Baikal Yachts Group has revealed designs for two sister superyacht concepts. Both share similar configurations but with different cruising grounds in mind: one for the southern latitudes and the other for the northern latitudes.
Each of the two hulls, the Baikal 86 Explorer and Baikal 86 Expedition, has six decks, a 16 metre beam and 3.5 metre draft with twin helipads forward and aft.
Both feature a dramatic sheerline and contrasts of crisp white, matte grey and polished chrome between the steel hull and aluminium superstructure. But where the explorer model features round portholes and softer lines, the expedition model opts for square shapes and more angular geometries. Both will be powered by a pair of diesel-electric engines.
Designed as an icebreaker capable of conquering the harsh conditions that come hand in hand with high-latitude cruising, the Baikal 86 Expedition is equipped with an indoor swimming pool and two helipads suitable for heli-sking and other onshore excursions. Interior volumes are favoured over exterior deck space and instead of a vast main deck swimming pool, the model uses this space to carry large tenders.
By comparison, the Baikal 86 Explorer has plenty of open space for pleasant warm weather, with an open swimming pool on the main deck and two Jacuzzis on the owner's deck. This model is also equipped with an additional heli-hangar.
Common features across both projects include a dedicated owner's apartment which comprises a cabin, office, saloon, library, sporting area and meditation space. These elements are designed to promote comfort and ease if an owner was to switch between the two vessels depending on the season.
A Baikal 14 DS catamaran is designed to serve as a tender to both vessels. The design has been developed by Rusal and would be constructed from aluminium alloy with scandium elements.
An international team of designers and architects developed the two designs for a single client. “This project is interesting for the future owner because we tried to provide the customer with a quick adaptation when visiting both yachts,” said Sergey Gmyra, owner of Baikal Yachts Group. He added that “knowing all the space inside” and “ feeling at home” regardless of which yacht the owner was on was at the heart of the interior design.
Baikal Yachts Group is currently seeking a shipyard to build the two 86 metre projects. The two hulls are estimated to take five years to build.