French builder JFA Yachts has been commissioned to build a hybrid 50 metre aluminium explorer yacht project, with construction set to get underway this autumn.
Featuring naval architecture and exterior styling penned by Humphreys Yacht Design, the explorer will have the capacity to carry large tenders and toys, and feature plentiful glass and large outside areas.
“The design has benefitted from a highly integrated approach to marry all the technical, functional and client-specific requirements and underpinned through a rigorous naval architecture effort where intensive CFD work was ultimately validated by one of the most comprehensive model testing programs,” said Humphreys Yacht Design director Tom Humphreys.
The yacht has been designed for worldwide family cruising and high levels of autonomy and sustainability. Key numbers include a beam of 9.1 metres and a draft of two metres.
The propulsion package will consist of two MTU engines and a hybrid system. Elsewhere, the yacht will feature an aluminium hull and composite superstructure. The interior design meanwhile will come from the boards of Milan-based studio m2 atelier.
A2B Marine Projects heads up the client’s team, with the client’s project manager Christian Poorte working alongside JFA’s project manager Michel Siou. “To work so closely with the client and understanding his wishes, the search for the right team and shipyard is a very important journey,” said Poorte.
“The mixture of JFA’s DNA on aluminium, composite, lightweight materials, together with the in-house production departments and the team’s passion for the sea made JFA the right fit.”
Construction on the hull is due to begin this autumn 2021 and is set to be complete in 2024.