Abeking & Rasmussen Enters a New Chapter With ARUBY

    Abeking & Rasmussen Enters a New Chapter With ARUBY

    Shipyards known for one-off masterpieces do not typically get into the business of repetition. For more than a century, the name Abeking & Rasmussen has been synonymous with fully custom vessels, each a singular project. With the introduction of the ARUBY concept, the German builder is signaling a deliberate shift in its thinking. This is their first-ever series yacht, a move that recalibrates the relationship between craftsmanship and efficiency.

    The 70-meter ARUBY is the yard’s answer to a modern dilemma: the desire for bespoke quality without the multi-year timeline of a fully custom build. The project is based on a pre-engineered platform developed over a 25-year partnership with Reymond Langton Design. By starting with a proven technical foundation, the planning phase is significantly shortened. It allows an owner to bypass the complexities of assembling a new-build team from scratch, yet it preserves full creative control over the interior spaces.

    A Focus on Privacy

    The philosophy behind the ARUBY is described as a form of “New Luxury” that prioritizes autonomy and discretion. The layout is designed around privacy, with crew routes planned to be efficient and largely separate from guest areas. Smart self-service options are integrated to reduce the need for constant interaction, reflecting a desire for a more relaxed and personal onboard experience.

    This thinking is most apparent in the owner's accommodations. The 90-square-meter suite includes two private balconies, an office, and a large central bathroom with a freestanding tub overlooking the water. It functions as a self-contained apartment. Below, five guest cabins and a 24-square-meter VIP suite on the bridge deck provide versatile arrangements for family or charter use.

    Life on board is structured around distinct zones for relaxation and entertainment. A 5.2-meter-long pool on the main deck flows down toward a spacious beach club, which features fold-out platforms, a gym, and a spa. On the bridge deck, a sunken lounge with an integrated fire pit creates an open-air cinema, offering another private space away from the main social areas.

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    Engineered for Quietness

    The technical platform of the ARUBY is built for quiet efficiency. A diesel-electric propulsion system uses five generators, each producing around 650 kW, to power a pod drive system. This setup is engineered for extremely low noise and vibration. It is also designed to be “future-fuel-ready,” allowing for adaptation as new energy sources become viable.

    A 150-kWh battery pack allows the yacht to run silently at anchor, powering hotel loads without the need for generators. The decision to use a single-story engine room is also a strategic one. It frees up a significant amount of volume, which is reallocated to the guest areas on the lower deck. The hull is designed for a comfortable cruising speed of 12.5 knots and can reach a top speed of 16 knots.

    ARUBY is not a departure from the yard’s identity, but an evolution of it. It attempts to package the quality and engineering of a custom build into a more accessible format, acknowledging that for some owners, time is the ultimate luxury.

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