Opus 12 – Luxury Yacht Tender or Performance Day Cruiser
The small town of Šopot near Benkovac up until now has only really been known to Croatian historians and archaeologists for the oldest inscription of the word Croat, but in just over the past year, Šopot is now also known as the place where design, engineering, and production of luxury vessels takes place… all under one roof! In only 11 months, the team at Adriatic Solution Shipyard designed, engineered, and built their Opus 12, as luxury tender for mega yachts.
The Opus 12 is a vessel with an LOA of 12.3 m, and a 3.5 beam, weighing in at around six tons. We spoke with the shipyard’s CEO and founder Saša Lapčić at the Venice Boat Show this spring sitting in his latest luxury day cruiser version, and he filled us in on some of the details.
"I spent many long year in the luxury yacht maintenance business and engaged in agency work for large mega and super yachts, and then the idea was born that I could build my own boat that offered better design, performance and value than what is presently on the market. It didn't take long for a constructive meeting with a designer who recognized a good story and saw that I had realistic numbers in my head. The designer started drawing, and in the meantime my job was to look for a hall, and when everything was put together, we started making the first molds. We finished the last molds at the end of September 2021, and not even a month later we would already have the first model in the sea. So, within a year of signing the contract with the designer, we had a finished product, and made a surprise preview at the Biograd Boat Show last autumn, which in itself was a great success.
The Opus 12, is powered by two 425 hp Yamaha V8s outboard engines, which we believe today represent the best that money can buy. Its maximum speed is 53 knots, while at a speed of 40 knots it consumes only three liters of fuel, so no destination is too far. This combination provides superior performance, speed and handling.
So far, we have built three vessels, and our plan is to build about eight to ten per year. I must point out that quantity is not so important, but the quality must be second to none, and that is why our first and only condition before delivery is that it be flawless", noted Lapčić.
“The walkway around the ship is designed deep enough for safe movement around the ship. A low but massive oval fence stretches along the entire length of the boat. When designing the vessel, attention was paid to the smallest details, which can be seen for example on the folding cleats on the bow or the anchoring system that is completely hidden in the bow and covered with a cushion on top so that it can be used as a bench when the boat is stationary. There is also a large glass area connecting the cabin roof to the bow and can be opened to allow maximum light into the cabin. The roof of the cabin is reserved for a sundeck with a backrest, all covered in white cushions. In addition, the Opus 12 also has one electrically opening platform on each side, the so-called “balconies”, which expand the space of the vessel.
The most important part of every vessel is the captain's station and steering wheel. We have chosen a minimalistic design in matte dark gray, but packed with technology. Two Garmin charts are tucked into the upper part of the console for protection from the sun and better visibility, while all other controls and switches are logically located so that they are easy to use. The captain's bench seats up to four people and has a folding backrest that can be rotated when not steering. Between the first and second rows of seats there is a large folding table that comfortably seats eight people, so long gatherings with space for food and drinks are enjoyable. Sliding doors from the captain's bridge lead directly into the spacious and naturally lit cabin. Of course, there is also a toilet and a shower. In the bow you will find a spacious berth that can be converted into a U-shaped couch if necessary, while the sides and ceiling of the cabin are upholstered for maximum comfort.
Even during a hard tilt in a turn, it easily maintain its position, inspiring confidence and sporting adventure. Steering a 12-meter boat at high speeds or in tight spaces in moorings and marinas requires a certain level of skill, but the Yamaha joystick control system for two outboard motors and a bow thruster is so simple that even an average skipper can master it.”
Saša explained that each vessel is a premium custom build, and for now he has loyal and enthusiastic buyers lined up. He also mentioned that their priority is the European market, but he has also struck a deal with a renowned dealer in the US, which will purchase all available excess production capacity. They have no plans to rest, and this company are already planning their next move. Another great Made in Croatia Story!
