Dutch yard Heesen and British studio Winch Design have joined forces to present a 67 metre explorer yacht concept called XV67 during the Monaco Yacht Show.
Designed to offer high-latitude cruising without compromising on luxury at sea, the crossover concept is expected to tap into a new market of clients who are looking for something more adventurous from their superyacht.
Speaking at a press conference, Jim Dixon of Winch Design said they had noticed the market demands shifting towards expedition-style yachts. "We have put a lot of development into this," he said. "This is creating a new DNA."
According to the yard, the XV67 will bear all hallmarks of Heesen’s high-end superyachts and will not be a “repurposed commercial ship”.
“The new XV67 remains true to our original design intent: to create an exceptionally capable and beautiful bluewater voyager that will inspire owners to venture into new terrain,” said the yard in a statement.
The Winch-designed explorer yacht is characterised by a clean-cut and “avante-garde” exterior that’s carefully considered so that she looks at home wherever she cruises – from the Arctic Circle to the Galapagos. The yacht’s muscular lines and efficient FDHF culminate in a sharp vertical bow with an elegant bowsprit.
Tender storage is found on the open aft deck, allowing additional space for large guest cabins where the garage would traditionally be. Spacious accommodation has been integrated throughout the XV67, with a three-deck owner’s cabin that boasts its own private deck and access to the crow's nest.
Elsewhere, the yacht is home to a generous sundeck with a pool, teppanyaki bar, additional bar and a firepit. A fully-certified helipad is on hand to facilitate easy arrivals and departures, and the yacht can be fitted with or without a dedicated helideck. When the helipad is not in use, it functions as an al fresco cinema.
The yacht also plays host to a fitness centre on the bridge deck, a social skylounge and a dive and toy store lazarette with opening shell platforms. An owner can also benefit from a wellness area with a spa and gym.
Many of the design elements will be customisable, with the initial concept serving as a “springboard” for clients’ creativity.
Hybrid propulsion will also be available onboard the XV67, a feature that is can be fitted on board all new-build Heesen yachts.
The XV67 follows in the footsteps of the Xventure, a Heesen and Winch Design crossover that was first unveiled four years ago. The new concept builds on the same platform, while finessing design and technology developments to provide new solutions, new layout and new appeal to a fresh market of yacht owners.