The latest launching from Alloy Yachts is the 52-metre flybridge sloop Red Dragon, which was commissioned by a European couple, Guy and Myriam Ullens - notable art connoisseurs and philanthropists. Red Dragon is the 24th sailing yacht and the fourth over 50m built by Alloy Yachts and, shortly after she had made that unlikely journey down tiny Henderson Creek in Auckland on her way to the sea, Guy Ullens spoke with passion about the project.
"New Zealand has a culture of excellence, which is fantastic. Led by Tony Hambrook, Alloy Yachts has been a part of building that culture. When you see the yard booming and doing exceptional pieces like this one, you understand why they are successful. I look on Red Dragon as a work of art."
Ullens has a strong Chinese connection, which is reflected in the name of his yacht and the way the name is expressed in Chinese characters in the cove stripe and on the sails. His father and uncle were both senior diplomats in China and Guy and Myriam have accumulated one of the world's largest private collections of contemporary Chinese art. In 2007, the Ullens Centre of Contemporary Art opened in Beijing in a modern facility created from a converted munitions factory. The French architects Wilmotte & Associates, who were entrusted with the interior design of Red Dragon - the first yacht project they had undertaken, also designed the centre.
Designed by Dubois Naval Architects, Red Dragon is in broad concept similar to the 52m-sloop Kokomo, launched from Alloy Yachts in July 2006. The main deck presents an unbroken vista from the aft cockpit, through the saloon/bar/dining area all the way to the forward wheelhouse, with the principal helming position situated
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"New Zealand has a culture of excellence, which is fantastic. Led by Tony Hambrook, Alloy Yachts has been a part of building that culture. When you see the yard booming and doing exceptional pieces like this one, you understand why they are successful. I look on Red Dragon as a work of art."
Ullens has a strong Chinese connection, which is reflected in the name of his yacht and the way the name is expressed in Chinese characters in the cove stripe and on the sails. His father and uncle were both senior diplomats in China and Guy and Myriam have accumulated one of the world's largest private collections of contemporary Chinese art. In 2007, the Ullens Centre of Contemporary Art opened in Beijing in a modern facility created from a converted munitions factory. The French architects Wilmotte & Associates, who were entrusted with the interior design of Red Dragon - the first yacht project they had undertaken, also designed the centre.
Designed by Dubois Naval Architects, Red Dragon is in broad concept similar to the 52m-sloop Kokomo, launched from Alloy Yachts in July 2006. The main deck presents an unbroken vista from the aft cockpit, through the saloon/bar/dining area all the way to the forward wheelhouse, with the principal helming position situated
Continued on next page.
