Livingstone, The Pocket Explorer Yacht

The first Explorer Yacht in Hartman Yachts' Livingstone series not only had to live up to the pioneering spirit of her namesake, but also to exceed the expectations of her highly discerning captain-owner, Joseph Hartman. For Hartman, a keen yachtsman who has owned several yachts over the years, has never before entrusted a build to his own shipyard, which he directs as the seventh generation of Hartman captain-owners.

Designing the clean, classic exterior in collaboration with Sheerline Yacht Design, Joseph Hartman has married state-of-the-art technology with true explorer capabilities and open spaces suitable for family living.

The perfectly formed Explorer Yacht has a steel hull and 10,500 litre fuel reserve to keep the engine turning through long independent forays. Emblematic of 1930s Art Deco design which elevated the maritime to the mainstream, the classic form also conceals a 700 litre day tank to ensure an uninterrupted supply of fuel and guard against contamination, as well as a high-tech passarelle that swiftly extends from the transom.

In this way, MY Livingstone brings classic aesthetics into harmony with modern performance and explorer capabilities, all underpinned by Joseph Hartman's personality and the needs of his family. The advantage of new build will always be customisation and in this case, the family-orientated owner planned 4 comfortable cabins accommodating up to 9 famliy and friends, with no crew cabins, as he prefers to get away from it all in total privacy.  

The open-plan layout, with a country-style galley and open space to the bridge, feels like the modern home of a family that enjoys spending time together. Similarly, the spacious bridge boasts a large sofa that invites guests to sit down for a long chat, for after-dinner drinks or simply to enjoy the beautiful views.

MY Livingstone’s luxurious owners’ cabin, with open ensuite facilities and 3 metre headroom, is imbued with the tranquil, laid-back atmosphere of a loft-style apartment. The colour scheme of warm neutrals and sky blue is punctuated with evocative touches such as the elephant tusk above the headboard. 

The aft deck has been designed to enable al fresco dining in all weather, whilst the spacious sun deck is a great place to hang out while enjoying beautiful weather, and is equipped with awnings for use in warmer climes. On the foredeck, a cosy bench forms the ideal nook for hiding away with a glass of wine or a book. MY Livingstone's decks provide the perfect perch for casting off, and room has even been made for a 3.9 m tender.

Nordic Adventures

In 2017, MY Livingstone took a summer holiday in Scandinavia and crossed the North Sea to drop anchor in St Katherine Docks for a two week stay in the UK's capital.

The trip began at home on the Dutch island of Urk where Hartman Yachts are based. The Norwegian capital of Oslo would be the final stop on the itinerary. Beautiful fjords, fishing at sunset and isolated anchorages in the midst of untouched nature, were the quiet joys thrown into relief by the vibrant city life of Europe's capitals.

In Copenhagen, MY Livingstone was moored at the royal family's residence of Amalienborg Palace. Whilst in Oslo, MY Livingstone found a protected berth at the foot of the impressive Akershus Castle in the city centre. Oslo's world-class museums, restaurants and art galleries where enjoyed by the family as a change to the stunning scenery of the Danish, Swedish and Norwegian coasts.

In mid-October an ominous yellow sky caused by storm Ophelia hung over the mouth of the River Thames as MY Livingstone proceeded to London. Despite signs of the storm, the yacht managed admirably while crossing the North Sea: due to the Najad stabilizers and the shape of the hull a comfortable passage was had by all.

As MY Livingstone cruised up the Thames towards Tower Bridge, the scenery couldn't help but call to mind the ghosts of London past; it was easy to imagine the bustling merchant vessels and smaller passenger boats jostling for space in Livingstone's time when London was the trade capital of the world.

Amidst the pleasant mooring in St Katherine Docks, transformed from its past of busy warehouse bartering into a cosmopolitan and luxurious marina, MY Livingstone became a floating city loft - the perfect base from which to explore London.

Hartman Yachts are not slowing down after three-hundred years, with 34 metre and 42 metre versions of the Livingstone currently in the pipeline, as well as the modern Amundsen series with Polar Class hulls. For that reason, having enjoyed steering his yacht around Europe, Hartman has put Livingstone 24 up for sale.

Who's knows where the next explorer will steer her?  

 

 

All photos courtesy of Hartman Yachts