French builder JFA Yachts has delivered the 49.9-metre hybrid explorer yacht Canoa, marking the completion of its largest and most technically ambitious project to date. The yacht was first launched from the shipyard's facilities in Concarneau, France, in January 2026 and has since completed harbour and sea trials ahead of her handover.
Developed in collaboration with Humphreys Yacht Design, the full custom explorer was built for an owner seeking an efficient, comfortable and capable yacht for family use and global cruising.
Canoa is the longest yacht ever built by JFA Yachts and features an aluminium hull paired with a glass-epoxy composite superstructure – a first for an explorer yacht of this size. The hybrid construction reduces weight aloft, lowers the centre of gravity and improves stability, fuel efficiency and onboard comfort.
"Our objective was to build a true explorer yacht capable of travelling far, for long periods, and in outstanding comfort, while incorporating innovative solutions to improve energy efficiency," said JFA Yachts president Frédéric Jaouen. "The delivery of Canoa represents the culmination of several years of work and an exceptionally ambitious project."
Featuring naval architecture and exterior styling by Humphreys Yacht Design, the yacht's fast-displacement hull was optimised through extensive hydrodynamic studies to deliver efficient long-range cruising while maintaining higher-speed capability when required. Sea trials confirmed the yacht's seakeeping performance and the successful integration of her onboard systems, according to the shipyard.
One of Canoa's defining features is her parallel hybrid propulsion package, which combines twin MTU diesel engines with electric motors for quiet, low-emission operation during manoeuvres, at anchor and while cruising at lower speeds. A substantial battery bank, solar panels and a Dynamic Positioning System further reduce the yacht's environmental impact, while her range exceeds 5,000 nautical miles at 12 knots.
Designed as a true long-range explorer, Canoa has an expansive aft deck capable of carrying two substantial tenders. Three cranes support operations on board, including a C-davit for a 9.2-metre tender, a concealed foredeck crane for a rescue boat and Jet Skis and an aft deck crane that can service the stern platform, engine room and lazarette.
Accommodation is for 10 guests across five cabins, including an owner's suite on the upper deck with a private lounge, office and exterior Jacuzzi terrace. Four further guest cabins are located below deck, while crew quarters sleep nine. Interiors were designed by Milanese studio m2atelier, with large expanses of glazing providing panoramic views and filling the four-deck interior with natural light.
Tom Humphreys, managing director of Humphreys Yacht Design, added: "Our ambition from the outset was to create an explorer yacht that combines genuine long-range capability with exceptional efficiency, refined seakeeping and a distinctive exterior that reflects her capabilities. Seeing the sea trial results so closely match our design predictions has been particularly rewarding."
The delivery of Canoa further strengthens JFA Yachts' position in the fully custom explorer market, with the French shipyard describing the project as a milestone that showcases its expertise in aluminium construction, composite engineering and bespoke yacht building.
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