Dutch shipyard Moonen builds good-looking, safe, comfortable and efficient yachts. However, as the saying goes, there are horses for courses, and the variety of ways in which owners use boats require different approaches to design. In essence, the yard's strategy is to develop three different ranges: displacement yachts, high-speed lightweight yachts and long distance explorer-type yachts. And the latter segment is now being enriched by the new Moonen 99 Explorer, a robust exhibition-style vessel that also benefits from exceptionality smooth lines.

The Moonen explorer range has previously included two Vripack Doggersbank yachts (the 90’ Commercial Break and 92’ Poseidon, both launched in 2003) and the remarkable 114 My Issue (delivered in 2006). Since then the yard has been considering ways to further extend this range in various sizes, combining explorer functionalities with elegant Moonen styling.

She is designed to sail to far-off locations, meeting a desire among owners to escape the crowds and see the wonderful nature encountered in remote areas. They will travel longer distances and stay on their boat for longer periods. And because these people are environmentally friendly, they require high levels of fuel-efficiency that also increase range and reduce costs.

Comfort is also given a priority, with low noise and vibration levels, an exceptional sea-keeping performance and impressive stability at anchor. Fuel efficiency on the Moonen 99 Explorer will be achieved by an efficient hull shape, bulbous bow, weight-saving measures, efficient propellers and engines, and the potential use of alternative energy sources.

The range has been set at 5000 miles at 10 knots, with a much larger range being possible at lower speeds and a tankage of around 36,000 litres. Making the range even larger would mean a much fuller vessel, increase drag and create stability problems. We have carried out detailed literature research and Piet van Oossanen has extensively refined the hull and bulbous bow.

Moonen Shipyards
+31 (0)73 621 0094
info@moonen.com  
www.moonen.com