In an era dominated by high-tech composites, steel, and aluminum, a stunning 50-meter (164-foot) vessel named ‘Afra’ is making waves, claiming the title of the world’s largest wooden superyacht. Delivered in 2020 by the UAE-based Ahmad Bin Suloom, this custom-built masterpiece is a passionate nod to the traditional maritime heritage of the Arabian Gulf.
‘Afra’ is not merely a yacht; it is a grand-scale revival of the traditional dhow-building art, scaled up to meet modern superyacht standards.
Unique Details of a Teak Leviathan
The yacht’s record-breaking distinction comes from its extensive use of wood, offering a rich, warm aesthetic that stands defiantly apart from its minimalist, white-hulled contemporaries.
Length and Construction: Measuring 50 meters (164 feet), the yacht’s hull is clad almost entirely in high-gloss Burmese teak, giving it a warm, mirror-like finish. The design, however, cleverly incorporates a GRP (fibreglass) superstructure beneath the teak skin to optimize weight distribution, buoyancy, and modern stability requirements.
Cavernous Interiors: ‘Afra’ boasts an unusually wide beam for its length, lending a “cavernous” feeling to its main saloon. The interior is a lavish blend of classic teak paneling and high-end contemporary Italian furnishings and marble.
Modern Luxury: Despite its vintage-inspired exterior, the vessel is outfitted with 21st-century amenities, including:
Six Staterooms: Luxurious accommodations for up to 12 guests, including two full master suites.
Dedicated Cinema Room: A massive, private onboard cinema.
High Performance: Powered by twin 1,678hp Caterpillar diesel engines, the yacht achieves a respectable top speed of 18 knots, proving traditional materials don’t necessitate slow performance.
A Passion Project on the Global Market
The yacht, designed and engineered by Henderson Marine International, was built as a passion project, celebrating the rich shipbuilding traditions of the region.
Brett Noble, Co-Founder of yacht brokerage Bush & Noble, which has managed the vessel’s sale, remarked, “This type of yacht exemplifies the Middle East market in many ways… not many people are brave enough to step outside the comfort zone of GRP or similar construction. This stunning custom wooden yacht is truly a one-of-a-kind.”
‘Afra’ represents a rare and successful blend of old-school craftsmanship scaled to modern luxury expectations, establishing a new benchmark for wooden vessels in the superyacht world.
