A New Zealand-built aluminium displacement yacht
Burgess announced in October 2026 that it had become exclusive central agent for the sale of VESPER, a 40-metre Alloy Yachts motor yacht asking €10.9 million. Delivered in 2009, the vessel combines an aluminium hull and superstructure with exterior styling by Ed Dubois and interiors credited to Donald Starkey. These named designers help define her character, but the individual yacht’s condition remains paramount.
The broker describes construction to Lloyd’s classification, a factor that prospective buyers should check against the vessel’s current status. Classification involves ongoing survey requirements and records rather than a permanent guarantee of condition. An inspection should include the hull, coating systems and all areas where different equipment or materials interact with aluminium structures.
VESPER is presented as a yacht designed for measured cruising and hospitality, not a high-speed planing model. Her silhouette and accommodation arrangement will attract owners who value long days at sea, broad outside decks and a calm onboard routine. A purchaser should verify that this style of yacht matches intended passage lengths and preferred destinations.
A flexible five-cabin accommodation plan
Burgess lists accommodation for up to twelve guests in five cabins. The owner’s suite is on the main deck and incorporates a private office, dressing area and an unusually generous bathroom arrangement. Such separation can be valuable for an owner who works while cruising, although the practical privacy of the office should be evaluated when the yacht is full of visitors.
The lower-deck guest arrangement includes two doubles and two twins, with supplementary Pullman berths contributing to the maximum advertised number. This layout may suit a family with younger passengers, but the safe use and dimensions of the additional berths deserve confirmation. Guests with mobility needs should also discuss stairways and deck access well before a charter or purchase.
Burgess identifies accommodation for a crew of seven, making the relationship between crew and guest routes an important design consideration. A well-run yacht depends on unobtrusive access to galley, laundry, stores and working decks. Prospective owners should walk those routes and consider whether the crew spaces are suitable for their desired cruising programme.
Performance, range and tender handling
Twin Caterpillar C32 engines are reported to produce a cruising speed of thirteen knots and a maximum of sixteen knots. The broker quotes a range of approximately 3,200 nautical miles at an economical ten knots. This is a speed-specific estimate, not a guarantee that the same range will be achieved in rough conditions or at higher speeds.
Zero-speed stabilisers are included in the sale particulars and may improve comfort at anchor. They must still be operated and maintained according to the manufacturer’s guidance, and motion cannot be eliminated in every anchorage. Sea trials should assess vibration, noise and stability at realistic speeds and loading rather than concentrate only on the maximum.
A side-opening tender garage is intended for a Williams Dieseljet tender and diving equipment, while the foredeck offers positions for personal watercraft. The integration of these systems matters because launching and recovering equipment may interfere with guest movement. A practical inspection should include handling clearances, crane capacity and crew working positions.
The market proposition at Vilanova
The October Burgess announcement placed VESPER in Vilanova, Spain, and invited inspection appointments. The geographical position may be convenient for Mediterranean buyers but should be verified before planning travel. It is also worth considering how and where future maintenance can be arranged, especially for a yacht constructed with extensive aluminium work.
The published €10.9 million figure is an asking price. It cannot be treated as a final sale price or compared mechanically with other yachts without adjusting for age, machinery condition, refit history and legal status. A competent surveyor and broker can help distinguish cosmetic appeal from durable technical value.
VESPER’s strongest features are her proven displacement configuration, named design pedigree, substantial outdoor spaces and useful reported range. For an owner who expects extended passages rather than frequent high-speed coastal hops, she warrants attention. The ultimate decision should follow checks of equipment, surveys, operational cost and the actual comfort of living aboard.
Official Burgess brokerage announcement: https://www.burgessyachts.com/en/editorial/news/40m-vesper-for-sale. Interested buyers should confirm pricing, availability and specifications directly before making decisions.
