Intrepid adventurers: The boldest explorer yacht concepts

Revealed by fledgling studio Bassan & Benedetti, the 78 metre Lontano is based on the hull of a supply vessel from the Norweigan shipyard Ulstein and features a striking military-inspired exterior. Powered by twin Rolls Royce AZ 100 electric Azipod engines, Lontano has an estimated top speed of 12 knots and a range of 8,000 nautical miles. Accommodation on board is for a total of 12 guests in six guest cabins designed in the style of a Manhattan sky-top apartment.

The 91 metre Project Axis, revealed by designer Adam Voorhees, features a private owner’s deck with a forward swimming pool and an aft sun lounging terrace. Constructed from a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, the concept stretches over five decks and includes accommodation for 16 in seven VIP staterooms located below the private owner's deck. Power comes from a diesel and electric hybrid propulsion system, for a range of 5,000 nautical miles when cruising at 15 knots.

German shipbuilder Meyer Group's first superyacht concept, the 150 metre ONE 50, stretches over six decks and features a "herculean" interior of 15,000GT. Designed to be sustainable, ONE 50 is powered by fuel cell technology and battery banks for an estimated speed of 23 knots. 

Revealed by US-based Norwegian superyacht designer Strand Craft, Miami stretches across six decks and is "aggressively styled" according to the studio. Boasting a beam of 20 metres, the concept can also be “transformed into an open outdoor experience” thanks to packed garages of tenders and toys. 

Based on Marcelo Penna Yacht Design's established trimaran design, 56 metre Triexplorer was designed with sustainability in mind. The concept features a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system, as well as solar panels and wind generators. The studio described it as “an 80 metre vessel sensation in a 56 metre aluminium vessel”. 

From Vripack and RMK Marine, 36.5 metre Seven Seas is a "pocket-sized explorer, reimagined on a massive scale". The concept's steel hulled yacht was likened to a “Jaguar SUV” by Vripack co-creative director Bart M Bouwhuis. “It gives a quiet, harmonious looking profile that will be everlasting, without compromising on the internal layout,” he said.

Penned by designer Alejandro Crespo of Daroca Design in partnership with Brythonic Yachts, Equilibrium’s design was “meticulously thought out to fit in any type of environment, from Antarctica to the Caribbean.” The 105 metre concept is to be built entirely in steel paired with a “champagne-green” hull, with the name Equilibrium inspired by the "optimal balance between her explorer yacht features and pleasure yacht luxuries".

Revealed by Iddes Yachts, this 55 metre go-anywhere expedition vessel combines luxury and comfort. Described as the “ultimate adventure platform”, the yacht features a D13 certified helideck capable of carrying tenders and amphibious vehicles. Elsewhere, the yacht features a 185 square metre loading deck, a beam of 10.5 metres and a five-ton multipurpose crane.

Described as a "next level of go-anywhere explorer", Stormbreaker features a "powerful and muscular" exterior with "razor-sharp lines". Penned by Berlin-based designer Theodoros Fotiadis, the explorer is designed to "conquer the elements, explore the world, and experience the exhilaration and tranquillity of global yachting first hand". Key features include a large tender garage to house smaller boats or a submarine, a beach club, spa-gym complex, cigar lounge, observation deck, pool, library and helihangar.

This 105 metre high-tech, go-anywhere expedition concept from Oceanco is designed specifically for cruising in remote, harsh locations. Exterior designer Timur Bozca said the concept had been inspired by "rocket ship designs" and said the yacht would be "as comfortable in the Med as she would be in the Arctic Circle." Key features include a cinema/ game room, spa and wellness area, yoga room and enough tender space to accommodate a Triton submersible. A true adventurer's yacht, Esquel features a helipad as well as labs, vehicles and tools for “shore exploration.”