Hull number 16 in our ever-popular Favorite 1500 series was delivered on schedule to her delighted owners this spring. Following her recent photoshoot which took place in the beautiful waters of Kaag in the South Holland province of the Netherlands, we take a closer look at what makes this vessel so special.
With an overall length of 15.6 metres, a beam of 4.80 metres and a draft of 1.20 metres, the all-aluminium Azure sports a round bilge, semi-displacement hull, with naval architecture by Dutch studio Vripack Naval Architects. Azure’s design comes from the drawing boards of Mulder shipyard in collaboration with the well-known Leiden-based superyacht designer Guido de Groot.
Azure serves as a perfect exemplar of the highly successful, renewed Mulder Favorite line. The Favorite vessels were developed to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Mulder Shipyard as a tribute to the numerous Favorite cruisers which have been built by Dirk Mulder Senior since 1955. Designed for private use by the Mulder family, the aim of the Mulder Favorite was to create an aesthetically beautiful motor yacht with recognisable lines which the whole family can enjoy.
Indeed, Azure’s virtually straight bow and sloping transom stern epitomise the ‘modern classic look’ of the Favorite vessels, which all feature spacious cabins, a luxurious open cockpit, large storage areas and a clear connection to the outside. In other words, the Favorite can be described as a genuine all-rounder vessel.
Guest accommodation on board Azure is comprised of two generous and comfortable staterooms: a master cabin and a guest stateroom which are particularly large compared to previous Favorite vessels, as a result of the owner opting to omit an additional day head from the layout.
Designed with guest comfort at the forefront of her designers’ minds, Azure boasts all of the amenities you would associate with a top-quality Dutch build and design, including underfloor heating throughout the entire interior. Her galley comes complete with all the equipment necessary for guests to enjoy five-star dining and service on board, with an additional fridge located in the vessel’s wheelhouse.
Powered by twin Volvo Penta D6-480 HP engines, Azure can reach an impressive top speed of 22 knots. As well as a 9.5kW auto-start diesel generator, she also comes equipped with six 225 Ah gell service batteries and two 120 Ah start batteries.
In addition, for when guests want to venture ashore or go on expeditions she also offers an electrically-opening tender bay that can comfortably house a three-metre tender.
The aptly named Azure turns heads on the water thanks to her striking metallic-grey blue hull and is also distinctive as the first Favorite 1500 to feature light oak floors instead of standard teak decks.
Stepping inside, the carefully chosen interior styling of the 15.6-metre vessel serves as a logical continuation of her eye-catching exterior, thanks to the tasteful light blue pillows and cushions which can be found in the main saloon, as well as the presence of various water-themed materials such as marble, numerous blue fabrics, and mussels on the side of the kitchen.
Other standout features on board Azure include her hydraulic foldable mast, her spacious engine room, the canvas bimini on the aft deck with carbon poles, as well as the cameras which can be found in both her bow and mast. In addition, she also features Raymarine equipment for ease of navigation.
Following her first summer season cruising the Dutch waters with her new owners, Mulder is delighted to have had the opportunity to capture Azure in action in full glory on the waters of Kaag in the Netherlands. A selection from the photoshoot can be viewed here.
