New Feadship's semi-custom range F45 Vantage.

Feadship has announced that the keel has been laid for the first in a brand-new series of semi-production motoryachts.

This marks a significant move for Feadship, which has hitherto been entirely focused on the fully customized sector in which it is undisputed leader.

Offering a flexible layout and four different styles, the first two F45 Vantage will be launched in 2007. The series will allow more owners to enjoy the Feadship experience.

Now, with the advent of the semi-custom F45 Vantage range, Feadship will be serving clients who may previously have been put off by the cost considerations associated with a one-off custom build.

"In recent years owners wishing to commission a Feadship in the 45-meter range have asked us to find ways of reducing overall costs," explains Feadship Chairman Hein Velema.

"The F45 Vantage is our carefully considered response. It allows Feadship to compete in a new market with the same levels of quality that we bring to the fully customized luxury motoryacht sector."

The F45 Vantage took over two years and 5000 engineering hours to develop. Feadship's design office De Voogt Naval Architects worked in close consultation with various experts from the chartering market, an increasingly important aspect for today's owners.

The result is a design in a very popular range at just under 500 tons gross tonnage. This volume is crucial as any surpassing of the 500 GT figure has major financial and operational implications with respect to MCA regulations.

"In terms of price, the F45 is very similar to standard semi-customized 45-metre boats from leading Italian and Dutch competitors," says Velema. "Nonetheless, having Feadship quality standards and brand image status will offer serious benefits when it comes to the F45's re-sale value."

There are further features of the F45 that give the series a leading edge over anything similar in the market. 'Standard' options from other yards usually consist of only two choices of styles, for instance. In contrast, Feadship is offering four highly distinctive interior styles, with distinctive woods, marbles and fabrics providing an entirely different feel.

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