This article originally appeared in the May 2020 issue of the The World of Yachts

Diving is perhaps one of the best ways to lift the veil of secrecy across the world’s oceans, and to discover the rich treasures that are held within them. From Chios to Hawaii, and from Sardinia to Palau, there is a full spectrum of indescribable beauty just waiting to be experienced by adventurous travelers. Enter the DutchCraft 56. Thanks to its outstanding versatility and capability, it is the perfect yacht for diving devotees.

“Take your diving to the next level,” said Sietse Koopmans, Founder and Chairman of DutchCraft, of the yard’s flagship yacht. “In addition to the surface world, there is a lot to be discovered underwater, too.”

All the gear
The 17-meter DC56 fits up to 16 dive sets, all neatly stowed in the aft’s oversized lockers (2.7m x 1.5m & 2m x 1.1m). After diving, the empty tanks can be refilled by the optional built-in Bauer junior scuba compressor while the equipment is cleaned in the washing basin.

A smartly concealed optional davit crane can be incorporated into the aft section of the vessel. “It is very convenient if you do not feel like lifting the heavy gear from the water,” commented Koopmans. “The aft deck is low and we installed a professional ladder, so it’s easy to access the water. After diving, you can wash the equipment in the dedicated basin.”

The aft platform of the DC56, one of the yacht’s key features, is dedicated to toys and storage; there is enough space for stowage of various watercraft, such as jetskis and sea scooters or even a submersible. It is one of the largest aft sections in the class.

A boat for real explorers
DutchCraft has developed two versions of the model, the Cabin and the Open. While the DC56 Open fits warmer climates, the DC56 Cabin genuinely extends the boating season. “The covered, spacious, air-conditioned main deck saloon with panoramic tinted windows provides shelter in case the weather gets really bad. The DC56 is the perfect boat for real explorers who want to discover the world from every possible angle,” said Sietse Koopmans.

On the lower deck of the DC56, there is modern, comfortable and easily maintained accommodation for up to eight guests in four cabins. The yacht is equipped with a dishwasher, a freezer, a wine cooler, an icemaker and two fridges. The high ceiling height on the lower deck gives a sense of space and comfort, while noise and vibration have been minimized to provide a smooth and silent environment.

Top performance
The yacht’s propulsion options include twin Volvo Penta IPS 600 or 950 systems. The maximum speed is over 40 knots in comfort with minimal turbulence, thanks to the high-performance composite hull designed and engineered by DutchCraft’s in-house expert team. The range of up to 840nm is also impressive and guarantees several days of autonomous exploration. The DutchCraft DC56 is also available in commercial version with John Deere engines and Doen jets that allows for 30,000-hour service intervals.

Conveniently, the DC56 is equipped with a Volvo dynamic positioning systemfor operational assistance.When activated by a press of a button on the joystick, it automatically maintains the boat’s position within a very limited area, even during strong currents or windy conditions; there is no need to use an anchor, which is usually prohibited in sensitive and protected marine areas such as over coral reefs.