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VICTORIOUS
THE LARGEST NEW yacht to ever come out of Turkey is an explorer billed for world circumnavigation that also includes the usual Jacuzzis, gym, steam room and cinema. But it’s the more unusual features on 279-foot Victorious, including the fire pits, “members club” and 42-foot catamaran tender, that made this yacht stand out among this year’s launches at Monaco.
Victorious began life in Northern Chile, in 2007, originally as a 253-foot build that was never completed. New Zealand businessman Graeme Hart eventually took on the project, shipping the yacht to Auckland before deciding two years later to build the even larger 351-foot Ulysses instead. The project then restarted in earnest in 2016, when it was rediscovered by serial yachtsman Vural Ak.
An automotive enthusiast with many classic and supercars in his private collection, Ak established Turkish shipyard Akyacht in order to complete the build, as well as other superyachts going forward. His previous boats include the 164-foot by CRN and several performance vessels, including a 118-footer he still owns, so Ak knew precisely what he wanted. Delivered just ahead of the Monaco show, is a highly personalized yacht that’s also designed for the charter market.
