THE NEW NAVIX50 EXPLORER
A closer look at Leapher Yachts’ 50-metre NAVIX50 explorer that’s designed for those who have outgrown the ordinary
What does it take to chase the Northern Lights of Norway with peace of mind? According to Leapher Yachts, the new NAVIX50. The Dutch shipyard is making a bold entrance to the superyacht industry under the leadership of CEO Yiannis Andriotis. By revitalising a Dutch shipyard site, the company has all the facilities to produce long-range, semi-custom explorer yachts for seasoned owners, with a pragmatic Dutch engineering mindset.
Currently, the shipyard is building 60.5-metre Horizon, slated for delivery in September 2025, but its latest concept, the 49.2-metre NAVIX50, is already generating buzz. With a steel displacement ice-class hull, an aluminium superstructure and in-house naval architecture, it upholds the globally renowned Dutch-quality craftsmanship and promises owners confidence at sea, with complete freedom from shore dependency.
“As a Dutch yard, we have to comply with some unquestionable quality levels, reducing elements that might look attractive at first sight but are prone to failure or increased maintenance complexity in the future,” says Andriotis.
“We design superyachts and systems that will be operated well below their maximum capacity, ensuring longevity and robustness for many years to come. That’s a major part of Dutch yacht and shipbuilding heritage.”
The ultimate explorer
Working together with Aristotelis Betsis of UK-based studio AB Yacht Design, the focus was to create a vessel that incorporates all the necessary features for remote exploration with complete autonomy.
“True exploration goes beyond the range; it’s about having the right infrastructure, like cold storage and dedicated cold garbage rooms, to support extended journeys. When going to remote areas, you should be able to not only survive but live comfortably for long periods without relying on external supplies," Betsis explains.
With this philosophy in mind, the NAVIX50 delivers an impressive 5,500-nautical-mile range at an economical speed of 10 knots, along with a cruising speed of 12 knots and a maximum speed of 14.5 knots.
To maximise onboard comfort, the NAVIX50 is equipped with a fixed stabilisation system, ensuring a smooth ride even in challenging conditions. “A good boat is very stable with the right set of stabilisers. A great boat, however, remains stable even without them, thanks to precise weight distribution. Combine the two, and you have a Leapher NAVIX,” Andriotis explains.
Further enhancing comfort, integrated azimuth drives and a five-blade fixed-pitch propeller allow for precise low-speed manoeuvring while ensuring a silent, vibration-free ride. To take quiet cruising even further, the shipyard works closely with noise and vibration experts, selecting advanced insulation solutions that provide optimal noise reduction.
Safety is also a top priority on board, starting with comprehensive redundancy systems designed for reliability. “Redundancy is a cornerstone of maritime exploration, and at Leapher, we take exploration extremely seriously,” says Andriotis.
“Every NAVIX yacht is built with class-required operational redundancy across its mechanical systems, as well as in key areas such as water production systems, navigation equipment, waste control, energy recovery and HVAC systems, to name a few.”
Further enhancing comfort, integrated azimuth drives and a five-blade fixed-pitch propeller allow for precise low-speed manoeuvring while ensuring a silent, vibration-free ride. To take quiet cruising even further, the shipyard works closely with noise and vibration experts, selecting advanced insulation solutions that provide optimal noise reduction.
Safety is also a top priority on board, starting with comprehensive redundancy systems designed for reliability. “Redundancy is a cornerstone of maritime exploration, and at Leapher, we take exploration extremely seriously,” says Andriotis.
“Every NAVIX yacht is built with class-required operational redundancy across its mechanical systems, as well as in key areas such as water production systems, navigation equipment, waste control, energy recovery and HVAC systems, to name a few.”
The NAVIX50 is also equipped with cutting-edge technology to enhance safety, with the shipyard “continuously monitoring the commercial and military industries for new technologies and solutions”. These include forward-scanning sonars for confident navigation in uncharted waters, advanced satellite data connectivity and remotely monitored key equipment, ensuring support even in the world’s most remote locations.
For Leapher, practicality and simplicity are at the heart of the design to favour owners who prefer self-reliance. Comfortable living on board is essential, not only for guests but also for the crew. "We’ve taken a purposeful approach to space planning," Andriotis explains. "Rather than simply maximising open areas, we’ve rebalanced the layout to prioritise technical spaces, storage and functionality essential for extended cruising. Every square metre is designed to serve a clear purpose, supporting autonomy, comfort, safety and reliable operations, no matter how far off the grid you go."
“My goal was to create a yacht that offers the best of both worlds - exploring remote destinations while still being able to cruise the Med and party in Mykonos”
Style meets practicality
When it comes to the design, renderings show a muscular exterior profile characterised by geometric glazing, deck overhangs, a high bow and a sheltered foredeck. "NAVIX50 was born from scratch. We started from a blank sheet of paper, first listing all the requirements and targets together with the shipyard, and then starting designing. I wanted to give the yacht a sleek but robust look with balanced proportions and at the same time create an efficient and practical layout (GA)," Betsis notes. “My goal was to create a yacht that could adapt to different scenarios of operations. For example, you could use the yacht during the summer in the Mediterranean or during the winter in Norway with equal pleasure and no extra effort. That to me is the true meaning of an explorer.
"We didn’t want to make a yacht that would only look nice if it would not be practical and easy to live with. Our priority here was to have a practical yet elegant, capable explorer yacht," Betsis adds.
However, Betsis points out that while the exterior is designed to look powerful, stepping into the interior should immediately make the owner feel calm and relaxed. “The concept was to embrace simplicity - avoiding an overload of elements, colours and materials for a clean, uncluttered design,” Betsis says. He emphasises that the interior renderings are merely a starting point. With the shipyard not building on speculation, owners have extensive customisation options to tailor the model to their personal preferences.
Leisure highlights include a 140-square-metre beach club on the main deck aft, featuring a 5.5-metre heated pool with a contra-flow system, a sunbathing area and fold-down side balconies. The yacht also includes dedicated storage for an 8.5-metre RIB and two jet skis for adventure on the water.
The NAVIX50 offers accommodation for up to 12 guests across six cabins. The master suite, located forward on the main deck, spans the yacht’s full 9.3-metre beam and is complemented by an additional double and twin cabin on the same level. The lower deck features two more double cabins and a twin.
For added flexibility, owners could convert the main deck cabins into a gym, wellness area or even extend the owner's suite. She could also be configured with a seventh cabin on the upper deck aft - replacing the expanded skylounge - allowing for accommodation for 14 guests. Separate quarters accommodate up to 11 crew, with dedicated access routes to each of the decks for optimal service.
The NAVIX50 is a gateway for those who have already seen conventional cruising destinations and want to reach beyond them. As Andriotis puts it: “The NAVIX50 is for an owner who is ready to start a new journey, from first designing their custom interior layout to taking their NAVIX to the far ends of the world. It’s for a seasoned owner who understands the perfect setup for their operational needs and wants a trusted partner to make their dreams happen.”
For find out more information about Leapher Yachts’ NAXIX50 explorer, contact the shipyard today.
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