French builder JFA Yachts has released further details of its custom 50-metre explorer project, following her launch earlier this week from its facilities in Concarneau, France. The motor yacht will now undergo harbour trials and sea trials ahead of final commissioning and delivery to her owner this year.
Featuring naval architecture and exterior styling penned by Humphreys Yacht Design, the 50-metre hybrid build came to life from an owner's brief requesting an efficient, comfortable and safe explorer yacht for both family use and global cruising. The yacht consists of an aluminium construction, with a glass-epoxy composite upper superstructure designed to minimise weight and achieve a lower centre of gravity.
“The launch of this 50-metre motor yacht marks a new milestone for JFA Yachts," said president of JFA Yachts, Frédéric Jaouen. "This ambitious and technically complex project embodies our expertise in aluminium construction combined with composite materials and state-of-the-art hybrid propulsion. We are proud to see her touch the water and to collaborate with Humphreys Yacht Design and our partners on such an exceptional vessel."
In keeping with the owner's brief, the explorer is championed for her expansive tender and toy capacity. Images now reveal her three cranes that have been installed to support operations, including a c-davit for her 9.25-metre tender, a concealed foredeck crane for a rescue boat and Jet Skis, and a deck crane with reach over the aft deck, stern platform, engine room and lazarette.
Maintaining a good degree of separation between service areas and guest social spaces was also a key aspect of the design. As such, a centreline walkway has been incorporated into the tank deck to allow crew direct and discreet access to the engine room – an "unusual and technically challenging feature" on a light-displacement 50-metre.
“We took a highly integrated approach, striving to marry all the technical, functional, and client-specific requirements with a rigorous naval architecture effort to underpin her operational abilities," explained Humphreys Yacht Design co-director, Tom Humphreys. "Intensive CFD work was ultimately validated by one of the most comprehensive model testing programs we’ve ever undertaken."
The galley, main saloon and dining area are located on the main deck, where there’s also an exterior lounge with bar and integrated barbecue, space for sun loungers and a day head. One level up is the owner's suite, arranged with a private lounge, office area and exterior lounge with Jacuzzi.
The remaining four guest cabins are found below deck, offering accommodation for up to 10 guests in total on board, while further quarters accommodate a crew of nine. Interiors are from the board of Milanese studio m2atelier.
One of the yacht’s key features is its parallel hybrid propulsion system, which comprises MTU diesel engines coupled with electric motors for silent and zero-emission operation both at anchor and during low-speed cruising.
The 50-metre is also equipped with a dynamic positioning system and features an expansive array of solar panels and a high-capacity battery system for further reduced environmental impact. A "highly refined" fast-displacement hull form allows for high top speeds, which will be achievable in a hybrid boost mode, with a range of 5,000 nautical miles-plus at 12 knots. Key numbers include a beam of 9.1 metres and a draft of two metres.
A2B Marine Projects headed up the client’s team, with the client’s project manager, Christian Poorte, working alongside JFA’s project manager, Michel Siou.
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