Grand dreams
Safety is paramount, and when Ridas was approached by a client with a dream to ‘build the world’s safest sailing yacht to go anywhere, without sacrifice to ease of handling and onboard comfort,’ the Tallinn-based shipyard knew it had a challenge on its hands. An important one too – and didn’t shy away from the task. The saying ‘dreams are made’ is over-saturated and rarely a term fairly used. It’s a throwaway term – disposable if you will – yet in the case of the 41.54-meter sailing yacht Melody, it couldn’t be closer to the truth.
A Tallinn resident and friend of the shipyard wanted a world-cruising schooner that was built to last and which would require minimal upkeep and maintenance. It was paramount that the yacht could withstand frigid winters and sweltering summers; it was to be a yacht that was well-suited anywhere in the world. Despite not being known for building such large yachts, Ridas has a reputation for quality and outstanding builds, delivering well over 300 yachts since it was established in 1993. For the client, Ridas was perfect: ‘Ridas is the only shipyard I trust 100%. The owner is a well-accredited international sailor and boat builder, and for many years, I’ve deeply admired the boats he and his colleagues have built.’
Grand dreams
Safety is paramount, and when Ridas was approached by a client with a dream to ‘build the world’s safest sailing yacht to go anywhere, without sacrifice to ease of handling and onboard comfort,’ the Tallinn-based shipyard knew it had a challenge on its hands. An important one too – and didn’t shy away from the task. The saying ‘dreams are made’ is over-saturated and rarely a term fairly used. It’s a throwaway term – disposable if you will – yet in the case of the 41.54-meter sailing yacht Melody, it couldn’t be closer to the truth.
A Tallinn resident and friend of the shipyard wanted a world-cruising schooner that was built to last and which would require minimal upkeep and maintenance. It was paramount that the yacht could withstand frigid winters and sweltering summers; it was to be a yacht that was well-suited anywhere in the world. Despite not being known for building such large yachts, Ridas has a reputation for quality and outstanding builds, delivering well over 300 yachts since it was established in 1993. For the client, Ridas was perfect: ‘Ridas is the only shipyard I trust 100%. The owner is a well-accredited international sailor and boat builder, and for many years, I’ve deeply admired the boats he and his colleagues have built.’
From sketch to sea
But just as all great boats begin life, Melody began as a sketch in the Netherlands. Designed by Olivier van Meer, renowned for his penmanship that places function above all else, Melody is the extension – and new flagship – of his successful Zaca series. Van Meer was quite literally born on a traditional wooden sailing schooner and has never quite left the water. Despite having such a thick portfolio and a strong reputation, Van Meer is a sailor first, designer second. His yachts are practical at the granular level and designed around usage and less around aesthetics – that’s not to say they’re not beautiful.
Characterised by long, sweeping lines, open decks, a raised pilothouse, and more than 1,400 square metres of billowing Dacron sails, Melody strikes an impressive silhouette. She’s a yacht suited for exploring the Pacific as she is for shallows, coastal, and inland waters. And she looks fantastic sailing both. Melody is as much of a passion project for Van Meer as she is for her owner. And the team involved in her creation was purposefully kept slim to ensure that she was passion-driven. A full custom yacht, designed for world cruising and equipped with nothing short of the best.
From sketch to sea
But just as all great boats begin life, Melody began as a sketch in the Netherlands. Designed by Olivier van Meer, renowned for his penmanship that places function above all else, Melody is the extension – and new flagship – of his successful Zaca series. Van Meer was quite literally born on a traditional wooden sailing schooner and has never quite left the water. Despite having such a thick portfolio and a strong reputation, Van Meer is a sailor first, designer second. His yachts are practical at the granular level and designed around usage and less around aesthetics – that’s not to say they’re not beautiful.
Characterised by long, sweeping lines, open decks, a raised pilothouse, and more than 1,400 square metres of billowing Dacron sails, Melody strikes an impressive silhouette. She’s a yacht suited for exploring the Pacific as she is for shallows, coastal, and inland waters. And she looks fantastic sailing both. Melody is as much of a passion project for Van Meer as she is for her owner. And the team involved in her creation was purposefully kept slim to ensure that she was passion-driven. A full custom yacht, designed for world cruising and equipped with nothing short of the best.
The 42m Songbird of the Sea
No expense spared
Melody is state-of-the-art, and the premium selection of equipment, fixtures, and fittings is what gives her such strong safety credentials. More than 26 systems have Type and Product Approvals from Lloyd’s Register, including her generated electricity and lithium battery banks, her freshwater sewage treatment, and her hydraulic systems supplied by Lewmar.
The premium selection of products and components is also what levels up luxury. All floors and related components are rubber-separated and ceilings are rubber-dampened, ensuring Melody is as quiet and vibration free as possible. When underway only 50 decibels can be heard from the owner’s suite, which – much like the rest of the yacht – is equipped with Bose audio-visual units. She’s been secured and can be easily monitored with Böning on any device.
No expense spared
Melody is state-of-the-art, and the premium selection of equipment, fixtures, and fittings is what gives her such strong safety credentials. More than 26 systems have Type and Product Approvals from Lloyd’s Register, including her generated electricity and lithium battery banks, her freshwater sewage treatment, and her hydraulic systems supplied by Lewmar.
The premium selection of products and components is also what levels up luxury. All floors and related components are rubber-separated and ceilings are rubber-dampened, ensuring Melody is as quiet and vibration free as possible. When underway only 50 decibels can be heard from the owner’s suite, which – much like the rest of the yacht – is equipped with Bose audio-visual units. She’s been secured and can be easily monitored with Böning on any device.
No expense spared
Melody is state-of-the-art, and the premium selection of equipment, fixtures, and fittings is what gives her such strong safety credentials. More than 26 systems have Type and Product Approvals from Lloyd’s Register, including her generated electricity and lithium battery banks, her freshwater sewage treatment, and her hydraulic systems supplied by Lewmar.
The premium selection of products and components is also what levels up luxury. All floors and related components are rubber-separated and ceilings are rubber-dampened, ensuring Melody is as quiet and vibration free as possible. When underway only 50 decibels can be heard from the owner’s suite, which – much like the rest of the yacht – is equipped with Bose audio-visual units. She’s been secured and can be easily monitored with Böning on any device.
A true family world-cruiser
Melody offers accommodation for as many as eight guests across four staterooms, comprising an owner’s suite, complete with an office area and ensuite with shower and bathtub, and three ensuite VIP staterooms. She can also host four crew. Equipped with a single 500-horsepower Volvo D 13 diesel engine, Melody has an impressive 2,000-nautical mile range and consumes only 18 litres of fuel per hour when cruising at 8 knots.
A true family world-cruiser
Melody offers accommodation for as many as eight guests across four staterooms, comprising an owner’s suite, complete with an office area and ensuite with shower and bathtub, and three ensuite VIP staterooms. She can also host four crew. Equipped with a single 500-horsepower Volvo D 13 diesel engine, Melody has an impressive 2,000-nautical mile range and consumes only 18 litres of fuel per hour when cruising at 8 knots.
But she shines because she’s genuine and encapsulates the spirit of sailing – and adventure. Her twin masts ensure ease of use and can even be manned single-handedly. If there’s a word to encapsulate Melody, it’s pride. She’s the queen of Estonia and a flagship that could usher in a new era for Estonia’s Ridas Yacht. Built to the highest standards and the only new-build yacht in her class on the market – Melody is a rare opportunity to get out and enjoy sailing, safely and immediately.