The 40.2-metre Nuic Nautika motor sailing yacht Anetta has been launched. The gulet yacht began construction in 2022 in Croatia and has been designed for the avid sailor Spiro Rakuljic, who we interviewed for the SuperYacht Times newspaper. Anetta features naval architecture by Nuic Nautika and boasts a luxurious contemporary interior design. She offers a six stateroom configuration for up to 12 guests, consisting of a full-beam master suite located forward on her lower deck.
Her remaining guest staterooms include a VIP suite starboard, two double staterooms and two convertible twins. She also has accommodation on the lower deck for a crew of eight. Key amenities onboard Anetta include a sea water pool on the main deck aft, a bar, Jacuzzi and open-air cinema lounge on the sun deck. She can also carry a selection of water toys and accessories including two Sea bobs, two e-foils, a Manta Jet Surf and a water slide.
In terms of performance, Anetta is equipped with twin Cummins engines, which provide her with a cruising speed of nine knots.
We are confident that Anetta will redefine the standard for luxury charters in the region and leave an indelible mark on our clients' memories.
Spiro Rakuljic’s family has been involved in the maritime industry for decades, building a fleet of mini ‘cruise vessel’ motor yachts in the Adriatic. He is now building his first private yacht, the 40.3-metre motor sailer Anetta, so we sat down with Spiro to find out more about this new venture and to discover why the family is moving into the private charter business.
How has nautical tourism grown over the years and when did you first get involved?
OWNER: Tourism began to grow in the Adriatic from around the mid-70s and the traditional wooden boats that were once used to export fruit were used to transport travellers to the islands. It was around this time that our family brough one of the largest wooden ships on the Adriatic, named it Anetta, after the grandmother, and began to reconstruct it.
By 2020, our family had the largest fleet of mini cruise ships on the Adriatic. As a result of the coronavirus, we decided to focus on the market of smaller luxury yachts with six cabins for up to 12 guests, as there was a real lack of them on the Adriatic. It also forces us to extend the build time of the new Anetta to the 2023 season. We’re really looking forward to finally showing her to the world.
Can you tell me about the design of Anetta, why you chose to build a motorsailer, who are the designers behind the project?
OWNER: We wanted to make a green transition with Anetta and a motorsailer seemed the right choice. The morning burin and afternoon mistrals – warm winds that blow during summer months in Croatia – also make for fantastic sailing. And with her sails unfurled Anetta will take full advantage!
The project is a collaboration between our family, Croatian naval architect Promardesign, and Nuić Nautika, who were responsible for her construction. We were involved at every stage as we have extensive knowledge in shipbuilding, sailing, and the requirements to enhance the passenger experience and facilitate the vessel's management for the crew.
What is your goal with Anetta, how do you see her fitting in with the broader fleet?
OWNER: We’re going to revolutionise the Croatian charter market with Anetta and propel our company to new heights of shipbuilding excellence. At 40-metres in length Anetta is the ideal size and she features many distinctive features. She offers a perfect balance of comfort and convenience for guests and crew alike, and has been designed to navigate even the smallest and most secluded ports and bays that larger vessels cannot access, giving our clients an unparalleled and authentic experience.
We are confident that Anetta will redefine the standard for luxury charters in the region and leave an indelible mark on our clients' memories.
Can you share some of the yacht’s top features?
OWNER: The allure and need of being near the sea has never been stronger for charter clients, and Anetta has distinguished herself as the only luxury motorsailer in Croatia to introduce this innovative concept of living close to the sea. She has a beach club with a seawater swimming pool on the stern area that connects to the swim platform, creating extra open-air leisure space for charter guests to enjoy.
She also has a large sundeck with a hot tub, open-air cinema and lounges. Notwithstanding her extensive list of water toys which includes a custom-made water slide. Numerous modern design features are integrated throughout her interior as well; her cabins exemplify the modern concept of open space, with bathrooms separated from the sleeping area by a glass wall that can be instantly blurred at the push of a button. Each cabin is also equipped with a smart room system, allowing the guests to customise the music, air conditioning and lighting.
As an owner/captain, you must have an extensive knowledge of cruising in Croatia, what do you think makes the region so special for sailing and cruising?
OWNER: The Croatian Adriatic Coast is unique, boasting a well-developed shoreline and a plethora of islands. Charterers can easily anchor in different bays and dock that are within just a few nautical miles of each other. There are many bays and harbours on both the south and north side of the island to explore. It’s a place of great diversity.
Croatia has also undergone significant developments over the past decade. Many options now complement luxury yacht charter vacations, such as Michelin-star restaurants, luxurious villas/resorts, beach clubs – all conveniently situated on either the shore or nearby islands.
How does Anetta fit within the Croatian history of yacht construction?
OWNER: Croatian shipbuilding is characterised by its competitiveness in terms of quality compared to Western European shipyards and pricing compared to East European shipyards. We embody this construction philosophy of building robust vessels with a high-quality finish that are easy to maintain – and Anetta is our flagship.
Anetta showcases that Croatian shipbuilding can produce high-quality and luxurious products at a competitive price. Thanks to Croatia’s entry into the EU and Schengen, the Adriatic Sea is becoming increasingly attractive to foreign investors, which has prompted us to take over a small failed shipyard near Split. Together with our business partners, we are investing in the construction of a new production facility and travel lift for building and refitting vessels similar or larger than Anetta.
What are your plans with the yacht once she is launched?
OWNER: We anticipate delivering Anetta in mid-May, enabling us to complete the interior furnishing and carry out the necessary test drives ahead of our first charter in July. We are confident that the season will be a success thanks to our partner and charter central agency YACHT IN. We look forward to introducing Anetta to the charter market and will do our best in providing our guests with a memorable experience through our attention to detail and exceptional service.
Anetta is now open for bookings for the 2024 season. For booking inquiries, contact us at charter@yacht-in.com.
