The Dutch shipyard VMG Yachtbuilders in Enkhuizen on the IJsselmeer has worked with designer Olivier van Meer to comprehensively revise the exceptional blue water yachts in its Puffin range. The first new model of the new Puffin generation, a 42-foot yacht, is now under construction.
Typical of Puffin's robust aluminium constructions are their tumblehome hulls, the heart-shaped positive stern and the angular, two-stage cabin superstructure with the striking wheelhouse. The voluminous bow with the raised stem and the pronounced deck projection also characterise the appearance of Olivier van Meer's unique designs. The visual appearance is striking, appealing and represents classic Dutch yacht building - a mixture of traditional skûtsjesilen and modern ocean-going yachts, if you will.
Puffin yachts are rigged as Bermuda cutters, which means that they have a high rig, a stay jib and a furling jib attached to the long bowsprit. The new Puffin 42 also adopts this special but effective sail plan, which offers many advantages, especially on long strokes. Puffin yachts continue to be built either as long keels with an integrated steel ballast centreboard or now also with a fixed keel and lead ballast, with the latter being the new standard. In addition, the shipyard has replaced the rudder blade previously attached to the stern with a steering fin built under the stern.
Everything is feasible - within the realms of possibility
Anyone who decides in favour of a Puffin also acquires a high degree of individuality. The name stands for the shipyard's almost unlimited flexibility in catering to customers' special wishes. Each Puffin is therefore largely a customised yacht based on an existing design. The layout and interior fittings in particular can be largely customised by the customer. In previous YACHT tests (Puffin 37, issue 21/2017), the exceptionally robust build quality below deck was already striking. At VMG Yachtbuilders, the carpenters customise every piece of furniture, all covers, doors and floorboards directly in the ship being built. Series production or the modular principle are taboo for the Dutch. The hull and deck are assembled by VMG Yachtbuilders from seawater-resistant aluminium plates in a round frame.
The current series of the latest Puffin generation now comprises three models with hull lengths of 42, 50 and 58 feet. In addition, the shipyard's flagship, the Puffin 58, is now also available in a special Explorer version for particularly challenging routes and for adventure trips to the Arctic Ocean. The first Puffin 42 boat is apparently already under construction and is scheduled for completion in summer 2025. The shipyard is quoting a base price of 820,000 euros net. With 19% VAT, the price will then be 975,800 euros. That is certainly a lot of money for a boat of only 42 feet in length. However, it should be mentioned that the yachts in the Puffin range are of an exceptionally high quality ex works and are almost fully equipped for the demands of a challenging voyage, as well as being extremely robust and of outstanding quality.
Technical data Puffin 42
- Hull length: 12.72 m
- Overall length with bowsprit: 15.55 m
- Waterline length: 11.77 m
- Width 4.20 m
- Draught with fixed keel: 2.40 m
- Draught with ballast centreboard: 1.10 - 2.86 m
- Weight: 16.0 tonnes
- Ballast/proportion: 4.0 tonnes (25%)
- Mast height above waterline: 18.90 m
- Sail area downwind: 120.0 m2
- Motorisation: Volvo Penta D2-75 (75 hp)
- Diesel fuel capacity: 600 litres
- Fresh water capacity: 600 litres
- CE design category: A
- Base price ex shipyard: 1,428,000 euros
