Some launches catch attention, but this one turns heads – and sparks debate. In Bodrum, a striking 40-metre wooden motorsailer named Boa Kingdom has officially touched water, marking an ambitious debut for BOA Yachts. After her ceremonial launch, she was transported to the hardstanding area, where her sails will be fitted before an intense final phase of sea trials.
This isn’t just another yacht. Built entirely in line with the strict RINA Class standards, Boa Kingdom represents a bold first chapter for BOA Yachts – the newly formed construction division of SCA Yachting, a company with a long-standing reputation for yacht chartering and high-quality refits. Upon completion and delivery, she will be available for exclusive charter voyages spanning the Mediterranean and Aegean seas.
Her naval design was masterminded by Fuat Turan, and construction took place at Çavuşoğlu Shipyard, a specialist in wood epoxy laminate techniques. This traditional yet highly advanced wooden build has raised eyebrows in the industry. Why wood, when so many shipyards chase carbon fibre and aluminium? SCA Yachting founder Cenk Avdan offers his answer: "We choose wood because its fatigue resistance surpasses most alternatives, giving the yacht longevity. It’s also environmentally kind and poses no health risks to those aboard." And here’s where opinions might split – is this a nostalgic return to craftsmanship, or a deliberate challenge to modern yacht-building trends?
Inside, Boa Kingdom accommodates up to 12 guests in absolute comfort, alongside space for seven crew members. Her vast 345 square metres of outdoor living area includes a generous 84-square-metre flybridge, a forward-positioned Jacuzzi, and a 16-square-metre swim platform that invites guests to lounge right at the waterline. Every detail of the interior and exterior was shaped by BOA Yachts’ in-house design team in close collaboration with her owner, a prominent Turkish businessman.
Performance is powered by twin 550-horsepower Volvo engines, delivering an impressive top speed of 15 knots and a comfortable cruising speed of 12 knots – striking a balance between power and pleasure. Boa Kingdom carries a gross tonnage of 345GT, underscoring her impressive presence on the water.
For BOA Yachts founder Özkan Arseven, this milestone is about more than just naval engineering: "In today’s yachting world, speed often overshadows substance. We value integrity – in design, in material, in vision. This yacht isn’t only about luxury; it’s about leaving a legacy." His words hint at a philosophy that could challenge prevailing industry mindsets.
Boa Kingdom remains a private commission, with her finer interior details kept undisclosed – only adding to the allure. But one thing is certain: she’s a fusion of tradition, innovation, and a dash of provocation.
Now the question is yours – in an age racing toward ultra-light composites and futuristic designs, is a large wooden yacht a testament to timeless quality, or a romantic gamble? Share your thoughts below – and don’t be afraid to disagree.
