Mulder Design
Project Opal, an ambitious 70-meter yacht concept that reimagines luxury yachting through the lens of Caribbean villa living.
PRESS RELEASE
Dutch naval architecture and design studio Mulder Design has revealed Project Opal, an ambitious 70-meter yacht concept that reimagines luxury yachting through the lens of Caribbean villa living. The design unites Mulder’s proven high-speed cruising hull platform with a distinctive interior philosophy that blurs the boundaries between yacht and coastal sanctuary.
Engineering Excellence Meets Timeless Design
Project Opal leverages Mulder Design’s exceptional high-speed cruising hull—engineered to deliver either superior efficiency or the capability to exceed hull speed by up to 30 percent, depending on the selected engine package. With the hull platform’s engineering already designed and proven, the studio has focused on creating contemporary styling that balances appeal with longevity.
“With the exterior styling, what we have aimed to achieve is a look that appeals to a lot of people and therefore isn’t something too crazy, and which mirrors current trends in a way that isn’t so super-modern it would date quickly,” explains Bas Mulder, Owner at Mulder Design. “The core attributes are calm and elegant lines that work in harmony with the marine environment rather than screaming for attention. The project’s organic lines follow the flow of waves and clouds, and the yacht looks like she was sculpted by the wind.”
A Caribbean Vision at Sea
The interior concept represents a bold departure from conventional yacht design, drawing deep inspiration from Caribbean summer villas. The design team has crafted spaces that celebrate the duality between raw and refined elements—weathered wood meeting maritime tradition, rough stone evoking coastal architecture, and natural linen upholstery maintaining villa authenticity without compromising nautical sophistication.
Central to this philosophy is an innovative automatic wooden pergola system in the main deck lounge. The adjustable slats conceal spotlights while creating ever-changing light patterns that cast shifting shadows throughout the day, dissolving the ceiling boundary and filtering brilliant light like an authentic Caribbean terrace. This kinetic lighting installation responds to daily rhythms, keeping passengers connected to nature’s temporal flow.
The material palette—aged teak, sun-kissed stone, sandy tones, and weathered leather—creates spaces that breathe with light, shadow, and movement. Upon entering the main salon, guests encounter a bar crafted from rough stone and worked wood, followed by a long teak walkway that divides two lounge areas enhanced by custom wave-pattern carpeting. The journey culminates at a low sofa anchored by leather straps—an elegant nautical detail reminiscent of a sailing vessel secured at harbor.
Thoughtful Layout and Premium Features
The yacht’s layout incorporates signature Mulder Design elements, including flared bulwarks forward on the upper two decks that improve vision for bridge wing stations while expanding deck area around the owner’s suite positioned forward on the upper deck. The provisional general arrangement features a guest sky lounge aft, though this could be reconfigured to transform the entire upper deck into an expansive private owner’s area complete with large aft deck and forward cockpit lounge.
Main Deck: Forward section houses six luxurious guest doubles with elevated views; aft offers a sumptuous saloon and dining area leading to a multi-zone aft deck with bar, alfresco dining, and lounge area
Lower Deck: Primarily dedicated to crew quarters, mess, main galley, and technical elements
Upper Deck: Owner’s suite forward with expanded deck area, plus optional guest sky lounge or full owner’s deck configuration
Top Deck: Wheelhouse, captain’s cabin, aft sundeck area, and hidden observation deck forward of the mast featuring an intimate spa pool
Additional features include a substantial beach club in the stern with glass doors opening to a generous swim platform and large transformer platform for exceptional water access. A transverse garage accommodates tenders and toys, while the foredeck doubles as a touch-and-go helipad.
Technical Specifications
LOA: 70 meters
Waterline Length: 63.4 meters
Beam: 13 meters
Maximum Draft: 3.15 meters (ensuring access to popular harbours and anchorages)
Provisional Interior Volume: In excess of 1,400 GT
The Gemstone Philosophy
The project name reflects the design’s core values, opal is regarded as a protective and activating stone that brings cheerfulness, optimism, and spontaneity alongside creativity, originality, and appreciation for beautiful things. These qualities permeate both Project Opal’s design and the onboard experience envisioned for her future owners.
“Every element balances practical design with poetic inspiration,” adds the design team. “The result elevates the yachting experience into art, where every moment feels like a gentle escape to a Caribbean hideaway that happens to float upon the sea.”
For more information, please contact Kim Mulder at: kim@mulderdesign.nl
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