Words: Josh Lee
For just over three decades, Wajer Yachts has been causing subtle – rather than splashy – waves in the boating scene, thanks to its considered array of open day boats that are defined by a mix of lyrical lines, low-lying window frames and deep-riding cockpits – a formula that the venture says makes every vessel appear as though ‘she’s slicing through the water even when she’s moored.’ Each creation is also handcrafted in the north of the Netherlands (no two are the same), and ease-of-use is folded seamlessly into the experience (anchors, typically, are dropped remotely from the steering console).
Wajer 44 S, wajer.com
It is said that Wajer 55 is the world’s smallest superyacht, at 16m. Wajer 38 arrives with punchy orange detailing. With its 400-nautical-mile range, Wajer 77 is nicely suited for longer sojourns.
Recently, the Dutch brand unveiled the Wajer 44 S, a version of the Wajer 44 that’s aimed at water sports aficionados who seek a sizeable area for accommodating their gear (and close ones).
“The S version has become an integral part of our model range,” says managing director Dries Wajer. “It is a popular model among customers who enjoy water sports and love to spend a great day on the water with many friends or family.”
On the exterior, there’s a fixed roof that helps instantly separate this model from its siblings, offering coverage to a large area of the cockpit in order to shade guests during the height of the summer heat. (A retractable sunshade is there, too, in case more protection is required.) Additionally, at 13m, there is space for sun beds at the rear – a hydraulic ladder facilitates easy boarding – as well as a seating area at the foredeck, the perfect spot from where to take in a sundowner.
There’s also the signature recessed cockpit, and the centre console showcases essentials such as a fridge and cooktop, and a middle table is able to accommodate six. Perhaps more importantly, though, is the fact that integrated storage compartments allow you to conceal a slew of water toys – notably, there is space in the bulwark for two electric surfboards, and two Seabobs are stowed away under the aft hatch. SUP boards, meanwhile, can be affixed to the roof.
The smooth experience also extends to your smartphone – as with the Wajer 44, the Wajer 44 S is connected to the label’s own app, a function that allows the owner to oversee several functions, such as viewing the anchor position and utilising the hydraulic swim ladder.
Following an arduous day on water, the call of the cabin – cooled by air con and flush with the promise of a double bed – is too hard to resist.
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