Nadan is much more than a modern classic. It’s a true collector’s item for yachting connoisseurs with a love for American Art Deco and a stunning floating mansion, thanks to one of its owners’ creative input.
Nadan was born as Sycara IV in 2009 at the Burger Boat Company’s shipyard in Wisconsin. It was created by Bruce King and Ken Freivokh and embodied the nostalgic and grandiose vision of its original owner, who dreamed of a 1920s and 30s cruiser adapted for contemporary sailing. Almost a decade later, the Art Deco masterpiece was sold and renamed Nadan, as it’s currently known.
The man who bought Nadan in 2017 could be described as the ideal yacht owner. In addition to collecting Ferraris, Porsches, and other cars, the automotive engineer and philanthropist is also passionate about restoring yachts. And these are just some of his many and diverse interests. He owns a vintage Ateliers boat from 1958, the 121-foot (36.9 meters) Montrevel.
Photo: Denison Yachting
As a German who immigrated to Canada, he owns homes in Canada and Florida. But he’s also one of those millionaires who actually like to live onboard their superyachts. Klaus Bytzek has his own island in the Bahamas (called BB’s Cay), and that’s where he spends a lot of time with his family onboard one of their yachts, including Nadan.
Most importantly, Bytzek respected and valued Nadan’s uniqueness while also looking at it with a critical eye and figuring out if there was any mission. And there was. He felt it looked like “a beautiful wedding cake that was one layer short” because the mast and funnel were combined with a low bridge clearance. Freivokh was also in charge of the refit project, which was carried out at the Lauderdale Marine Center in Florida.
It was a complex process because the addition of what was basically a new upper deck came with structural and engineering challenges, and it led to multiple modifications across the board. The result was an unusual wheelhouse on the top deck that wasn’t actually a wheelhouse. While the pilothouse remained on the main deck, where it was originally positioned, this additional structure became a private sky lounge for the owner.
Photo: Denison Yachting
It was a sophisticated private space with tall windows, varnished wood panels, a day head, and a typical lounge setup. Classic items such as a sumptuous desk covered in leather and vintage Tiffany lamps made it even cozier.
Even after this highly customized makeover, Nandan’s second owner still parted with it after just a few years of cruising. The third owner, who purchased it in 2021 for approximately $28 million, was described as another yachting connoisseur, but his ownership didn’t last very long. Earlier this year, Nadan joined the market once again, with an asking price of $22.5 million, and is also operating as a charter yacht with weekly rates starting at $125,000.
Today, this modern classic still dazzles with its nostalgic profile and extravagant interiors. It can accommodate up to nine guests and a seven-person crew. The master suite on the main deck reveals a giant bed with an opulent, fully upholstered headboard and an entire wall of mirror. It also includes a private study centered around a classic desk with an inlaid leather top. The other three en-suite guest cabins are equally luxurious.
Photo: Denison Yachting
The main salon is one of the most stunning areas on board. A circular skylight and a leather-upholstered bar with custom-made stainless steel bar stools are just some of the highlights. The wall panels are a work of art made of madrone burl wood with Macassar ebony inlays. Each piece of furniture is richly decorated, and even the door hardware looks more like jewelry. After all, the Art Deco of the roaring ’20s was all about glam.
According to Freivokh, Nadan’s style was directly derived from the 1920s Art Deco interior that was originally created for Atlantide, the famous classic yacht owned by Tom Perkins. It combined teak and white-painted panels with precious furniture and sophisticated décor items. The signature glamour is also fully represented in the separate dining room with exquisitely curved walls and Lalique glass panels.
This formal dining room opens to the outdoors through elegant French doors. It also connects to the yacht’s sun deck, another gorgeous area on board. Surrounded by perfect panoramic views, it’s big enough to house large sun pads, a seven-person jacuzzi, a modern bar, and a second dining area for al-fresco entertainment.
Photo: Denison Yachting
Performance-wise, this iconic Burger yacht cruises smoothly at 12 knots (22 kph), powered by twin 600 HP Caterpillar engines. The 4,300-gallon fuel capacity is enough to cover 2,400 nautical miles (4,440 km) at an economical speed. Sleek and dynamic, Nadan was also built from the start with reduced noise and vibration levels. Plus, its shallow draft makes it ideal for relaxed island cruising to this day.
Right after its launch, this modern classic received two important awards – the 2009 World Yacht Trophy for Best Design for Custom yachts under 50m and the 2010 ShowBoats Design Award for Best Naval Architecture. Over the years, it was lovingly cared for and upgraded by its experienced owners.
All in all, this 14-year-old pleasure craft only had three owners. Indeed, it takes a special kind of millionaire to fully appreciate this unique piece of American heritage, and this timeless work of art has many decades of elegant cruising ahead.
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