French builder JFA Yachts has launched its custom 50-metre explorer project from its facilities in Concarneau, France.
Featuring naval architecture and exterior styling penned by Humphreys Yacht Design, the 50-metre 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 features an aluminium construction, with a composite upper superstructure designed to minimise weight and achieve a lower centre of gravity.
In keeping with the brief, the explorer is championed for her expansive tender and toy capacity. Three cranes 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.
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, with the remaining four guest cabins found below deck. Interiors will come from the board of Milanese studio m2atelier.
“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 yacht is equipped with an expansive array of solar panels and a high-capacity battery system, enabling "silent, emission-free operation" for extended periods when at anchor or in harbour and when low-speed cruising. A "highly refined" fast-displacement hull form allows for a top speed of 20 knots, 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.