Intrepid adventurers: The boldest explorer yacht concepts

From ready-to-build projects to far-out concepts that might never make a splash of wake, BOAT reveals the freshest creations from some of the most original yacht designers.

The 2021 Explorer Yachts Summit will take place at the Yacht Club de Monaco on November 11.

APEX

Revealed by German yard Lloyd Werft, the 115 metre concept APEX is designed for unlimited exploration with an estimated range of 9,000 nautical miles. With an exterior penned by Monaco based studio The A Group, APEX is capable of carrying two 20-metre tenders and a helicopter with a dedicated hangar. The 18.5 metre beam allows for 2,500 square metres of living space and an 8,000GT interior, all of which can be customised by the owner. 

ONE 50

German shipbuilder Meyer Group's first superyacht concept, the 150 metre ONE 50, stretches over six decks and features a "herculean" interior of 15,000GT. Designed to be sustainable, ONE 50 is powered by fuel cell technology and battery banks for an estimated speed of 23 knots. 

Rex

This 127 metre superyacht concept, Rex from UK design studio Harrison Eidsgaard features a helicopter hangar that converts into a squash court. Elsewhere, the 14-metre swimming pool on the main deck can be enclosed with a glass covering to create an indoor pool for icy climes. The large concept has accommodation for 22 guests across a master suite complete with four private terraces, two Jacuzzis and a private gym, and 10 guest suites. 

Miami

Revealed by US-based Norwegian superyacht designer Strand Craft, Miami stretches across six decks and is "aggressively styled" according to the studio. Boasting a beam of 20 metres, the concept can also be “transformed into an open outdoor experience” thanks to packed garages of tenders and toys. 

Seven Seas

From Vripack and RMK Marine, 36.5 metre Seven Seas is a "pocket-sized explorer, reimagined on a massive scale". The concept's steel hulled yacht was likened to a “Jaguar SUV” by Vripack co-creative director Bart M Bouwhuis. “It gives a quiet, harmonious looking profile that will be everlasting, without compromising on the internal layout,” he said.

Equilibrium

Penned by designer Alejandro Crespo of Daroca Design in partnership with Brythonic Yachts, Equilibrium’s design was “meticulously thought out to fit in any type of environment, from Antarctica to the Caribbean.” The 105 metre concept is to be built entirely in steel paired with a “champagne-green” hull, with the name Equilibrium inspired by the "optimal balance between her explorer yacht features and pleasure yacht luxuries".

Stormbreaker

Described as a "next level of go-anywhere explorer", Stormbreaker features a "powerful and muscular" exterior with "razor-sharp lines". Penned by Berlin-based designer Theodoros Fotiadis, the explorer is designed to "conquer the elements, explore the world, and experience the exhilaration and tranquillity of global yachting first hand". Key features include a large tender garage to house smaller boats or a submarine, a beach club, spa-gym complex, cigar lounge, observation deck, pool, library and helihangar.

Exploris

Penned by Gresham Yacht Design, this mighty 100-metre explorer concept is equipped for adventure. Its impressive facilities and equipment include a dedicated helicopter hanger, CAP 437 helipad, twin 12.5-metre custom tenders and a Trident submarine. Elsewhere, the explorer features full dive facilities with a decompression chamber. Two fully covered aft deck areas provide dedicated spaces for lounging and dining while Exploris also features a 10-metre pool, Jacuzzi and sunbathing deck.

Xventure

Xventure marked the first explorer concept in the 41-year history of Dutch yard Heesen. The 57-metre steel built superyacht is designed by Winch Design was described as “the ultimate explorer yacht” taking owners “off the beaten path in seven-star comfort.” Key features include an optional hybrid propulsion system, generous 1,280GT and accommodation for a total of 12 guests, including a full-beam owner’s apartment. Xventure is also capable of carrying a submarine, Jet Skis, scuba diving equipment, a four-metre crew tender and fishing equipment.

Esquel

This 105 metre high-tech, go-anywhere expedition concept from Oceanco is designed specifically for cruising in remote, harsh locations. Exterior designer Timur Bozca said the concept had been inspired by "rocket ship designs" and said the yacht would be "as comfortable in the Med as she would be in the Arctic Circle." Key features include a cinema/ game room, spa and wellness area, yoga room and enough tender space to accommodate a Triton submersible. A true adventurer's yacht, Esquel features a helipad as well as labs, vehicles and tools for “shore exploration.”

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