Bestevaer 53 TETHYS

Bestevaer 53 S/Y ‘TETHYS’

– Built for adventure, Ready for every ocean –

The Bestevaer 53 S/Y is both strong and beautiful, offering outstanding sailing qualities in the harshest of circumstances. This aluminium yacht is designed for short-handed, long-distance voyaging in cold climates, but is equally at home in the tropics.

Known for its comfort, strength, and excellent sailing properties, the Bestevaer 53 is not only fast in strong breezes, but also maintains a good turn of speed in light and moderate conditions, thanks to its moderate displacement and large efficient sail area.

Explore the Bestevaer 53 S/Y Model

♲ Sustainable Features

– Precision, performance, and a commitment to the planet –

The Bestevaer 53 S/Y ‘TETHYS’ is a true go-anywhere explorer yacht – built to sail the world’s most remote waters, yet with a deep respect for the environment she explores. Every detail has been carefully considered, resulting in a yacht where innovation and craftsmanship meet sustainable choices:

70% recycled aluminium hull, strong and durable with a reduced footprint
Regenerating electric drive, for silent, emission-free passages
Eco-friendly bamboo interior, warm, renewable, and refined
Recycled sails & upholstery, giving valuable materials a second life
Non-toxic Finsulate antifouling, protecting both yacht and marine ecosystems

Interior Highlights

– Rugged and adventure-ready on the outside, yet a warm, welcoming sanctuary on the inside.–

Durable bamboo furniture
White grooved plating
Walnut-look flooring
Practical galley with stainless steel tops
Clever storage solutions
Seating and sleeping for six guests
Dedicated technical space in the bow

Portholes in every cabin bring in natural light, while subtle blue accents echo the sea and create a calm atmosphere.

Crafted with care by our skilled carpenters and woodworkers, TETHYS reflects the perfect balance of refinement, comfort, and adventure.

– Testimonial –

“What sets KM Yachtbuilders apart isn’t just their world-class craftsmanship, but their ability to listen, translate ideas into reality, and build with soul.“

– Tom Waes, owner of the Bestevaer 53 ‘Tethys’ –

Read

Construction Timeline

January 2024

April 2024

May 2024

June 2024

August 2024

October 2024

November 2024

February 2025

April 2025

May 2025

July 2025

Tethys Testsail

Tom Waes signs contract at Boot Düsseldorf

Tom Waes and KM Yachtbuilders proudly signed their partnership at Boot Düsseldorf 2024 for the construction of Tom Waes’ new Bestevaer 53 S/Y.

Tom Waes personally welds his build number

During the KM Open Day 2024, visitors witnessed Tom Waes welding his construction number — 103 — onto his very own custom-built Bestevaer 53. On this special day, he also revealed the yacht’s name: ‘Tethys’.

Early stages aluminium construction

The construction of Tethys entered its early stages. The forward and aft watertight bulkheads were in place—standard on all our yachts for safety and structural integrity. Work had also begun on the deck structure forward of the first bulkhead, while aft, the cockpit started to take shape. A solid foundation for the expedition yacht to come.

Aluminium structure takes shape

The aluminium construction of ‘Tethys’ was well underway, and the yacht’s distinctive contours had begun to emerge. With hull plating progressing steadily, her explorer DNA was becoming clearly visible in form and function.

Turning the aluminium hull

A significant milestone in building the Bestevaer 53 ‘Tethys’, by turning its aluminum hull.

Testing the superstructure

Another exciting milestone in the build of the Bestevaer 53 ‘Tethys’: testing the fit of the superstructure.

Entering the paint shed

Tethys moved from the aluminium construction hall to the paint shed. With the hull and structure complete, the project entered its next major phase—preparing the yacht for finishing inside and out.

Outfitting hall

Tethys moved into the outfitting hall—a major step in the build process. Inside, work began on the technical pre-installation, laying the groundwork for systems integration and interior construction.

Interior phase

The build had progressed into the interior phase. All interior sections were placed inside the hull, marking a major milestone. With the structure in position, the team began detailing and finishing the technical installations—bringing the yacht another step closer to completion.

Tom Waes presents his sailing dream during the KM Open Day 2025

Tom Waes gave an inspiring presentation during the KM Open Day 2025, sharing his sailing dream: to follow in the wake of Belgian explorer Adrien de Gerlache and sail Tethys, his Bestevaer 53, from Antwerp to Antarctica.

Launch: Tethys hits the water for the first time

Tethys, the brand new Bestevaer 53 custom-built for Tom Waes, has officially touched the water. A proud moment for everyone involved. Crafted for global exploration and built with a deep respect for the planet, Tethys features an electric drive with regenerating propeller, a bamboo interior, and a hull made from 70% recycled aluminium. ♻️