The many faces of Vitruvius Yachts’ Expedition Monaco range

Naval architect Philippe Briand has used the Monaco Yacht Show 2017 to exhibit plans for a new range of Vitruvius yachts called Expedition Monaco. The new designs range from 45 to 55 metres and include both sailing and motor yachts.

“Our team is driven by pushing the frontiers of yacht design,” Briand explained. “Of course, the needs and functions of expedition yachts, explorers and Mediterranean yachts would at first seem independent of one another. But there are clear intersections where we can create solutions that span multiple categories.”

The first of the Expedition Monaco concepts is described as a “scientific-style expedition yacht” and boasts an upper observation deck, which is ideal for whale spotting or watching wildlife. Available as a 45 metre or a 50 metre yacht, this design would be built with an Ice Class steel hull. Those looking for even more explorer yacht capability could specify a two-level garage, with room for carrying a helicopter as well as multiple tenders.

Another new design from Vitruvius Yachts is this 50 metre Mediterranean-style expedition yacht, which bears all the hallmarks of the studio’s previous launches Exuma and Galileo G. The key area to note on this design is the aft deck, which has been maximised to store large, robust tenders and toys, while the side bulwarks fold down to allow easier access to the water.

With its 45 metre crossover yacht, Vitruvius Yachts aims to deliver the best of both worlds — the capabilities and aesthetics of an explorer yacht, combined with the social benefits of a more traditional superyacht. Developed in collaboration with Ocea Yachts, this design could be built as either an efficient aluminium cruiser or with a rugged Ice Class steel hull. Whichever option is selected, the foredeck is a key hub for relaxation, with ample seating and sunpads, while the aft deck has been extended into the saloon to allow for a pair of eight metre tenders to be carried.

Vitruvius Yachts’ 50 metre explorer yacht concept boasts an impressive amount of tender storage space for its length, with room for a rescue boat in a foredeck locker, as well as a large tender on the aft deck and a third tender in the transom garage. Other key features include a main deck owner’s suite and a raised observation deck.

Moving to the other end of the scale, the 50 metre leisure version of the Expedition Monaco yacht is all about entertaining, with a large dining area that can seat 12 guests around a rectangular table. Meanwhile, the aft deck features a fold-out terrace and a superyacht spa pool.

As a renowned sailing yacht designer, Briand was also keen to include a sloop in the Expedition Monaco range. This 55 metre sailing superyacht was inspired by a brief from an American owner who wanted to cruise the Pacific Ocean. Many of the features found on board are more commonly associated with motor yachts in this size bracket, such as a garage that is big enough for a 6.5 metre tender.

“There are a lot of stereotypes in yachting that are not actually true,” Briand added. “A sailing yacht is not only for performance and racing. It can be just as suitable as a motor yacht when it comes to exploration, even with a touch more elegance.”