Yachts International — January-February 2018

FEBRUARY

2018

39

Within the 55’s inviting
contemporary interior are
a galley, a day head and
accommodations for six,
with a skylight above the
forward berth.

hull, courtesy of Vripack, is well balanced, while inven-

tive spray rails add to the dry ride. Weight savings come

from lightweight materials and vacuum technologies.

The 55 is one of few yachts in this category to offer

a triple 435-horsepower Volvo Penta IPS600 package.

The engines, which can be operated via joystick, are

compact enough to leave space in the boat’s after sec-

tion for a Williams Turbojet 325 tender, whose 10-foot,

9-inch (3.3-meter) length is concealed below the sun

pads. Down below, creature comforts include a galley,

day head and accommodations for six with a skylight

above the cabin.

For me, the coolest novelty on board is the push-

button fender system, which has fenders popping out

from the side and inflating automatically. It can be oper-

ated remotely or from the console touchscreen. I’m told

that Wajer Yachts is the first to employ such a system on

a yacht smaller than 60 feet long and has a patent pend-

ing. Equally cool is the hydraulically operated anchor,

which also can be operated via touchscreen. Aided by

a camera, the system eliminates the need to brave the

elements while anchoring.

Wajer’s innovations continue with an automated

Bimini top/spray hood that retracts into the aft seating

area; a cockpit table that hydraulically lowers into the

sole, freeing up cockpit real estate; and a swim platform

that doubles as a gangway. At 6 feet in length, the passe-

relle is wide enough for several people and adjusts to the

height of the quay.

My ride ended with the vibrant Amsterdam water-

front approaching and the last few drops trickling from

my bottle of Heineken. I was reminded that it’s not every

day one gets to arrive in such grand fashion. Hopefully,

it’s not the last.

For more information: wajer.com

DON’T BE

FOOLED BY

HER QUIET AIR

OF LUXURY.

THE WAJER 55

IS ALSO EVERY

BIT OF A PER-

FORMANCE

MACHINE,

ESPECIALLY

WHEN RIP-

PING ALONG

AT HER 38-

KNOT TOP

END.