The Dutch builder Altena Shipyard which builds Doggersbank expedition yachts for Vripack Design Group has focused their combined efforts primarily on yachts that will be run by professional crews for owners who will fly in to meet their yachts in exotic locations.
But Vripack and the builder are aware of the growing market among younger cruisers for expedition yachts that can be run by owner operators. This is a market where Outer Reef and Nordhavn have prospered for years. The Doggeersbank 60 has been the builder’s offering in this niche.
To attract these younger, adventurous buyers, cruisers who also enjoy water sports, shoreside explorations and long periods of time on their boat, Vripack has reconfigured and updated the 60.
The builder has added large hull windows that will fill the cabins below decks with light and provide seascape views for those inside. The deck house and pilot house have been given larger windows and and the exterior has been modernized with stylish moldings and trim.
Storage has been added aft for water toys such as SUPs, kayaks, kite boarding gear and dive gear; the stern platform is large enough to be a launch pad for all of the above.
The 60 Offshore is still a robustly built Doggesbank with a 2,000-mile range at cruising speeds. The pilot house feels like the bridge of a ship and the flying bridge will enable eye-ball navigation in ice or tight quarters.
The boat deck on the bridge has a large crane so the 60 can carry a 15-foot RIB that will be a vital element of explorations. This is also where kayaks and boards can be stowed.
The Doggersbank 60 Offshore is one of those purposeful-looking yachts that will be at home far from the comforts of marinas and quay-side bistros. The Doggersbank brand is represented in North America by John Clayman at Seaton Yachts.
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