Alia Yachts Delivers Groundbreaking 55m AL WAAB

Since 2008, Turkish shipyard Alia Yachts have been renowned for building large, custom yachts – penned by industry experts, adapting and enhancing the latest yachting technology with cutting edge construction on their side. Now having released the first photographs and video of 55m Al Waab’s delivery, they have achieved another industry milestone.

To this date, she is the longest steel and aluminium yacht in the world below 500GT. With an unprecedented interior and exterior space, she boasts 6 spacious guest suites with a split-level master suite, along with a volume-saving tender bay arrangement.

Not only does she remain a ground-breaking project for the shipyard – she has now set new industry standards in external and internal spaces for her category – offering a colossal 42% more exterior space, including storage for two tenders, and 8% more interior space than the majority of comparable yachts currently on the market.

“Yachts are getting longer and wider, but owners still want to stay below the 500GT mark,” says Alia President, Gökhan Çelik. “We’ve seen increasing interest in this kind of yacht and so to be one of the first with such an impressive project is an important milestone for Alia.”

Built in 2021, Al Waab was specifically designed with simple, restful, and relaxing family living in mind. Her seamless layout allows any guest onboard to glide throughout each space effortlessly.

Crafted by Netherlands-based design and naval architecture experts Vripack, she maximises the available volume whilst creating a blend of extensive space and luxury comfort; two important key factors in her design considerations.

This unique vessel has a clean and modern exterior with a contemporary, evergreen interior. By avoiding bright, direct light; she instead offers soft, muted beams, and bamboo slats throughout her interior, absorbing an abundance of natural light, shielding guests from experiencing an abundance of harsh sunlight.

No stranger to opulence, Al Waab’s décor bears a stunning, gold wall installation, with integrated crystals that elegantly dress the stairwell and all three decks. Glass also appears to be a key feature, resulting in uninterrupted sight lines, creating a smooth, glacial pace for guests when moving between spaces.

Glass bulwarks provide uninterrupted outboard views and large outdoor areas for guests to enjoy the vistas in a secluded, plush setting. With a drop-down bulwark in the main dining area, the idea of a traditional dining room vanishes completely, complimented by a stunning alfresco breakfast space – just two metres above the water on the starboard deck. Her sprawling beach club in the stern is another highlight, along with a jacuzzi forward of the owner’s stateroom.

The use of virtual reality was also implemented early on in the project to optimise the space planning and ergonomic layout. Open-plan, owner-centric general arrangements are guaranteed to create a true sense of freedom for all onboard, sleeping up to 18 guests for both owners and guests.

Rare for a 499GT yacht, she includes a lavish split-level master suite on the upper deck with a private 4m pool on the foredeck. By placing the tender bay in a sunken deck in the bow, the tenders are easily accessible yet hidden from view. The grated ‘tween deck arrangement provides storage for two tenders, a pair of jet skis, and other water toys and amenities.

Much of the living and seating areas are outward facing, sketched with the sentiment of letting owners form an intimate, unforgettable connection with the sea.

With another dream collaboration under their belt, it is clear that Alia Yachts and Vripack Yacht Design have created another masterpiece.