British design studio Humphreys Yacht Design has unveiled the first and flagship 33.8-metre concept from its new "next-gen" Fast-Transit Explorer series, which will comprise explorer yachts from 15 to 34 metres in length.
Known as FTX110, the flagship design is said by the studio to embody a "refined approach to offshore cruising", combining fuel efficiency at fast cruising speeds with quality seakeeping performance.
The concept evolved from a design commission by a client originally interested in Ermis² (the 38-metre high-performance carbon superyacht with 58-knot top speeds designed by the studio), Tom Humphreys, co-director at Humphreys Yacht Design, explained: "The FTX110 builds on this deep-V planing hull platform, but is powered for a slightly more modest top speed with efficient fuel consumption in the 20-30 knot range, the priority.”
According to the design team, one of the key focuses for the model was its connection to the water. Renderings reveal a spacious, low-level aft deck and swim platform that offer direct access to the sea, and handy access to a variety of tenders and water toys that can be stowed and launched with ease.
The aft deck lends itself to the nuances of the yacht's experience, providing both a "strong connection to the surrounding environment" and encouraging scuba diving, swimming and exploration of the sea below. This, paired with the yacht's capability of fast cruising between remote locations, opens possibilities for adventures further afield.
In terms of propulsion, triple Volvo Penta IPS 2700 engines and an integrated IMO Tier 3 compliant SCR system will power the FTX110 to a top speed of 40 knots and an efficient 20-30 knot cruising speed. The design is expected to offer a range of 1,000 nautical miles at 20 knots and an extended range of over 2,000 nautical miles for long-distance cruising at slower displacement speeds of 12 knots.
The studio celebrated the launch of JFA Yachts' custom 50-metre explorer project, for which it was responsible for both the naval architecture and exterior styling of, earlier this year.
Read More/In pictures: Further details of custom 50m JFA Yachts hybrid explorer yacht released