KD, a new 52-metre superyacht that was commissioned for a client and built under the careful management of West Nautical has officially launched in La Spezia, Italy.

Built by leading shipyard Sanlorenzo, KD is an extremely well-designed displacement yacht with transatlantic range and class-leading levels of comfort, quality and refinement. A highly customised version of the SL52 Steel platform, the yacht is built to full LY3 compliance and will be commissioned for private use by her owner, who has chartered for many years and wanted to create a truly bespoke vessel that could be enjoyed by his family.

West Nautical, who brokered the deal in January 2017, was engaged to help create the perfect yacht to meet the owner’s exacting requirements. Our specialised team worked to assist the client in selecting a suitable shipyard and specification, before commencing contract negotiations on the owner’s behalf. Once agreed, West Nautical installed an on-site team to follow, monitor and advise on all aspects of the construction, under the careful guidance of Head of Yacht Management and Owner Representative, Tom Leyland.

Working closely with Sanlorenzo, Vercellesi Design and the owner, the yacht is scheduled for delivery in what will be just 18 months – something that is often unheard of for a build of this magnitude. To ensure that the project was effective and delivered maximum value for the client, West Nautical’s service was delivered on an all-inclusive package which incorporated the full suite of the build and technical project management services.

KD boasts state-of-the-art technology and extensive internal and external volume. Able to accommodate 12 guests and 10 crew, the yacht also benefits from a substantial beach club, glass bottom splash pool on the main deck, a gym, and a host of water sports equipment, in addition to a float-in tender dock.

With a cruising speed of 15 knots and maximum speed of 17 knots, KD comes in at just under 500 gross tonnes.

Tom Leyland said: “KD has been a fantastic project and the yacht is a testament to all parties involved. The owner’s passion, and Sanlorenzo’s dedication to meeting their clients’ requirements, have made for a very intense and rewarding experience and I look forward to continuing to work with the project now it has moved from concept to reality.

“We wish her owners and crew every success and look forward to seeing her cruising in the Mediterranean this summer.”