Damen Yachting's 75.2-metre hybrid expedition yacht, known as Custom DY 75 Hybrid, has been sighted out of her sheds in Vlissingen, the Netherlands, marking the new build's official launch and first ever sighting.
The project has remained notably private throughout construction, which began with her keel laying ceremony in 2022. Exterior and interior design is by British studio Michael Leach Design, which, alongside the yard's naval architects, curated a "hugely capable platform" with hybrid propulsion for global zero-emission cruising and accommodation for up to 12 guests.
The fully-custom build was sold in January 2021 by Burgess as a 72-metre vessel, though she was increased in length by an additional three metres. The revised layout has a beam of 11.5 metres and a total interior volume of 1,567GT. Burgess' New Construction team was appointed to manage the build. According to BOATPro, delivery of the Custom DY 75 Hybrid is scheduled for this summer.
The design of the Custom DY 75 Hybrid is informed by sustainability and innovation. Self-sufficiency is a key part of the interior concept, and the vessel will be the first private yacht to be equipped with commercial-grade cultivation pods to grow tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers and other vegetables on board.
While interior renderings remain under wraps, Damen Yachting revealed that the yacht features an owner's deck, a VIP cabin and a touch-and-go helipad, with vast exterior spaces for tender and toy storage. Crew accommodation is for 14 plus the captain.
The upper deck is home to a powerful deck crane for the launch and recovery of a 14.6-metre fast tender, a nine-metre utility craft and a car. Once the equipment has been offloaded, the deck can accommodate modular amenities, including a deck swimming pool. All exterior decks will be finished in durable, low-maintenance synthetic teak.
The rugged ocean-going vessel is powered by a highly efficient power and propulsion configuration. In addition to the two main engines, she features PTO/PTI hybrid electrical drives that are suitable for running at up to eight knots for a total range of 6,200 miles when cruising at 14 knots.
The Custom DY 75 Hybrid is also fitted with significant onboard battery power for normal use, including silent nights at anchor without generator power. The stored power can be increased with containerised battery packs for extended zero-emission silent cruising in fragile marine eco-systems, while an Energy Management System (EMS) helps to optimise generator loading and maximise the yacht's energy efficiency.
BOATPro lists four other new builds currently under construction alongside the custom explorer, including two Yacht Support 53 models and an Xplorer 60. Damen Yachting celebrated the double delivery of its first 60-metre Xplorer 60 superyacht, After You, and her 53-metre support vessel, Emotional, to the same owner last year.
Read More/Damen Yachting's first Xplorer 60 and Yacht Support 53 delivered to same owner