-
Guests
12
-
Cabins
6
-
Crew
5
| Length | GT | Built |
|---|---|---|
|
50m
|
450 GT | 2020 |
| Beam | Draft | |
| 10.56m | 2.02m |
$8,985,000 (€7,763,759)
More DetailsDelivered in 2020, Afra is a 50m motor yacht for sale built by Obaid Bin Juma Bin Suloom. Her naval architecture and exterior design comes from the drawing boards of Obaid Bin Juma Bin Suloom.
Key Features
- World's largest private wooden motor yacht
- Wide-beam main saloon with large windows
- Traditional dhow-inspired construction methods
- Twin 1,678hp Caterpillar engines
Design & Construction
Designed around a displacement wood/grp hull and a wood superstructure she features a 10.56m beam and a 2.02m draft. The yacht is built over 2 decks with an internal volume of 450 GT (Gross Tonnes).
Exterior Design
The 50m (164ft) Afra takes a very different path from most modern superyachts. Delivered in 2020 by UAE shipyard Henderson Marine, the yacht replaces the usual painted composite or metal finish with a full Burmese teak exterior inspired by traditional Middle Eastern dhow construction. From a distance, the profile feels closer to a handcrafted trading vessel than a contemporary motor yacht, yet the proportions and glazing keep it firmly in modern territory.
The long rising bow, sweeping sheerline and flowing roof structure all reference classic Gulf dhow forms. There is very little visual interruption across the hull sides either, so the continuous timber finish becomes the yacht’s defining feature. Rows of oval hull windows sit low across the teak planking while dark glazing cuts through the upper deck structure and adds some contrast against the warm timber tones.
Although Afra appears fully wooden, Henderson Marine used a GRP composite superstructure beneath the teak cladding. That decision allowed the yard to improve weight distribution, buoyancy and ballast compared with a purely wooden build while still preserving the traditional appearance. The owner had already completed two previous wooden yacht projects before Afra, so this third and largest build became an attempt to merge heritage craftsmanship with modern engineering.
Construction methods also stayed close to classic dhow building traditions. Sections of teak were softened through steam bending before shaping them around the structure, echoing the techniques once used on trading vessels that crossed the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. The result is not simply decorative styling. The yacht actively preserves regional woodworking methods that have become increasingly rare in large yacht construction.
Outdoor spaces follow a more relaxed arrangement than many modern tri-deck yachts. The aft deck centres around an open-air dining area with room for large family gatherings, while broad side decks and uncluttered circulation spaces maintain the yacht’s easygoing character. The upper deck overhangs provide substantial shade, something that suits the Gulf climate.
Interior Design
Afra’s interior carries the same blend of heritage and modern thinking seen outside. The yacht uses classic teak and holly finishes throughout much of the interior structure, but balances those warmer materials with polished white-veined marble, large windows and contemporary Italian furnishings.
The main saloon benefits from a wider-than-average beam, which helps the central living spaces feel open despite the extensive timber detailing. Long bands of glazing pull natural light deep into the interior while electric blinds allow the atmosphere to shift throughout the day. The stone surfaces reflect much of that light back into the room, preventing the darker teak tones from becoming too heavy.
There is also a noticeable effort to connect old and new throughout the design. Traditional veneer-style finishes sit alongside contemporary furniture shapes and modern systems without the interior feeling themed or overly nostalgic. Instead, the yacht leans into a quieter residential style with clean marble surfaces, neutral furnishings and broad walkways.
Maintenance also formed part of the design brief from the beginning. Material choices and onboard systems were selected to remain practical and manageable rather than overly complex. The teak exterior requires the same kind of long-term preparation and recoating cycle expected on many painted yachts, with clear coatings used to protect the timber finish from weather and salt exposure.
Accommodation
Afra accommodates up to 12 guests across six staterooms, alongside accommodation for crew in three additional cabins.
The owner’s suite follows the same warm material palette seen throughout the yacht, with teak finishes balanced by lighter surfaces and large windows that help open the room visually. Marble-clad bathrooms introduce a more contemporary feel while maintaining continuity with the rest of the interior design.
Performance & Capabilities
Powered by twin diesel Caterpillar (3512) 1,678hp engines, motor yacht Afra is capable of reaching a top speed of 18 knots.
Afra Yacht is For Sale
Afra is currently on the market for sale with an asking price of $8,985,000 USD.
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