The 70-meter full-custom superyacht Project Thunderball—with exterior design, interior space planning, and naval architecture by Vripack Yacht Design—is edging closer to its reveal. Currently under construction at CRN’s Ancona facility and project-managed by Y.CO on behalf of the owner, the sleek aluminum yacht features an optimized hull and elongated bow, shaped precisely to the owner’s vision.

Conceived as both a stand-alone motor yacht and a support vessel for the owner’s sailing yacht, Project Thunderball combines elegance, performance, and technical precision. With a volume of 1,100 gross tons, five decks, an 11-meter beam, and accommodations for 12 guests and 15 crew, it offers serious cruising capability alongside a distinctly personal design.

A seasoned regatta sailor, the owner influenced key design elements, favoring sharp entry lines and curved bilges more typical of a classic sailing yacht. This break from conventional, bottom-heavy motor yacht forms produced a long, graceful waterline and a sleek profile inspired by the aesthetics and efficiency of sailing yachts.

“The family’s design inspiration came from the long and elegant close-to-the-water lines of graceful sailing yachts,” says Marnix Hoekstra, co-creative director at Vripack. “They’re passionate sailors, both competitively and recreationally, and were involved from the start.”

The result is not only beautiful but highly efficient. Vripack’s naval architects prioritized performance and seaworthiness, testing the hull extensively. Surprisingly, the yacht performs better without a bulbous bow—rare in vessels of this size.

“The tank testing facility had never seen this before,” Hoekstra explains. “They advised against adding the bulb because the hull is already super-efficient. The added drag wouldn’t be worth it.”

Design work began in 2018, evolving into what Hoekstra calls a “meeting of minds.” He describes the owner as having a rare eye for detail and a clear vision—someone who “really pushes for what he wants.” A defining feature born of that collaboration is the yacht’s shear line, a continuous curve that helps dictate the vessel’s overall shape and water flow, giving Thunderball its timeless profile.

A glass-enclosed winter garden on the top deck enhances the silhouette, while functional features like a supersized swim platform offer practical benefits and direct access to the sea. Another custom element is the strict use of vertical window mullions throughout the exterior—visually clean, but technically complex. “That one detail dictated the flow of the interior, so it was a constant back and forth,” says Hoekstra.

Vripack is known for its owner-focused design philosophy and thrives when clients are deeply involved. As Project Thunderball moves toward its 2026 delivery, interior outfitting and exterior furniture design by Nauta Design are well underway.

Donna Green, Head of New Build Projects at Y.CO, adds: “The collaboration between Vripack, CRN, and Nauta has been instrumental in reaching each milestone. We’re focused on the next phases to bring this extraordinary yacht to life.”

For more information: vripack.com, crn-yacht.com