The owner's dream was to sail the most beautiful and fastest ketch. This is how Vitters describes the demanding construction contract, which the shipyard, known for its complex one-offs, was happy to accept. It was almost a logical consequence of this that Germán Frers was engaged as the designer, who himself had worked with the 20 metre long "Recluta" sails a beautiful and fast ketch. "Maximus" is Vitters' second Frers project in a short space of time. In the summer of 2022, the 56-metre sloop "Alea" Zwartsluis on the IJsselmeer, which was designed by Germán Frers' son Mani Frers. Apart from the shipyard and the hull material, the two large formats could not be more different: "Alea" has a negative stem, while "Maximus" favours a positive orientation. The 59-metre ketch also has a classic look in other respects: with a pronounced positive deck step, protected cockpits and teak deckhouses.
The third longest yacht in the Vitters fleet
At the end of May 2022, Vitters pulled the aluminium hull out of the hall to have it turned down the keel by four mobile cranes. The pictures that have now been published show the advanced stage of fitting out. The hull appears to be filled and ready for painting, the deck is half planked and the interior work is in full swing. "Maximus" will be launched this summer and is set to make her debut on the regatta circuit in 2024. Thanks to an optimised rig layout and modern underwater hull with two rudder blades and a lifting keel, the performance ketch should be a wolf in sheep's clothing under sail. At the helm, she should reach the 10-knot mark in light winds and log 14 knots in moderate winds. On the beam, speeds of just under 20 knots are targeted with code and mizzen staysails. At 59 metres, "Maximus" will be behind "Aquijo" (85 metres) and "Anatta" (66 metres) will be the third largest yacht from Vitters-Hallen. A fast 44-metre cruiser with Reichel/Pugh lines is also due to be launched in Zwartsluis this year.
Technical data "Maximus"
- Length over everything:59 metres
- Waterline length: 48.73 metres
- Width:10.17 metres
- Mast height above waterline: 64.85 metres
- Height of mizzen mast: 48 metres
- sail area: max. 3,980 m²
- Displacement (empty):330 tonnes
- Draft lift keel: 5 to 8 metres
