds.

How will XANADU look?
After many discussions and different suggestions in relation of thee design it was agreed that any drastic change in external lines of a vessel will lead to distortion of the classical and timeless look of the yacht. The room for smoking cigars on top level is a symbol of gone era, and a memory of hundred of thousand people who sailed onboard. The back chimneys , which has been constructed for the first time with a central division, for submission of air on a quarterdecks. Wide observing platform from both sides of the closed bridge, and an elegant bend of a deck leaving from it. All is attributes of that remarkable time and sea tradition will be kept. Together with pure lines, which transform this huge weight on water into an elegant sleek and exclusive yacht.

XANADU 2009

Even the first glance can see two heliports, at the ship bow and at the fifth deck and at the ship stern. The heliport at the back of the ship is plan to be the main one that will be used as guests landing area. A big swimming pool welcome the guest after landing. Two half round elevators are located immediately next to the pool, and from there access to all decks is immediate. The heliport at the bow is to be used mainly for equipment supply, technical issues and maintenance.

Lounge and fitness center. The Lounge and fitness center are designed to be at the center left side of the yacht. The wide tan balcony that is 8 meters long and 3.5 meters wide is intended to turn into a private beach for those sailing on board. The whole area is due to include a treatment area, Jacuzzi and sauna rooms. The large fitness room, and relaxing corners overlook the sea. The current vessel design includes two 3.5-meter side entrances, and the future side openings will be based on the current openings locations.

XANADU is designed to host up to 24 guests in 12 double modular cabins. The living area is located in the two widest decks (deck 4 and 5).Each deck includes 6 double cabins, private saloon and a huge dining area, a local office and an area that is pertly roofed and partly open, for relaxation. If we come to details, on each deck there are suites that differ from another as to their design. The owner suite includes a private salon, tan areas, closet room, two separate bathroom and restrooms, a wide Jacuzzi, and panoramic view
Elevators. A pair of half cyclical elevators connects each of the 6 main decks. This is based as well on modularity. Two independent elevation systems for two groups of guests designed in a way that the first does not meet the other.. Privacy is guaranteed.

Marine Toys
One can hardly object to the fact that a 104 –meter yacht must offer a variety of luxury marine toys. a complete diving center equipment. Service boats. A special 36-feet – long boat (based on a 12-meter Cigarette). The basic philosophy of development is creating a combination of variety of speedy boats for a sea game, and a steady and protected vessel that brings the guests in the evening dressed to the shore.

XANADU Specifications
LOA – 104,00 Meters
MAX BEAM – 15,00 Meters
MAX DRAFT – 5,30 Meters
GROSS TONNAGE – 3464 Tons
NET TONNAGE – 1233 Tons
NUMBER OF LEVELS – 7 in total

TWO MAIN ENGINE – 2 x Pielstick 16 cilinders
MODEL – 2 x PC 1 – 400 – 16 V
MAX OUTPUT – 2 × 4480 HP
MAX SPEED – 24 kn
ECONOMICAL SPEED – 18kn
CONSUMPTION – 4,000 ltrs/day fuel

PROPULTION SYSTEM – Variable pitch propeller system, three blades each