Over the past two weeks, novel Dutch yacht building company AR-Yachts have been busy testing and promoting their first completed AR 233 Superleggera to great acclaim. Initial voyages have included a special photo shoot with Dutch actor and car enthusiast Huub Stapel for Dutch yacht magazine NTQ. This special occasion took place at Durgerdam, at Marina Muiderzand near Amsterdam.

The AR 233 Superleggera is an aluminium Sealium-hulled vessel fitted with the latest generation Alfa Romeo 2.4 JTDM 20 valve diesel engine. This 200 bhp engine is able to power the 1,100 kg, 23 foot yacht to a maximum speed of 35 knots. The AR 233 SL, aimed as a marina runabout and alternative to the likes of the classic-shaped Aquariva and Boesch boats, is fully custom-built and costs 150,000 euros including VAT. 

This price has resulted in considerable interest in the AR 233 SL, and customer demand has included the prospect of using the gem-like Alfa Romeo 3.2 V6 engine in future examples. General interest in the yacht has so far been global, with yachting enthusiasts as far as China being tempted in the Superleggera concept.

Alongside manufacturing and marketing the AR 233 SL, AR-Yachts are also currently working on a larger sister vessel to expand the model lineup.

By James Granger