Launched last July, Vitters Shipyard’s 180-foot sailing yacht Marie (+31.38.386.7145, www.vitters.com; available for charter through Fraser Yachts, 954.463.0600, www.fraseryachts.com) is a classically designed ketch with a host of contemporary twists. The yacht’s traditional exterior exemplifies the 21-year-old Dutch yard’s workmanship while incorporating such features as a highly efficient aluminum hull, carbon-fiber spars, and PBO-fiber rigging. Assisted by state-of-the-art electronics, these features help propel Marie to a top speed of about 17 knots under sail. (A 1,100 hp Caterpillar engine provides supplemental power.) The yacht’s light and warm interior includes a wide-open main salon adorned with antique armaments and nautical-themed art. Marie accommodates eight guests in four staterooms (or 10 guests if using the Pullman berths), in addition to eight crew members. The yacht houses a range of toys and tenders, including an early-1900s-style 12-foot tender, snorkeling gear, a pair of sea scooters, and water skis and wakeboards. This quintessential ketch also offers plenty of onboard exhilaration, especially in the crow’s nest, set 123 feet above the deck.
