The Acico motor yacht MY Ursus, originally a 24-metre (79-foot) vessel, arrived at Balk Shipyard in 2022 for a comprehensive rebuild. This ambitious project involves a complete redesign of both the interior and exterior. A significant milestone has already been achieved with the successful extension of the bow and stern sections, lengthening MY Ursus to a 30.36-metre (100-foot) pocket explorer yacht.

Balk Shipyard has teamed up with Mulder Design and the yacht owner’s team to revamp MY Ursus, aiming to enhance both seakeeping performance and on-board living spaces. Mulder Design has provided a new naval architecture, reimagined the exterior design, and is overseeing the interior styling in collaboration with the owner’s team.

Evan Kortmann, chief executive officer at Balk Shipyard, explained, “We have been honoured to be working with involved and passionate owners for this project. They are experienced yacht people who want to maximise the enjoyment they get from their vessel. This is a dramatic rebuild and MY Ursus will not only leave larger than when she arrived, she will leave completely changed. Mulder Design has beautifully reimagined the vessel; it’ll be hard to believe this is the same yacht.”

Bas Mulder, owner of Mulder Design, adds, “Both the bow and stern are entirely new extensions. Only the middle part of the hull remains unchanged. The superstructure has been extended by one metre to create a larger salon and sundeck.”

The deck areas of MY Ursus are being completely overhauled and expanded. The upper deck will be extended, providing more space for the owner and guests, and a new alfresco kitchen will be installed. Additional upgrades include new wing stations and crane foundations, a renewed beach club, and numerous technical enhancements. The new layout also increases crew accommodations.

MY Ursus is set to be redelivered later this year, marking the culmination of this ambitious and transformative project. The reborn yacht promises to offer enhanced performance and luxurious living spaces, reflecting the combined expertise and passion of Balk Shipyard and Mulder Design.

For more information, visit Balk Shipyard.

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Renderings courtesy of Mulder Design.