Damen SeaXplorer 77 La Datcha

Lifestyle AV/IT systems

Alewijnse has started the new year with the completion of a two-year project with Damen Yachting; the specification, supply and installation of AV/IT systems that play a vital role in the on-board experience for the owner, guests and crew aboard the 77-metre SeaXplorer La Datcha.

Under the tag line ‘built for adventure’, the SeaXplorer 77 is designed to sail in both polar and equatorial conditions. It has a range of 6,000nm and a below-decks hangar with space for two helicopters. The accommodation holds 25 crew to meet the needs of the vessel and up to 12 guests.

Latest technologies

Alewijnse’s responsibilities included the full audio-visual systems for both the guest and crew areas, the ship’s IT systems (backbone, source selector, Wi-Fi, LAN sockets etc), CCTV, onboard telephones, TVRO, VSAT, an EntryPod gangway video phone and a Yachteye infotainment system. The overall result is a future proof AV/IT installation achieved by using the latest technologies available today.

Fully involved from the outset

The contract between Alewijnse and Damen Yachting was signed in April 2018 and Alewijnse was fully involved from the outset, first at Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania and then at Damen Yachting’s Vlissingen East yard in the Netherlands. At both, Alewijnse acted as a trusted advisor to both the Damen Yachting and client teams from the beginning, applying its in-depth technical knowledge throughout the sales, engineering, production and commissioning stages to ensure optimum outcomes.

This included proposing the Video On Demand and AV control systems used on board based on its experience on previous superyacht projects. Notable challenges included the integration of B&O equipment into the AV system. However, an exhaustive, room-by-room, factory acceptance test of all the equipment involved by Alewijnse ensured that all the issues were identified and resolved before the system left the Alewijnse workshops, paving the way for a smooth commissioning once installed on board the yacht.

Working with confidence

“It has been a pleasure to work on such a sophisticated yacht,” said Alewijnse project manager Peter van Campen, “and our previous track record of supplying and installing complete AV/IT packages to top yards including Damen Yachting, supported by our core competence of marine electrical integration, enabled the yard and client teams to work alongside us with confidence. We hope that this order is the start of a long-term relationship with Damen Yachting regarding their exciting new range of SeaXplorer vessels.”

Over many years, Alewijnse has developed specialist skills in the design, supply and maintenance of the electronics systems that keep superyachts safe, secure and connected to the wider world. In addition to navigation and communication systems, more recently Alewijnse has established a leading position as a technological leader in AV/IT, lighting control and security systems for the yachting market using cutting-edge solutions.