The first unit in Cantiere delle Marche's (CdM) 35-metre Deep Blue 115 series has been launched from the Italian yard's Ancona site and christened Octopus.
The series was born following the success and acclaim of the yard's 43.1-metre Acala (now Orixa), which was delivered in 2022 as a custom explorer designed for cruising some of the most remote locations on Earth. Initially conceived as a one-off project, Acala's distinct design, explorer capabilities and onboard experience saw the yard receive "multiple requests" from clients seeking the same concept.
As such, the Deep Blue 115 became a "natural evolution", reuniting designer Horacio Bozzo with the yard for the model's exterior design.
Axis Group Yacht Design was entrusted to develop both the naval architecture and engineering of the yacht, while the "subtle elegance" and "exquisite details" throughout the interior are the work of Italian designer Giorgio M. Cassetta. The first unit, now Octopus, was sold to an American owner by IYC in 2024 and began construction in the same year.
“We conceived the Deep Blue 115 as a truly pocket gentleman’s superyacht with a strong explorer DNA and designed her lines to stand the test of time with elegance,” said Bozzo. “We successfully incorporated all the signature features of the larger yachts in her range. Rather than simply scaling down the lines and volumes, we redesigned them to suit the required dimensions. The result is an exceptionally well-balanced yacht, where each element combines elegance with functionality.”
The Deep Blue 115 stands out for the series' signature flared "beak look", which is achieved by introducing gaps between the upper section and the main hull, and the bow to the overhang of the upper deck’s stern. Along the yacht's main deck are repeated large windows, which "serve as a defining design element" with mullions that "appear to float", according to the shipyard.
On the main deck, there is a large galley and a main saloon with openable sliding doors on both sides and a foldable terrace to starboard next to the dining area. Particular highlights on board are the large swimming pool aft with a tank to store the treated water while underway, a generous swim platform and a foredeck cinema. A tender garage is also situated aft, with an opening hatch to port. The whole AV/IT systems of the yacht are engineered by Videoworks.
Accommodation is for 10 guests (plus two) across five cabins, including an owner's apartment on the main deck forward. Four guest cabins will be located on the lower deck with further provision for seven crew in four cabins.
“A 35-metre yacht is generally considered ‘medium-sized’, and its interiors are often treated accordingly. Thanks to discerning owners and CdM’s unique approach to full custom interiors on every project, the Deep Blue 115 Octopus begs to differ,” said Cassetta. “Her interiors are an eclectic homage to the idea of voyaging, and they are full of colour and surprises. Organic shapes, fine detail and exotic materials combine into a kaleidoscope that fills the eyes with wonder. Octopus reminds us that a yacht is a dream, and in its uncompromised execution, she embodies such spirit.”
“The enthusiasm generated by Acala has been truly remarkable,” said Vasco Buonpensiere, co-founder and CEO of Cantiere delle Marche. “What began as a unique project has evolved into a new opportunity for us to further explore and develop a design language that clearly resonates with our clients. The Deep Blue 115, together with two Deep Blue 141 still in the pipeline to be delivered to their owners in 2027 and 2028, confirms the strength and vision behind our proposals, as well as our ability to transform concepts into successful series.”
Buonpensiere continued: “We had met the clients who would become the owners of the Deep Blue 115 during the 2024 Festival de la Plaisance in Cannes, and the contract has been successfully completed thanks to the collaboration with Jamie Swaine from IYC’s London office."
"A couple with a great passion for yachts and design with a taste for excellence, the owners entrusted us with the creation of a yacht that met their requirements, resulting in a vessel replete with cutting-edge technical specifications," Buonpensiere added. "The project has been further improved by the collaboration with DÖHLE YACHTS, resulting in an explorer yacht that stands as an undisputed pinnacle within its category.”
Octopus is powered by twin Caterpillar C18 engines (IMO Tier III), each delivering 533 kW. The setup enables a top speed of 13.5 knots and long-range cruising of up to 5,500 nautical miles at nine knots. Key specs include a volume of 299GT and a beam of 7.55 metres.
According to BOATPro, CdM has 10 superyacht projects on order or under construction, including the second and third hulls from its flagship 50.3-metre Flexplorer 165 series. The launch comes after the news yesterday that CLP2 had successfully become the shipyard's majority shareholder.
Read More/CLP2 becomes majority shareholder of Cantiere delle Marche