The superyacht industry has witnessed an explosion of interest in the explorer yacht sector in recent years with range and practicality topping the priority list for new owners. The burgeoning trend towards hardy yachts is being led by experience-hungry buyers looking to travel far and wide with a vessel that can match their sense of adventure. Here we look at the best the industry has to offer...
BowSprit
Length: 54.12m
Builder: Vittoria Yachts
BowSprit is a 54 metre world-girdling explorer due to make a splash in 2023. With a steel hull, helipad and 6,500 nautical-mile range, she’s the real deal for any owner yearning to travel to the most remote corners on earth. Tenders are stored amidships leaving a 140 square metre beach deck free to house an armada of toys and can even be transformed into a vast sun lounge with a five-metre pool when cruising in warmer climes.
Asking €22,500,000 with Camper & Nicholsons International.
Venera
Length: 28.5m
Builder: Van der Valk
Van de Valk’s Venera hit the water in 2020 and is the third in the shipyard’s new generation of all-aluminium, long-range explorers. The owner of Venera opted for a raised pilothouse and a five-cabin layout with accommodation for up to 10 guests. Picture windows in the main saloon frame the changing views as guests kick back at the end of each day.
Heesen Xventure
Length: 56.7
Builder: Heesen
Heesen and Winch Design have partnered up for this edgy Xventure explorer designed to take adventurous owners off the beaten track in 1,280GT of seven-star comfort. With a range of 5,000 nautical miles and an optional hybrid propulsion package, she can venture further than most (at a lower cost too). Highlights include a glass-ceilinged winter garden, double-height tender garage and what would an explorer be without helicopter capability.
Numarine 45XP
Length: 45m
Builder: Numarine
The 45XP is the biggest model in Numarine’s line up of tri-deck explorers. Sitting just short of 500GT, there’s plenty of space for guests to roam with extensive use of glass flooding each room with natural light. The owner’s suite sits in pride of place forward on the main deck, naturally, and has exclusive access to a private terrace concealed in the bow complete with a dipping pool and waterfall. With a 4,000 nautical-mile range the world is your oyster.
Barracuda Explorer
Length: 74m
Builder: Turquoise
Don’t be fooled by her utilitarian exterior, the Barracuda Explorer conceals a sumptuous world within complete with a cinema, spa and accommodation for 14. At the heart of it all, an impressive glass atrium spans two storeys with a spiral staircase connecting all five decks. From the Cote d’Azur to the Antarctic, the Barracuda Explorer is guaranteed to turns heads. But no matter where she journeys, there’s no better way to take in the view than from the crow’s nest.
Explorer Ice Class
Length: 42.5m
Builder: Arkin Pruva
Ice class by name, ice class by nature, this polar explorer is made for Arctic adventures. With a 4,000 nautical-mile range and steel hull she can tackle frozen fields with ease while guests are cossetted in a warm interior. Full-height windows run the length of the main and upper decks making whale watching and polar bear spotting a breeze and there's nothing like a hot Jacuzzi after a day ashore to warm up cold fingers and toes. Construction is well underway the Arkin Pruva shipyard.
Asking €9,925,000 with Camper & Nicholsons International.
Ocean Alexander 27E
Length: 28.04m
Builder: Ocean Alexander
The 27E represents a step in a new direction for Ocean Alexander. "E" stands for explorer and is the first of its kind in the shipyard's new series of long-range motor yachts. Ocean Alexander has always excelled in building voluminous yachts, and thanks to the talents of designer Evan K. Marshall this model will be no exception. Highlights include a full-beam master suite amidships, an elongated aft deck for those travelling with toys and tenders in tow, and a penthouse-inspired skylounge offering a space for entertaining complemented by panoramic ocean views.