Last year, BOAT revealed that a record number of explorer vessels were under construction and this year's Explorer Yacht Summit will once again shine a light on this booming industry. This year, topics such as sourcing the right crew for expeditions and the rise of the pocket explorer will all be on the agenda on November 9 at the Yacht Club de Monaco.
As the event draws nearer, BOAT spotlights a selection of explorer yachts due for completion in 2023...
NB-724
Builder: Freire
Length: 111.8m
Known only as NB-724, Freire’s upcoming flagship is not only the largest private yacht built in Spain, but one of the largest superyachts under construction globally. Designed inside and out by Bannenberg & Rowell, the NB-724 is Freire’s second fully-fledged superyacht after the 73.6-metre Naia. While amenities have not been disclosed, images indicate a generous aft deck swimming pool, a helipad on the bow and a small Jacuzzi located on what could be the owner’s deck. NB-724 is expected to have a staggering gross tonnage of 7,200 across seven decks.
Project Icecap
Builder: Lürssen
Length: 107m
The existence of Project Icecap has been known since 2018, but the 6,500GT yacht was tugged back into the spotlight when she embarked on her 2022 sea trials in Peene-Werft, Germany. Moran Yacht & Ship revealed that Project Icecap is powered by a diesel-electric propulsion system and features “state-of-the-art energy saving, power storage, heating and cooling systems,” while initial imagery hinted at amenities such as a large open aft deck with tender cradles that can also function as a helipad. Once delivered, it will rank in the top 30 Lürssen yachts by size.
Akula
Builder: Rossinavi
Length: 59.4m
Akula is Italian shipyard Rossinavi’s first ever explorer yacht. Launched from its Pisa shipyard in June of this year, she sports a vivid scarlet hull courtesy of Gian Paolo Nari. The 1,215GT, ice-classed vessel is designed with global expedition in mind and fitted with diesel-electric propulsion for “optimised fuel consumption and low impact on the environment,” according to the yard. Her stowing capacity is impressive, able to store a pair of custom-built nine-metre tenders, various diving equipment, and two six-metre containers that can act as transportable science labs.
Pink Shadow
Builder: Damen Yachting
Length: 58m
Pink Shadow is the first 58-metre iteration of Damen Yachting’s SeaXplorer line and will be handed over to her owner later this year. She is expected to shadow a second yacht, like her predecessor; the 45.6-metre 2019-built Damen Yachting of the same name. The yacht’s olive-green hull was crafted by Azure Yacht Design, working in collaboration with British studio Design Unlimited on the interior. Interestingly, the model has a number of contributions from design partner EYOS Expeditions.
Para Bellum
Builder: Sanlorenzo
Length: 47.2m
Para Bellum’s delivery will secure a long line of milestones for Italian shipyard Sanlorenzo. She will be the largest new-build sale to a Greek client since 2014, the first superyacht sale between EKKA Yachts and the shipyard, and Sanlorenzo’s largest-ever new-build to be delivered in Greece. She is also expected to be the highest-specced explorer yacht built by Sanlorenzo to date. This particular model uses the aft space as a vast sun lounge with loose furniture and a swimming pool, a configuration never seen on a 500EXP model before.
Maverick
Builder: Cantiere delle Marche
Length: 44.3m
Maverick is the first vessel in a trio of Flexplorer 146 yachts currently being built at Cantiere delle Marche's shipyard in Ancona. Design highlights include an infinity pool which can also be used for storage and a 22-millimetre "ice-belt" on her hull for safe navigation in high-latitude regions. On deck, collapsible bulwarks transform the entire aft deck into a vast outdoor beach club, spanning a staggering 135 square metres.
Upon delivery, Maverick will undergo her maiden voyage to the Mediterranean with the eventual goal of crossing the Northwest Passage.
Doge 400 GT
Builder: Ocean King
Length: 41.8m
Once delivered, this motor yacht will be Ocean King’s flagship and the first unit in its new DOGE line. At her most economical cruising of nine knots, Doge 400 GT has a transoceanic range of 4,700 nautical miles. The Venetian shipyard also delivered a 36-metre superyacht this year, christened Vãyus. The first unit in this series is available for sale with Camper & Nicholsons.
Nine
Builder: Benetti
Length: 37m
Benetti went beyond its comfort zone with the B.Yond series, a line of smaller, steel-hulled units designed for longer-range cruising. The project was given the green light in 2019, and the risk paid off; before the first hull was even delivered, Benetti had sold a further eight. Nine is the second unit. The 430GT yacht features an exterior design by the late Stefano Righini and is the most customised B.Yond 37 so far, according to the broker who oversaw the build. Her standout features include a covered balcony area on the aft of the bridge deck, transformed into a spa with a sauna, steam bath and cold room.
Oceanic 143
Builder: Canados
Length: 43.5m
The Oceanic 143 is the flagship explorer for Italian shipbuilder Canados. The yacht’s twin-stepped hull has been designed to reduce friction and improve stability in rough seas. She also successfully balances speed and distance – the Oceanic 143 can travel over 6,000 nautical miles at 8.5 knots, while her top speed is estimated at 23 knots. Rome-based designer Michela Reverberi has handled the yacht’s interior, which features an owner’s suite that spans the entire upper deck.
The Explorer Yachts Summit will be back on 9 November at the Yacht Club de Monaco.
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