-
Guests
8
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Cabins
4
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Crew
8
| Length | GT | Built (REFIT) |
|---|---|---|
|
154' 2"
|
444 GT | 2012 (2023) |
| Beam | Draft | Top Speed |
| 30' 2" | 7' 1" | 16.5 Kts |
Delivered in 2012, Ab Initio is a multi-award winning 47m motor yacht built by New Zealander shipyard Alloy Yachts. Her naval architecture and exterior design comes from the drawing boards of Dubois, while Donald Starkey is responsible for her interior design.
Key Features
- Opulent Jacuzzi on the flybridge
- Garage converts to a beach club
- Fully equipped gym on lower deck
- Formal and on-deck dining areas
Design & Construction
Designed around a full displacement aluminium hull and superstructure she features a 9.19m beam and a 2.17m draft. The yacht is built over 2 decks with an internal volume of 444 GT (Gross Tonnes).
The yacht was designed and constructed in compliance with the Lloyds Register technical standards. Launched in March 2012 this yacht undertook sea trials over the following months. She was delivered to her owners in March 2012.
Exterior Design
Delivered in 2012 as Loretta Anne and later renamed Ab Initio, this 47m (154.2ft) motor yacht comes from the final chapter of Alloy Yachts' history. She was the 22nd collaboration between the New Zealand yard and Dubois Naval Architects, and one of only 14 motor yachts built by Alloy before the shipyard closed in 2016. While Alloy earned its reputation through some of the world's finest aluminium sailing yachts, its motor yachts applied the same principles of lightweight construction, efficient long-range cruising and fully custom design. Ab Initio also became one of the yard's most celebrated projects, winning Motor Yacht of the Year and the Raised Pilot House category at the 2013 World Superyacht Awards, alongside the ShowBoats Design Award for Exterior Design and Styling.
Ed Dubois gave Ab Initio a profile that still feels fresh today. Rather than the heavily raked wheelhouse screens seen on many earlier Dubois motor yachts, she adopts near-vertical glazing across the main deck, wheelhouse and flybridge, creating crisp architectural lines while improving forward visibility from the helm. A long sweeping sheer line softens the geometry, and the aluminium hull and superstructure keep the yacht light without compromising strength. With a draft of just over 2m (6.6ft), she can reach cruising grounds such as the Bahamas that remain off limits to many displacement yachts of similar length.
Her original colour scheme remains one of the design's defining details. A Majestic Blue hull sits beneath a Hazelnut Metallic aluminium superstructure, separated by a fine Matterhorn White boot stripe. The warm metallic finish gives the upperworks a softer appearance than a conventional white superstructure, while the dark hull draws attention to the yacht's elegant sheerline and long, uninterrupted profile.
The exterior layout reflects an owner who valued practical cruising over fashion. Wide side decks, generous overhangs and sheltered outdoor living areas support extended time aboard, while the enclosed flybridge converts into an open-air deck by lowering its surrounding glass. At the stern, an unusually large lazarette houses two custom 6m (19.7ft) tenders behind shell doors that open to port, starboard and aft, allowing launches regardless of how the yacht is berthed. The arrangement also created space for a separate technical control room, keeping sensitive equipment away from the engine room, an uncommon solution when she was launched.
Interior Design
Donald Starkey created an interior that reflects the owner's preference for craftsmanship over fashion. Rather than relying on large expanses of timber or minimalist finishes, the design layers contrasting materials, intricate marquetry and bespoke artwork throughout the yacht. Alloy Yachts' cabinetmakers produced heavily inlaid joinery using oak, walnut, crotch walnut, zebano, flame mahogany, cherry, sycamore, cedar and rare tamo wood, finished with mother-of-pearl detailing. Throughout the guest areas, richly veined marbles of different colours line the ensuites, while marine-inspired artwork, much of it painted by the owner herself, reinforces the yacht's personal character. The curved panels surrounding the S-shaped staircase were sent to Canada to be painted by Czech artist Václav Vaca, creating an underwater mural that connects the main and lower decks.
The main deck centres on an open saloon and dining room where large side windows draw in natural light and maintain uninterrupted views. A curved glass bar links directly with the sheltered aft deck, where a sliding roof extends the space in changing weather. Forward, the professional galley sits beside an intermediate serving pantry to improve service, while a private passage leads to the owner's suite without disturbing the main guest spaces. Above, the enclosed flybridge functions as a second lounge with dining, a bar, barbecue, spa pool and large sunbathing area. Sliding side windows and nine glass skylights in the hardtop create an airy atmosphere while retaining protection from the elements.
Accommodation
Ab Initio offers accommodation for up to eight guests in four well-appointed cabins. The principal cabin, or owner’s suite, is situated forward on the main deck. This suite is designed to provide a comfortable and private retreat, featuring a cozy seating area, a walk-in wardrobe, and a private office for the owner.
The remaining guest cabins are located on the lower deck. These include two VIP staterooms and two twin guest rooms. Each cabin comes with large wardrobes and ensuite bathrooms, ensuring that guests have ample space and privacy during their stay.
For the crew, Ab Initio can accommodate up to eight members. The crew quarters are designed to offer comfort and functionality, with a gym that can also serve as an additional cabin equipped with two Pullman berths. This thoughtful arrangement ensures that the crew can operate efficiently while also having space to relax and unwind.
Performance & Capabilities
Powered by twin diesel Caterpillar (C32 'D' rated) 1,600hp engines running at 2300rpm, motor yacht Ab Initio is capable of reaching a top speed of 16 knots, and comfortably cruises at 13 knots. With her 57,235 litre fuel tanks she has a maximum range of 3,700 nautical miles at an economic speed of 12 knots. She has been fitted with stabilizers to increase on-board comfort when the yacht is at anchor, particularly in rough waters.
Amenities
A gym with all the latest equipment allows her guests to keep their workout routines while at sea. In addition, a swim platform is on hand for guests looking to cool off in the sea. The yacht can house plenty of nautical toys and accessories, with a well-appointed tender garage for storing her impressive locker. Air conditioning offers increased on-board comfort. Ab Initio also features a deck jacuzzi for cooling off.
Special Features
The enclosed flybridge has side windows which can be raised and lowered to ensure the comfort of the owner and guests.
Ab Initio Yacht is not For Sale
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