Dutch yard Heesen used the prestigious New York Yacht Club to present the first explorer concept in the yard's 41-year history; XVenture.
BOAT International went behind the scenes of last week's exclusive event, which included a hologram presentation and was attended by representatives of the yard and the design studio Winch Design.
The yard went on to release the new details and renderings of the 57 metre superyacht XVenture at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Penned by Winch Design, the 57 metre steel XVenture is described as “the ultimate explorer yacht” taking owners “off the beaten path in seven-star comfort.”
Key features include an FDHF hull design and optional hybrid propulsion system for reduced fuel consumption, low noise and vibration levels. The explorer will have a cruising range of 5,000 nautical miles and will also comply to the latest IMO Tier III exhaust and pollution emission regulations.
With a generous 1,280GT, the XVenture can accommodate a total of 12 guests in main deck suites and a full beam owner’s apartment.
Floor to ceiling glass windows provide far reaching ocean views. Packed with various superyacht features, the XVenture includes a glass ceiling winter garden on the observation deck and a swimming pool forward.
Heesen director of sales and marketing, Mark Cavendish, said the hull and superstructure design includes “acres of glass” to ensure “the inside-outside connection.”
The XVenture is also capable of carrying extensive expedition equipment. A helipad aft provides landing facilities for an Airbus H135 helicopter while a double height tender garage can accommodate an 11.4 metre fishing boat and 8.6 metre tender.
The yacht is also capable of carrying a submarine, Jet Skis, scuba diving equipment, a 4.5 metre crew tender, fishing equipment and various personal watercraft.
The update comes after a basic rendering of the explorer was first revealed at the 2018 Monaco Yacht Show.
Cavendish previously said the yard intends to use the yacht to target the “next generation of yacht owners.”
“I understand that the children of today’s ultra-high net worth individuals are quite interested in the concept of going off on longer voyages; carrying a large number of toys with them so they can go exploring.
"Or perhaps for example heli-skiing in the Arctic or Antarctic – all those kinds of projects that the average yacht isn’t really set up for. I think the explorer concept is great for the future.”