7 images

Adventures ahead: the most exciting explorer yachts of 2024

3 January 2024 • Written by Dea Jusufi

Equipped with ice-classed hulls and transoceanic ranges, explorer yachts are designed to discover the most remote corners of the globe with ease. BOAT takes a closer look at this year's intrepid new fleet...

Project Icecap

Builder: Lürssen
Length: 107m

The world has known about Project Icecap since 2018 – but the explorer was tugged back into the spotlight last year when she embarked on her sea trials in Peene-Werft, Germany. Moran Yacht & Ship revealed that Project Icecap is powered by a diesel-electric propulsion system and features "state-of-the-art energy saving, power storage, heating and cooling systems", while initial imagery hinted at amenities such as a large open aft deck with tender cradles that can also function as a helipad. Once delivered, it will rank in the top 30 Lürssen yachts by size.

Freire NB-729

Builder: Freire
Length: 105m

Freire has kept an extremely tight lid on Project NB-729 since announcing it had secured the contract in July 2021. Once released, this explorer will become Freire's third-largest delivery. Leading the Spanish shipyard's fleet is the 111.9-metre Renaissance (also designed inside and out by Bannenberg & Rowell) and the 110.6-metre Falkor (Too).

Capri

Builder: Feadship
Length: 65m

Sighted for the first time last year, Capri belongs to Feadship's highly-secretive roster of projects (which also includes Ulysses and Alvia). She was photographed on transport through the Dutch canals in December 2023, revealing a sheltered foredeck, large helipad on her upper deck and a fold-down beach club. Exteriors are the work of Studio De Voogt, while interiors have been styled by Bannenberg & Rowell.

SeaXplorer 60

Builder: Damen Yachting
Length: 60m

A "yacht for all seasons", this entry is the first 60-metre addition to Damen Yachting's "luxury expedition" range. H2 Yacht Design was enlisted for the SeaXplorer 60's interiors, with the British studio drawing from earlier, high-profile expedition projects Andromeda, Victorious and world's largest yacht REV Ocean. Economy of space is key when on longer voyages, and the SeaXplorer 60 fits the brief with an observation lounge that turns into a snug cinema room at night and a sheltered, outdoor space aft that can become a cabana lounge and bar, dive deck, wellness zone or even a ski lodge. Her exterior and engineering is owed to Azure Yacht Design.

Project T

Builder: Cantiere delle Marche
Length: 45m

This fully-custom explorer yacht was commissioned by her experienced owner in 2021. Designed by Giorgio Maria Cassetta, Project T features sleek, rigorous exterior lines that connect an almost vertical bow to the transom (and its generous beach club). The owners will have the entire forward section of the main deck to themselves, encompassing a full beam apartment with his and hers bathrooms, a dressing room and an adjoining lounge area for "total privacy".

Irish Rebel

Builder: Bering Yachts
Length: 38m

Little is known about the B125. Currently under construction in Turkey, the explorer is said to "harness a proven platform of naval architecture and engineering" to deliver the ocean-going capacities of a much larger vessel. Onboard elements include a 30-square-metre beach club and the option to include a sauna and wellness facilities or a dedicated tender garage. Exterior design has been completed in-house, while interiors are by Red Yacht Design.

Project Fox

Builder: Pendennis
Length: 34.9m

Designed inside and out by Q London, Project Fox will "represent the very best of British engineering and interior design", according to the Falmouth-based shipyard. Her expansive 103.5-square-metre open aft deck is the star, capable of storing a pair of 7.5-metre tenders, plus the option of submersibles, Jet Skis and any other gadgets the owners fancy. Other crowd-pleasing features include a DJ station, glass-walled sky lounge and a dedicated wine fridge.