Luxury yacht SLOW POKE (ex. Coy Koi): Rebirth of a pocket explorer

After an extensive refit, 27.50m (90′ 3″) luxury yacht SLOW POKE (ex. Coy Koi) has been relaunched. Originally built in 2000 by Kuipers, from their Doggersbank long-range explorer series, she was purchased by an American vintage enthusiast with extensive experience repurposing classic cars, planes and buildings.

Motor yacht SLOW POKE

After a 2-year search for a no-nonsense pocket explorer he found Coy Koi and embarked on an $8m, 2.5-year refit at Safe Harbor Lauderdale Marine Centre which saw the yacht stripped back in full and rebuilt to suit the young, adventurous owner.

“I’m involved in a lot of design led projects and sit on the board of a design school, and for me, the Doggersbank is an example of the best packaging design in all of yachting,” he says.

Having engaged the original naval architect Vripack, the yacht was given a hull extension of 2.5m to accommodate a fully functioning swim platform with hydraulic steps and an elevated stern. The enlarged platform adds another dimension to the guest experience making it easier to board from the tender or toys, get in and out of the water plus offering more space to relax and sunbathe at the water’s edge. There is even an outdoor heated shower.

Sun deck with custom designed shade

Now painted with a black hull and racing green stripe, the yacht has all new decks, lighting and woodwork finishes on the exterior and a brand-new design scheme – from New York-based Redd Kaihoi – on the interior. The black accents in the main salon are complemented by bold blues and greens in the guest suites, while the master stateroom is colour matched to the bumper of the owner’s 1952 Porshe 356A.

Beautiful master suite

“The goal was to have everything you get in a 50m Feadship, even down to the yacht’s original three-inch handrails,” says the owner. “It’s important to be able to feel the ocean when aboard yet be safe in the knowledge that the boat’s durable enough to be seaworthy.”

Further modifications included a new bulbous bow to reduce resistance, which has resulted in an extra 2 knots of speed and 10% less fuel usage. Underwater lights and a glass window with cameras allow guests to view marine life on screens from the comfort of their own stateroom. Custom artworks include adornments to the sun awning which is hand-painted by artist Paul Kremer and other interior artworks by Houston-based artists including Julia Schnabel and Howard Hughes.

Sophisticated main salon

Since taking delivery, the owner has enjoyed cruising the West Coast, from Mexico to the Pacific Northwest and even enjoys staying on board while closer to home.

“For me, Slow Poke is the perfect three-night boat,” he adds. “It provides the type of tranquillity that you can’t get with a bigger boat. Even when I’m an hour from my house, I choose to stay aboard Slow Poke because it’s so calming, pleasant and peaceful.”

Aerial view of luxury yacht SLOW POKE

We wish the owner many years of exploration at sea on board luxury motor yacht SLOW POKE.