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 58m superyacht Phi was caught during her departure from the Royal Huisman new build facility in Vollenhove. The shipyard has shared the latest picture. The yacht was launched in July. Her naval architecture is by Van Oossanen Naval Architects. Their specially developed Fast Displacement XL hull form allows this yacht to be long and sleek, yet still remain under the 500 GT mark. Developed and constructed below 500GT, Phi is by far the longest motoryacht in this category, based on current Classification rules. Her general concept, exterior design and interior layout were made by Cor D. Rover, although the interior was made by studio Lawson Robb.“Just take a look at our two current motoryacht projects: project 403, Phi, and project 406, a unique 52m sportfish yacht that will become the largest of its kind in the world. The individual aspirations and challenges of each of these projects were seen to be well outside the comfort zone by some yards. With the benefit of expert advice, each of these owners brought their highly distinctive individual projects to Royal Huisman, where fresh opportunities for creative problem-solving and innovation were enthusiastically welcomed. So what gives us so much confidence in Royal Huisman’s capability to build exceptional motoryachts? Here are two good examples of the ‘edge’ Royal Huisman has to offer. First, the expertise we have acquired from our unrivalled 55 years’ experience in aluminium construction. This enables us to maximise performance and efficiency through compact, lightweight and high strength engineering. Second, our ability to design and install complex operational systems in restricted volume hull areas provides the owner with more net space for amenities and further increases efficiency. Add to that a can-do mentality, seeking to optimize and enhance the ideas of the owner, their architects and designers, rather than trying to persuade them to scale back their ambitions to what the shipyard is accustomed to delivering. We think that’s a pretty good combination!”, says Jan Timmerman, Royal Huisman CEO. Owner’s Representative Guy Booth commented: “All of us involved in the creation of Phi feel a sense of privilege to have had the opportunity to contribute to this innovative project. The co-operation between the owner’s team, the architects, the designers and everyone at Royal Huisman has been exceptional. We can be justifiably proud of what we have achieved.”Phi is scheduled for delivery later this year. Royal Huisman is a Dutch shipyard established in 1884 in Ronduite, building and refitting custom luxury sailing and motor yachts at its shipyard in Vollenhove, the Netherlands.Credits: Tom van Oossanen/Royal Huisman
October 26, 2021
The new Mazu 62 completes the line-up of six luxury hard-top and open models offered by the Turkish brand. The first, the Mazu 38, was launched in 2017 and was followed up by the 42, 52, 82 and now the 62. The flagship model, the Mazu 92DS, is currently in build. With her sporty lines and military-style paintwork, the Mazu 62 is ideal for overnight or weekend trips, or as a chase boat for superyachts. She also features the large hull windows, expansive deck space and a very spacious interior layout. The main deck layout features four distinct but connected and convivial open-air areas: a foredeck lounge with forward-facing bench seat and two hi-lo tables that can be lowered and fitted with in-fill cushions to increase the size of the sun-pads; a central helm station with dinette and three wrap-around seating and bar unit under the shade of the hardtop; an aft cockpit furnished with comfy sofas and low tables (alternatively the aft deck can carry a tender and toys); an ample swim platform for easy access to the sea. “In case of the first unit the lower deck accommodates three cabins with ensuite bathrooms,” says Halit Yukay, yacht designer and CEO of Mazu Yachts. “All three cabins are of equal size, but clients can also choose to have a two-cabin layout with a full-beam owner’s suite amidships.”Other interior amenities include a roomy dinette and galley, an extra day-head for guests and even a two-man crew cabin behind the engine compartment. In fact, powered by Volvo Penta IPS 1350 drives, the most powerful in the IPS line-up offering excellent performance and efficiency as well as easy handling and maneuverability, the Mazu 62 has a top speed of 43 knots and a cruising speed of 33 knots.Turkish Mazu Yachts has been designing and producing Open and Hard-Top Motor Yachts and Superyacht Tenders since 2011. The state of the art facility of 3000-square-metre indoor and 1000-square-metre outdoor space also accommodates carpentry shops and paint booths for creating an anti-dust environment.Credits: Mazu Yachts
October 26, 2021
After the success achieved in the European market, the award-winning BGX70 crosses the oceans to meet the American public for the first time during the 2021 edition of the largest boat show in the US, the upcoming Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2021.Bluegame, acquired by Sanlorenzo in 2018, shares the values of the mother company: innovation, unmistakable design, high degree of customization and targets the same sophisticated and highly demanding niche of passionate and experienced yachtsmen looking for a smaller boat.The BGX range projects are the result of the prestigious collaboration between Luca Santella, Head of the Bluegame Product Strategy, and Zuccon International Project studio, renowned designer of multi-award-winning Sanlorenzo yachts: while maintaining the milestones of the BG original Range, with large external multi uses areas, functional and safe deck operation and extremely performing hull designed by specialist Naval Architect Lou Codega, the new BGX70 presents the added values of large external and enclosed livable areas seamlessly connected.The originality of the external lines makes the BGX70 recognizable from a distance and the direct access from the beach area into the salon and owner’s cabin gives to BGX70 an unprecedented internal layout, never seen before in a 70’ yacht. The main deck offers a 360° visibility thanks to large windows surfaces, which create a single in-out environment. On display at the show there is also BG42, the entry-level model of the historical multipurpose BG range, guardian of the crossover soul of the brand: an all-in-one open, walk-around, cruiser, fishing boat. The Sanlorenzo shipyard has been building high-quality motor yachts since 1958. It is a boutique firm in the yachting industry, building only a limited number of made-to-measure units per year. Each yacht is designed and produced according to the specific requests, style, and desires of the individual owner.Credits: Bluegame
October 26, 2021
The 115 m project Enzo was launched by Lürssen in June. In September this bespoke superyacht started her sea trials. She was built for a repeat client. The project was managed and supervised by Moran Yacht & Ship. Renowned Nuvolari Lenard was responsible for the exterior and interior design. The three deck project Enzo was made for a family cruising and healthy environment on board, which include an attention for sports and wellness. As with all Lürssens, the yacht is equipped with state-of-the art technology and engineering systems. A heat recovery system in the generators heats the water for the pool, leading to reduced electrical power and emissions, while Dynamic Positioning enables electronic anchoring in sensitive and remote areas, protecting the seabed and allowing for safe mooring regardless of water depth.The shipyard has shared the short video of project Enzo during her sea trials by Charl van Rooy at Lürssen’s YouTube channel. Project Enzo will be delivered to her owner in November. Lürssen is a German shipyard with headquarters in Bremen-Vegesack and shipbuilding facilities in Lemwerder, Berne and Bremen-Aumund. Founded in 1875, Lürssen is one of the world's leading builders of custom luxury superyachts and has launched many of the largest yachts in the global fleet, including Octopus, Rising Sun and Azzam.Credits: Lürssen/YouTube; Lürssen/Klaus Jordan
October 25, 2021
A fire on Thursday evening, October 21st destroyed a yacht Mama-G off Capo Comino, Sardinia. The boat then sank, but the Coast Guard and firefighters managed to rescue four crew members on board. The 24m yacht was delivered in August 2021 by Maori Yachts, her exterior and naval architecture was made by Marco Ciampa. She featured the interior by Winch Design.The alarm went to the Olbia Coast Guard's operations room, the rescue team left the port of La Caletta di Siniscola, reached the unit on fire by 19.40, providing for the transshipment of the crew, who in the meantime escaped on the raft. Then the healthy residents were sent to the port of La Caletta. Unfortunately, coast guards were unable to save the yacht and, despite the help of an additional fire engine from the port of Siniscola, the fire could not be extinguished. The yacht sank after midnight.Credits: Liguria Nautica; Maori Yacht
October 25, 2021