Burgess and Alia Yachts collaborate on their first new build yacht project together

Burgess has signed its first new-build project of the year with Turkish shipyard Alia Yachts. The project is a sub-500GT motor yacht featuring exterior design by H2 Yacht Design, interiors by Vickers Studio and naval architecture by Van Oossanen.  

This signing is a great example of how the Burgess New Build Sales (NBS) team works with the client from the outset on choosing the right shipyard and the right designers for the project. Burgess Technical Services will be working with all parties to oversee the build.

‘We’re super-excited to be working with Alia Yachts for the first time,’ says Senior Partner and NBS Commercial Lead, Peter Brown. ‘To be able to build a true custom yacht of under 500GT with a shipyard that is so receptive to our ideas, so technically capable and so enthusiastic about what we can all do together, it’s going to be an immensely positive experience.

‘It feels like a collaboration,’ Peter continues. ‘They’re getting the best out of us and we’re getting the best out of them. This may be the first time we’ve worked together but I’m certain it won’t be the last. Alia is one to watch, for sure.’ 

‘We went through a very detailed specification review process with the yard,’ says Naval Architect and NBS’ Technical Lead Ed Beckett. ‘They were very receptive to all of our input and we worked together very well to develop the project within the agreed price. Alia is growing in experience, relevance and reputation every day and it’s clear that they have the appetite, enthusiasm and ability to become one of the big mainstream yards.’ 

From the shipyard: With more than 15 years’ experience building unique superyachts for demanding owners, Antalya-based Alia is among the best placed shipyards globally for such a project. It is exclusively focused on custom yachts that require flexible thinking and innovative solutions. And the size is right in the yard’s sweet spot, with its award-winning portfolio of yachts up to 60m in length.  

From Gökhan Çelik, founder and owner of Alia Yachts: 'I am thrilled to be starting the new year on such a positive note. We have worked tirelessly with partners involved to get this project to the signature stage, and I am confident that the results will exceed expectations. In particular, we have relished the frequent owner input and the very close relationship we have built with the Burgess team. I hope that this is just the start of a mutually rewarding collaboration.’ 

‘It’s also fantastic that we, as a British company get to work with two legendary British design studios in H2 Yacht Design and Vickers Studio,’ said Peter. ‘I can’t reveal any detail about their designs but both are at the very top of their game, exceeding the owner’s already high expectations of them.’ 

‘They’re two studios we know well and we’ve got great relationships with them both,’ adds Ed. ‘It can be slightly tricky when you have different interior and exterior designers because they have to collaborate to smooth the transition from inside to out, but on this project that’s working very well indeed.’ 

From Jonny Horsfield of H2 Yacht Design: ‘We have worked extensively in Turkey over the last 30 years so it’s a pleasure to be finally building a yacht with Alia Yachts. Our design is extremely rakish and fluid with a strong belt line giving her a uniquely dynamic aesthetic, along with a focus on outdoor living on the transom area. In partnership with Burgess, Alia and their partners I believe we will deliver a really special, beautiful product that will become a strong contender in this market place.’ 

From the interior designers: 'Vickers Studio is very excited about creating a new interior design for the new sub-500GT Alia motor yacht. Working with a superb owner's team, including the Burgess New Build Sales team, we will develop our vision for a modern, light, fresh interior with all the extra depth and personalisation to the client’s story we like to add to our designs. She’s going to be a really wonderful yacht for the owner and his family and friends.'

Regarding naval architecture and engineering, Ed continues: ‘Throughout the discussions with Van Oossanen and Alia we’ve had a very careful focus on reliability, redundancy and using trusted brands. That’s always been at the core of developing the project.’  

Burgess’ New Build Sales team combines our in-house commercial, technical and management expertise. Working with New Build Sales de-risks the creation process of crafting a new build yacht, resulting in a best-in-class yacht that’s tailor-made for each individual client. 

‘Working with our New Build Sales team means instant access to the commercial, technical and operational expertise that Burgess has in abundance, built up through decades of hands-on experience,’ adds Ed. ‘The core relationship with the client is stronger for it because they don’t feel there’s a salesman and a separate technical team, they feel that Burgess really is one team with one goal. Everyone is part of that inner circle and they can get whatever answers they want straight from the horse’s mouth. That process can be disjointed but because we’re one team, the flow of information is very smooth.’