Ulysses, 107-metre explorer yacht by Kleven upgraded

Ulysses, a 107-metre explorer yacht built by Kleven and previously known as Hull 366, has completed refitting in La Rochelle.

Delivered to her owner Graeme Hart, a New-Zealandese businessman, in March 2016, Ulysses was designed by Norwegian company Marin Teknikk, who has previously worked in partnership with Kleven on its offshore, commercial vessels.

Ståle Rasmussen, CEO of Kleven, said: “We have worked with Marin Teknikk for many years, developing numerous offshore vessels together, and the collaboration between us always works well. This vessel is a good example of our ability to develop and build specialised vessels and prototypes.”

The explorer yacht offers great performance without compromising luxury and comfort. She is designed for long-range passages in challenging sea conditions and has oceangoing capabilities fitting of the Ulsteinvik yard’s heritage. Kleven so describes the vessel: “(she) blends a robust, hard-working character with luxurious added extras”.

Maximising indoor spaces of such a large vessel, featuring an impressive 18-metre beam, Ulysses comfortably accommodates up to 60 guests over her seven decks. The interiors have been designed by world renowned British design studio H2 Yacht Design. Among the amenities onboard, there is a helicopter landing pad, helicopter garage and a swimming pool.

Ulysses is the first project to be completed at the former Atlantic Refit Centre site since its takeover by Compositeworks last year. Working in collaboration with owner’s representative Manta Maritime, the yard completed the upgrades in three months.

The upgrades involved input from 130 workers and 40 crewmembers, with new handrails, crew quarters and VIP balconies added, as well as the required hull finish. The explorer yacht’s tender fleet has also been expanded with the addition of a 2,500hp HydraSports 5300.

Ulysses is currently the world’s fourth largest explorer yacht. She will be overtaken by Hull 370, her 116-metre version, which is expected for delivery to the same owner this summer.