Perhaps the most appealing aspect of a superyacht is its ability to transport guests to remote, unchartered territories. Accessing some remote beaches, anchoring spots and icy regions can however prove difficult for most yachts built with more traditional cruising grounds in mind. As a result of this thirst for exploration and privacy, a new class of yachts has emerged: "explorers".
In recent years, explorers have been the subject of many discussions in the yachting industry. The concept of explorer yachts is however not a novelty to superyacht builders. "We do see a consistent number of clients over the years that are interested in exploring remote regions on their Feadships." said Tim Hamilton, Director of Feadship America, "Some of them have requested us to build them an explorer but more often they want a traditional looking yacht with explorer capabilities."
Some of the hype associated with the alleged rise of the market for explorer yachts could be associated with often misinterpreted design features. "A vertical bow is not something that we would assimilate with an explorer by itself." commented Michael Breman, sales director of Lurssen and president of the Superyacht Builders Association. "The demand for explorer yachts has always been there and Lurssen has built many of them. A good example of an explorer is Octopus which we delivered in 2003".
"To build to full ice class, more is required than just strengthening the hull and adding fuel tanks" according to Mr Hamilton, "Extreme conditions stress many elements of the yacht. For instance, water tanks, located in the hull, could freeze. Also, the hull needs to be shaped in order to be able to reverse out of packed ice and needs to account for added weight from ice on deck.".
The line between a yacht and a ship becomes blurry when the requirements include extreme conditions.
Tim Hamilton, Director of Feadship America
In essence, explorer yachts unlock new destinations but require specialized equipment which takes up limited space on board. This seems to explain why the majority of explorer yachts have a length of over 60 meters. Some shipyards have however taken on the bet of building explorers on a smaller scale.
Sanlorenzo, an Italian shipyard originally focused on building fast, planning yachts has recently launched the second hull of its 460EXP series. The model features a raised bow, five decks but also an endless swimming pool and a wide array of toys. Four additional 460EXP models have already been sold according to the shipyard.
Cantiere Delle Marche, another Italian shipyard established less than a decade ago, has seen great success with its Darwin Class consisting of 86ft, 102ft and 107ft models.
The ability of these yachts to cruise for long distances however doesn't seem to indicate a decline for more mainstream destinations. "The Med and the Caribbean remain the top destination areas for the majority of superyachts" explained Paris Baloumis, marketing director of Oceanco.
"However there are certainly the adventurous individuals who wish to go further afield. Several yachts in our fleet have been to the South Pacific, Maldives, Galapagos, Alaska, etc. In any case, whether owners have immediate plans to go to these places or not, they want to be capable of going there. For instance, our 2015 delivery [Infinity] is both PYC-compliant and ice class."
"We have seen a slight rise in explorer-styled yachts, but I think this is more a result of clients wanting to carry more toys with them. There are always clients wanting to explore remote locations and other that like to stick to the tried and true", added Mr Hamilton.
It therefore seems that shipyards in general are not seeing as much a massive uptick in the demand for explorer yachts as an increase in yacht concepts taking design features from explorers and carrying more and more toys on board.
These are nice boats, but it will be interesting to see if they will actually be built or not.
Michael Breman, Sales Director, Lurssen
A simple fad in yacht design or an actual change in mentality in the superyacht industry, the "explorer yacht" look will undoubtedly make a mark in the sector's history with the border between ships and yachts being constantly blurred by new project such as the new 116m Kleven.
The Custom Line 50 superyacht has received the Miglio Blu Design Award 2025 in the "Living Innovation" category. The 50-meter aluminum yacht was recognized for its revolutionary interior layout during the Blue Design Summit in La Spezia.Judges highlighted the yacht's dedicated owner's deck featuring a 75-square-meter suite with private terrace, natural lighting solutions, and separated crew/guest circulation for privacy. The award acknowledges Custom Line's approach to combining aesthetic innovation with functional design in the semi-custom segment.The Ferretti Group brand continues to emphasize owner-centric layouts across its model range. The Custom Line 50 remains available for order through the company's global dealer network, though pricing and delivery timelines were not disclosed. This marks the third consecutive year a Ferretti Group product has received recognition at the Italian design awards.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
May 20, 2025
Italian shipyard CRN has handed over the 67-meter superyacht Amor à Vida to its owner following successful sea trials. The steel and aluminum vessel, previously known as Project Maranello, departed CRN's Ancona facility in early May for its maiden Mediterranean voyage.The six-deck yacht features exterior styling by Nuvolari Lenard and interior design by Valentina Zannier, developed in collaboration with the owner. Moran Yacht & Ship represented the owner throughout the construction process, overseeing technical evaluations and project coordination. Accommodation includes an owner's suite on the upper deck, a convertible VIP suite on the main deck, and five guest cabins on the lower deck, with a total capacity for 12 guests.Amor à Vida incorporates a hybrid propulsion system with two MTU 12V4000 M63 engines, achieving IMO Tier III emissions certification. The yacht reaches a maximum speed of 16 knots with a cruising speed of 15 knots. An advanced heat recovery system improves energy efficiency by repurposing waste heat for the yacht's pools and plumbing network.CRN's project team worked closely with the owner's representatives and subcontractors to execute the custom design, which emphasizes fuel efficiency through its hybrid power management. The delivery follows the 2024 launch of CRN's 72-meter Cloud 9 and precedes several scheduled 2025 completions at the Ancona shipyard. No construction timeline or cost details were disclosed.The yacht's delivery marks another full-custom project completion for CRN, continuing the Ferretti Group subsidiary's focus on bespoke superyacht construction. Amor à Vida will spend its inaugural season cruising Mediterranean destinations before potentially appearing at fall boat shows.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
May 20, 2025
UAE-based Enata Group has launched in-house production of jet turbines, marking the country's first domestic manufacturing capability in this sector. The company unveiled its 250N thrust turbine during the Make It In The Emirates 2025 forum, with a more powerful variant scheduled for Q3 2025 release.Initial production capacity stands at 300 units annually, scalable to 5,000 units by year-end. The turbines feature chevron exhaust designs for noise reduction and target both professional UAV manufacturers and RC model enthusiasts. Enata will allocate part of production to its own aerospace and marine products while supplying external clients."This launch strengthens our vertical integration strategy and responds to client demand," said Enata CEO Alois Vieujot. The company emphasizes quality control through complete in-house manufacturing at its UAE facility.No pricing or specific UAV applications were disclosed. The expansion follows Enata's established work in composite manufacturing for marine and aerospace sectors, though the group didn't specify investment figures for the turbine production line.The 250N model enters immediate availability as Enata positions itself as a B2B supplier for Middle Eastern aerospace markets. The company's production roadmap indicates potential military applications, though current specifications focus on commercial and recreational uses.The Enata Group is the international manufacturing group headquartered in United Arab Emirates, and the builder of the flying 9.8-meter carbon Foiler. The group’s primary businesses include three main areas of R&D and manufacturing: marine, aerospace and architecture. Credits: Enata Group
May 20, 2025
The 70-meter Benetti superyacht Alfa has completed an extensive refit at Lusben, the refit division of Azimut|Benetti Group. Originally delivered in 2020, the full-custom yacht underwent a complete renovation coordinated by Ocean Independence, with interior design by Mark Berryman Design.The technical scope included full repainting of the hull and owner deck with advanced protective coatings, along with the mandatory five-year survey of all major systems. Engineers conducted thorough inspections and servicing of stabilizers, propulsion shafts, engines, and generators. Mechanical upgrades featured new software for the forward crane allowing independent arm control, redesigned bollards, and optimized stern platform fittings for improved tender operations. Crew areas received attention with complete overhauls of the side ladder, stern passerelle, and swim ladder.André Mahr (Ocean Independence), Gianni Paladino (Lusben), Simone Rotili (PM Lusben), Alessio Centelli (Head of site Lusben Livorno)For interior spaces, the UK-based Mark Berryman Design studio preserved Alfa's original elegance while introducing contemporary elements. The main deck now features custom sofas with integrated chessboards, marble-clad tables with built-in fire pits, and redesigned wall panels. The owner's suite received new cabinetry and finishes, while four new bars were installed throughout the yacht, including a teppanyaki station on the skydeck. A striking wine cellar now occupies the portside corridor, transforming a transitional space into a design feature. The galley was completely reconfigured with new equipment and improved workflow."The work on Alfa perfectly embodies our 'life cycle' philosophy," said Gianni Paladino, Commercial Director of Lusben. "Supporting a Benetti yacht from launch through refit demonstrates our commitment to long-term value preservation."Ocean Independence's Anton Foord noted: "This relaunch represents months of dedicated work by skilled professionals. The attention to detail and quality craftsmanship are evident throughout the yacht."Captain Simon Johnson, André Mahr (Ocean Independence), Alessio Celli (Head of site Livorno), Simone Rotili (PM Lusben)Following the refit, Alfa will be available for Mediterranean charter this summer at €700,000 per week. The yacht maintains its original configuration for 12 guests and 18 crew across five decks, with the refit enhancing both technical systems and living spaces while preserving the vessel's signature indoor-outdoor flow.Lusben completed the complex project at its Livorno facility, with Project Manager Simone Rotili coordinating multiple technical and design teams. The shipyard did not disclose the total refit cost or duration. Alfa's return to service follows several other high-profile refit projects completed by Lusben in recent months, as the Azimut|Benetti Group continues expanding its refit capabilities.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. Benetti designs, builds and sells composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. The fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom to meet all the needs of the market. Benetti belongs to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Ocean Independence
May 19, 2025
Azimut's Seadeck 7 has received the 2025 Miglio Blue Design Award in the "General Concept" category, recognizing its hybrid propulsion system and sustainable design approach. The award was presented during the Blue Design Summit at Teatro Civico in La Spezia, Italy.The 20-meter Seadeck 7 reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 40% compared to conventional yachts in its class through a full-hybrid Volvo Penta system, carbon fiber construction, and optimized naval architecture. The model introduces Azimut's "Gentle at Sea" philosophy, emphasizing connection with nature through design elements like the Fun Island - an open aft terrace eliminating barriers with the marine environment.Interiors by Matteo Thun & Antonio Rodriguez incorporate recycled and recyclable materials, establishing what the shipyard describes as a new design language for family motoryachts. The hybrid system marks Azimut's first application of electrification technology in this size segment.The Miglio Blue Design Award jury cited the Seadeck 7's integration of sustainable technologies with experiential design as key factors in their decision. Azimut has not disclosed production numbers or pricing for the model, which remains available for order through the brand's global dealer network.This recognition follows the Seadeck series' launch in 2024 as Azimut's most environmentally focused product line to date. The shipyard continues development of hybrid and alternative fuel systems across its range, with multiple projects scheduled for presentation at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show.Azimut Yachts is an Azimut Benetti Group brand. With its Atlantis, Magellano Flybridge, S, Verve and Grande collections, Azimut offers the widest range of 10 to 40 meters.Credits: Azimut Yachts
May 19, 2025