Hakvoort has delivered the 38.25-metre Soprano. Created for first-time owners, Soprano features exterior design by Diana Yacht Design and an interior by Felix Buytendijk. Soprano has a classical overall look, with an elegant canoe stern that was – the yard says – a key element in the owner’s brief. “Having previously seen and fallen in love with Sagamar V and Spada – both fine examples of Hakvoort’s experience with traditional designs – they were determined to create their very own with canoe-stern beauty. The fact that they chose Hakvoort is a testament to the impression Spada made on them when they visited her in the South of France,” Hakvoort says.

• Read more on Soprano’s launch

The yacht’s owners were highly involved in the build, visiting the yard regularly – often accompanied by friends. They wanted Soprano to be suitable for chartering, and specified three cabins in addition to the main suite: a full-beam VIP suite and two guest cabins, one of which boasts a Pullman bed recessed in the ceiling. “Soprano is a real gentleman’s yacht, blending the timeless beauty of our maritime tradition with lots of modern touches,” says director Albert Hakvoort jr. “She provides an excellent performance at sea, is exceptionally quiet and is superbly finished: the quality of the materials – the finest marbles and woods – is as important as the seamless way in which they have been fitted together. The owners asked us to create the full package for them – and Soprano certainly delivers.”

Inside, a key design element is the combination of rich stained mahogany panels with wood panels painted in matt white lacquer above the wainscot. “Like myself, the owners prefer unassuming elegance to flashy designs,” says Felix Buytendijk. “The same combination of colours and materials is found throughout the interior, in the main stateroom, guest areas and lounges, based on a philosophy that any boat below 60 metres should have a unified style.”

“The addition of the modern beach house accents ensures that the wooden panelling doesn’t appear too dark and serious,” says Captain Olof Templeman. “Two sliding windows – one forward in the owners’ suite and one in the sky lounge – also lighten the mood, allowing fresh air to circulate. When the awnings are up, she has a rich, exotic look, and the sun deck in particular is quite beautiful. Soprano is a very clever, well-balanced blend.” Hakvoort worked in close co-operation with Ocean Independence. The yacht is set to make her public bow at the Monaco Yacht Show in September.