A ‘small’ superyacht to carry with superyachts: Xtender’s 16.1m superyacht tender

2015-10-Xtender 16_1m-9The Xtender 16.1, the work of leading tender manufacturer Xtenders in collaboration with Dubois Naval Architects, is a highly customizable 16.1m stowable long-range tender, designed and built to meet the demands of modern-day discerning owners.
With their latest tender, Xtenders achieved in building a versatile and elegant vessel which is meant to be an important milestone in the company’s heritage. Owner representative Sebastian Allebrodt stated that the significance of the outcome of the first project is a sign of progress for everyone involved. “I wouldn’t even call it a tender,” he says, “It’s more like a small superyacht. The project was conceived in the same way we do superyachts, with a specification designer and interior designer. The 16.1 has been a big game changer for Xtenders and I feel they were working more as a superyacht shipyard during the project rather than a tender builder”
Herbert Dercksen, Olympic sailor in the multihull class and founder of the Extreme 40 class, is the man behind the creation of the tender: his experience had a great role in the project and positively influenced the efficiency, stability and ultimate top speed of the vessel.
In order to achieve the optimum weight to strength ratio, Xtenders cooperated with STRUCteam from the UK, who were responsible for calculating each detailed load on the craft, to determine the precise laminate solutions for each section. Xtenders exclusively uses carbon fibre for construction, and the 16.1 is no exeption. In order to build the ultimate lightweight and strong tender, Xtenders turned to Trimarine from Portugal and Marstrom Composites in Sweden, companies who have built hulls for America’s Cup boats, Volvo Ocean Racers and the extreme 40 series, for the construction of the hull.
As for the exterior design, Dubois Naval Architects drew a low profile foredeck and wheelhouse structure, giving the tender a stylish and yet minimalist explorative look while keeping the design compact as wished by the client.
Out on deck, the tender’s true versatility and practically comes to show. The cockpit is central and laid out with two recessed navigation screens and gear essential for manoeuvring. Shock mitigation seats allow for a safe and comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers, with a nearly invisible wind-guard ahead and sleek hard top canopy structure above. The Xtender 16.1m’s deck has been carefully kept clean and simple, with dedicated storage for the custom fenders. A removable sun awning cleverly stowing below the aft sunbed can be erected while cruising at speeds up to 35 knots. When at anchor, the tender becomes a pleasant floating island: with the aft bulwarks folded down, this section converts into a spacious area ideal for sunbathing and relaxation, and a one meter wide swim ladder leads one directly onto the swim platform equipped with two deck showers.
The interior is a fine example of the Xtender  customisability.The interior cabin has been designed with great attention to details: GCA Architects from Barcelona decorated an indoor space where guests can escape the elements in cosiness and softness. A fully operating galley with high quality Miele and CEA design appliances, a day head and large day berth that transforms into a comfortable lounge sofa, complete the space. Constructed according to the highest standards in available technologies and engineering solutions, the full-carbon 16.1 could even be taken as a serious racer rather than a tender. Capable of a speed of 50 knots, the tender is able to reach 500nm at 25 knots in the highest level of comfort and luxury.