Sparkman & Stephens Nazenin V: A Hallmark for US Design Firm and Turkey's RMK Marine

For Immediate Release August 24, 2007
Press Contact: Marnie Read
207-594-6054

Sparkman & Stephens Nazenin V: A Hallmark for US Design Firm and Turkey's RMK Marine

New York: Construction of the 52-meter Sparkman & Stephens-designed aluminum flybridge ketch Nazenin V reached a milestone mid-summer as her completed hull was turned upright at RMK Marine in Turkey. The yacht, being built for a Turkish owner, is on schedule for her planned delivery next year. S&S President Greg Matzat personally inspected the project in July and was impressed by the quality of the work.

"Although there's still a year to go, all things point to this being the highest quality yacht to come out of Turkey to date," says Matzat. "All the work looks absolutely great. The yard, with our help, has transformed itself by bringing in European and North American yard management, project management, systems suppliers and investing in its infrastructure. With its new sheds and offices, if you walked into RMK today, you may think you were in Holland."

Nazenin V is a collaboration of S&S and the U.K. interior design firm Redman Whitely Dixon. The powerful ketch is a classic S&S design with the firm's trademark sheer, graceful overhangs and traditional teak trim. She will feature a contemporary raised pilothouse, a large flybridge and clean superstructure lines. The interior will have traditional raised and fielded teak panels and luxurious furnishings.

Although RMK has built many yachts in steel, the Nazenin V project represents the yard's first foray into all aluminum construction. In the European fashion, the hull was built upside down. According to Matzat, the hull fairing is on par with the best constructed yachts. The hull and superstructure are being built side by side so the systems and interior can be installed with maximum efficiency while the boat is open. When the interior and systems are in place, the two pieces will be bedded in adhesive and joined with more than 750 bolts.

The yacht's expected delivery is September 2008. Plans are in the works for a sistership.

Located on New York's Fifth Avenue, S&S was established in 1929 to engage in the practice of naval architecture and to conduct the business of yacht brokerage, charter and insurance. The company's founders, then-21-year-old yacht designer Olin J. Stephens II and yacht broker Drake Sparkman are towering names in the yachting industry. S&S remains one of the most enduring and venerated brands in yachting having delivered more than 2,700 commercial, military and pleasure craft designs throughout its storied history. Some of the company's best-known sailing yacht designs include Dorade, Stormy Weather, Galileo, Astral and Timoneer. It has also been heavily involved in the America's Cup, having designed successful defenders Ranger, Columbia, Intrepid, Courageous and Freedom. Notable recent S&S designs include the Grand Banks 44 and 59, the Morris M36 and M42 and the 112-foot sloop Zingaro.

S&S is unique in the yachting industry with its combination of design and brokerage services. The company is managed by Greg Matzat, President and Chief Naval Architect, and Bruce Johnson, Executive Vice President and Chief Designer. It employs 22 designers, brokers and staff, with offices in New York and Fort Lauderdale. Additional information about the company can be found at www.sparkmanstephens.com.