The 81.7 metre yacht Kilkea is in build at the Vard shipyard in Vietnam and on schedule for delivery within two years, Edmiston & Company has revealed.
This steel and aluminium explorer yacht is now structurally complete and ready for fit out, the broker added. Kilkea is for sale with Edmiston and when delivered, she will be one of the top 20 largest explorer yachts in the world.
Based on a proven deep-water hull, Kilkea features interior and exterior design by London-based studio Bannenberg & Rowell. Other explorer yacht must-haves include a dive centre, superyacht helipad, and submarine dock, with plenty of space left over for a swimming pool.
Despite the advanced nature of the build process, an owner can still have plenty of scope for customisation. Vard is offering a choice of two layouts, either a 16-cabin deep exploration configuration with room for 32 guests, or a more private 12-cabin version that includes two VIP suites, each with its own observation lounge.
In a statement, Edmiston added that this project “offers a near blank canvas aft of its towering bows, with complete freedom on layout and facilities”.
However she is fitted out, Kilkea’s explorer yacht credentials are assured, with an ice-breaking displacement hull and the latest hybrid propulsion and eco-management systems meaning that she can remain at sea for up to 30 days with minimal environmental impact.
The exact engine installation on Kilkea is yet to be confirmed, but the 18 metre wide hull is designed to cruise at 12 knots with a top speed of up to 15.4 knots possible.