Isle of Man

EYOS Expeditions Ltd

The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/259" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Solace57.0m (187'0&quot;)Feadship2005">Solace</a> has been relaunched at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis Shipyard</a> following a 10 month refit, which included a 2-metre stern extension resulting an overall length of 57-metre. The interior refit design was undertaken by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4540" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vickers Studio (Company)">Vickers Studio</a>, while the team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="JMS Yachting (Company)">JMS</a> managed the refit on behalf of her owner. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373912/image/large-04db47ef3ba94b65b45271c84a2fb506.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373912">The refit encompassed a full interior refresh to the guest and owner spaces; the addition of a supernumerary cabin on the bridge deck; the 2-metre stern extension and reimagined beach club, now including an integrated sauna; a comprehensive engineering overhaul and a full exterior repaint.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373913/image/large-81cbabf2e2b1371dfb274353892d4d98.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373913">Originally launched in 2005 with exteriors from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/30" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Voogt Naval Architects (Company)">De Voogt Naval Architects</a> and interiors from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/61" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RWD (Company)">RWD</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/259" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Solace57.0m (187'0&quot;)Feadship2005">Solace</a> has now been thoroughly modernised for her new owner, who acquired the vessel last year and now intends to embark on a major three-year circumnavigation. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373911/image/large-6a7696ba1fb70ab8887451e7d20b9117.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373911">The programme for the upcoming adventure, coined The Solace Odyssey, will see the motor yacht journey to some incredible and lesser-trodden regions, including &nbsp;Norway, Japan, Indonesia, French Polynesia and Antartica.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373910/image/large-9da36b697b3521e741bd02d755e4119a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373910">Sea trials are due to commence over the coming week, after which she will depart the UK to begin her circumnavigation. She will be available for charter through <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2985" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="EYOS Expeditions Ltd (Company)">EYOS Expeditions</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="JMS Yachting (Company)">JMS</a> will continue to manage the yacht's operations.&nbsp;

Pendennis Solace yacht refit

The 57m Feadship superyacht Solace has been relaunched at Pendennis following 10 month refit. 

Pendennis launches 57m Feadship superyacht Solace following 10 month refit

Iconic helipads onboard superyachts

From sea to sky, discover some of the world's most iconic helipads onboard superyachts with a curated selection by SuperYacht Times. 

From sea to sky: Iconic helipads onboard superyachts

After a year of record-breaking order books, what does 2022 hold for the superyacht sector? We spoke with Paul Flannery, Chief Operating Officer of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6362" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYBA (Company)">International Yacht Brokers Association (IYBA)</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6626" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Centtrip (Company)">Centtrip</a>’s Director of Marine and Aviation, Edward Majdalany to get a business-end view of what the future holds.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/217758/image/large-a15c37491c704f01a2319af85fc91d39.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/217758">From dock boy to broker, via a 500-tonne USCG Masters licence, Paul Flannery has spent his life in the marine industry. Today, as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6362" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYBA (Company)">IYBA</a>’s COO, he enjoys an international view across all aspects of the sector he loves. As we speak, the industry has come through a tumultuous period from the initial dread of a world in lockdown to a boom for boatyards and brokers.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/217757/image/large-16f2a31e66831110eebb38a6a9a97433.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/217757">Changing perspectives on superyacht ownershipThe Covid-19 pandemic, Flannery believes, has helped change the image of the superyacht sector. “Prior to Covid, there was a tendency for people to look at a yacht and wonder, ‘Who did the owner rob to afford that?’ It’s a mindset that has come from media, movies and video games. When James Bond lands on a superyacht, it isn’t because the owner’s going to save the world, it’s because a villain wants to blow up the world. When you reach the highest level of Grand Theft Auto, your prize is a yacht. Neither image promotes yachting.”“But, with Covid,” he continues, “the world has recognised that yachts offer an opportunity for families and close friends to be together in an environment that is isolated, yet communal.” It’s a perspective that has changed how potential owners relate to yacht ownership, says Flannery.“People have learned that they can get on a boat with their family and a tutor and a satellite dish, and they can run their business and raise their family in relative isolation, surrounded by more enriching experiences than anywhere else on the planet.”That’s driven sales, of course, but it is also influencing designLuca Boldrini, partner in the interior design company <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4308" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="FM Architettura (Company)">FM Architettura</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/53570" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="A human approach: FM Architettura d'Interni (2021-08-19 11:30:00 +0200)">was quoted recently saying</a>, “Yachting has changed and it’s evolved from being a status symbol to a vehicle for your life and this has been accelerated by the pandemic because they’ve become more of a place for family.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6626" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Centtrip (Company)">Centtrip</a>’s Edward Majdalany agrees. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6626" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Centtrip (Company)">Centtrip</a> is the leading provider of multi-currency payment, treasury and expense management solutions to the superyacht sector. It supports over 70 percent of the very largest charter superyachts and a fast-growing portfolio of private boats. In his five years with the business, Majdalany has seen the market grow and change.“Yachts are travelling further and for longer,” he says. “At <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6626" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Centtrip (Company)">Centtrip</a>, we see that reflected in the use of a wider range of currencies. It’s visible in the charter market, too. Not only are the largest boats fully booked for this year and into 2023, but they are being chartered for longer periods – three or four week expeditions, rather than a seven-day jaunt.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/217711/image/large-2d27ab4d133ef0e49d8d9c266d92c021.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/217711">Exploring new horizons, addressing new concernsWe’ve seen the surge in interest in destinations beyond the Med and the Caribbean. As reported in Superyacht Times,<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54457" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Explorer yacht La Datcha in Antarctica (2022-01-21 08:00:00 +0100)">&nbsp;the explorer yachts La Datcha and Naia were both recently seen in the Antarctic</a> whilst <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6031" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Olivia O88.51m (290'5&quot;)Ulstein Verft AS2020">Olivia O</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54413" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Explorer yacht Olivia O in St Barths (2022-01-13 08:00:00 +0100)">designed for the North Sea, was seen in the more benign waters of the Caribbean.</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/216163/image/large-6d534ab187497a8d1e15b5b822127fc4.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/216163">Flannery sees this as an important aspect of the superyacht market in its own right, but also for driving focus on sustainability. “The increased interest in remote and unspoiled destinations has spurred a focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness because the world’s wealthy are not interested in going to the far reaches of the planet, trampling all over it, spilling oil, and leaving empty plastic bottles,” he says. “They want to go in, and see, and slip out again invisibly.”The superyacht version of take only memories, leave only footprintsUltra-high net worth individuals (UHNWIs) want to see what’s never been seen – the “explorer” aspect – and they also want to bring that information back for the good of humanity, says Flannery. That same scientific mindset and eco-concern is key to driving greater sustainability within the sector.As Paul Flannery says, “It is the world’s ultra-high net worths that are willing to invest in bleeding edge technologies. They don’t want to feel guilty about their pleasures and they’re trying to figure out a way to use their wealth to good purpose.”That view was reinforced at last year’s Explorer Yacht Summit where <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2985" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="EYOS Expeditions Ltd (Company)">EYOS Expeditions</a> founder Rob McCallum noted, “They’re [new owners] making money younger and have more length of life to enjoy their investments. Owners want to minimise their footprint; they don’t want to be greedy about exploring, but to tread lightly and make a difference. They do this through science, conservation, development and encouraging sustainability.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/209523/image/large-9d76b2895138f2cd4903261dfc9a86c2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/209523">What will that look like in reality?The drive for sustainability can be seen in all aspects, from the renewed popularity of sailing yachts (like the 106.7m <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl106.7m (350'1&quot;)Oceanco2018">Black Pearl</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>’s soon-to-launch Project <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7500" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco Y721127.0m (416'8&quot;)Oceanco2022">Y721</a>) to growing demand for hybrid propulsion and Fast Displacement Hull Forms (FDHF).“You can see the change in different construction materials, different propulsion, different design for greater efficiency. It’s an initiative that has truly taken hold,” Flannery observes. “These changes start right at the top, with the buyer,” Majdalany says. “Their concerns drive the changes in design and construction. And there’s a healthy degree of competition, too. Where once owners might have boasted about size or power, they now compete on their yachts’ green credentials.”Naval architects like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Espen Øino</a> are promoting more streamlined designs while <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/375" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baglietto S.p.A. (Company)">Baglietto</a>’s B-Zero project is exploring the use of solar panels to extract hydrogen from seawater.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5565" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Italian Sea Group (Company)">&nbsp;The Italian Sea Group</a> has recently announced the installation of over 5,000 solar panels in its shipyard to reduce its CO2 emissions by 1,200 tons per year.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/103511/image/large-a012e6fefc1ffda667b5e2f87552fd09.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/103511">Sustainability will be the biggest trend affecting the superyacht sector in the coming year, Flannery feelsIt will also be its biggest challenge. Last year, the Spanish superyacht refitting &nbsp;group MB92 released a report – The Future of the Oceans – that called for serious change. “The cost of inaction is evident and will be extremely dire for our oceans and industry,” MB92’s president and CEO Pepe García-Aubert said at the time.&nbsp;MB92’s report emphasised that the next 10 years will be crucial for the future of the oceans, but it also highlighted how the industry’s innovations can and will flow down through the rest of the maritime sector.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7500" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco Y721127.0m (416'8&quot;)Oceanco2022">Project Y721</a>, widely published to belong to a American tech entrepreneur, is perhaps an example for the future. As Flannery says, “Whoever does own that boat has gotten really serious about making it as technologically impactful and environmentally friendly as possible, and that’s the case with all of these big boats.”&nbsp;“<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6626" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Centtrip (Company)">Centtrip</a> supports many of the largest yachts in the global fleet,” Majdalany says, “and we see the trend towards exploring pristine destinations in an eco-friendly fashion. Whether we’re providing those boats with multi-currency cards and international payments, or – in a small way – supporting sustainability through paperless payments, we are meeting the demands of a demanding and eco-conscious market. Driving wider awareness of our precious planet and doing so in a sustainable way is vitally important and it’s fantastic to see the superyacht sector taking this seriously.”This article has been written by Centtrip, in collaboration with SuperYacht Times

Paul Flannery and Edward Majdalany on the future of yachting

Paul Flannery of IYBA and Edward Majdalany of Centtrip discuss the future of yachting.

Where next for the superyacht sector?

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Yachting (Company)">Damen Yachting</a> have announced their new 105-metre explorer concept superyacht, SeaXplorer 105. This new vessel will sit at the top of the ship builders SeaXplorer range, which was launched in 2015. The superyacht has been specially designed as an ice-breaker Polar Class 7 yacht, to allow her to venture through the world’s most challenging cruising grounds, such as Antarctica, the Northwest Passage and Svalbard.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193142/image/large-5a0e63488161115f062ee010a49f070e.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193142">She features exterior design from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/37" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azure Yacht Design & Naval Architecture (Company)">Azure Yacht Design</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2985" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="EYOS Expeditions Ltd (Company)">EYOS Expeditions</a>, while the designer to pen her interior is yet to be decided. SeaXplorer 105 will accommodate up-to 24 guests, and 28 crew members plus her captain, and a staff of 12, will also be hosted aboard. The superyacht features a 128-square-metre forward observation lounge with 270-degree views, a bar and multimedia centre. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193138/image/large-0046fa600a3e2c76cb133802773d7967.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193138"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193139/image/large-0fcce004e18ef4faea54c8c8a7ac688b.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193139">To the aft of the main deck is a 300 metre square wellness space, with spa, 8-metre indoor swimming pool, gym, sauna and steam room, there is also a bar lounge. &nbsp;Within her expansive 6,500 GT, she will carry two helicopters within a specially designed hangar. She will also contain five large tenders or chase boats, as well as space for a wide range of toys, submarines and snow mobiles. Guests will be able to play tennis on her helicopter deck, host parties of 200-plus guests or even create an outdoor cinema.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193144/image/large-ac91b86dd35c3bb74700792d3f9e95ec.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193144"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193146/image/large-da691d25818e1e041ad1875f3a059f47.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193146">The explorer yacht will have an impressive 8,000 nautical mile range while at her cruising speed of 12 knots. She will have a top speed of 16 knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193145/image/large-c6c2b861ecaa962aecdaedab71c5cdf6.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193145"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193143/image/large-a980b8efb5f74fb0217b4526bb616535.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193143">

Damen Yachting announce SeaXplorer 105

Damen Yachting have announced their new explorer yacht concept, the ice-breaking polar class, SeaXplorer 105.

First Look: Damen Yachting's SeaXplorer 105

Last week, Damen successfully <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/50596" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen launches first 62m SeaXplorer yacht (2019-11-01 10:30:00 +0100)">launched</a> its first superyacht in a new SeaXplorer range of offroad luxury explorer yachts at its yard in Vlissingen, the Netherlands. Now undergoing final outfitting and harbour trials, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6182" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen 62m SeaXplorer62.0m (203'5&quot;)Damen2020">Damen 62m SeaXplorer</a> will be put to rigorous tests out on the unforgiving North Sea before being handed over to her owner in early 2020.&nbsp;<iframe width="710" height="390" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YUY_fOJebFA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe>Measuring 62 metres, the custom-designed SeaXplorer yacht has in-house naval architecture and features exterior lines by <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/azure-naval-architects">Azure Yacht Design</a>. The owners chose Carlo Torre from Monaco Yacht Temptation for the vessel's interior design and the build is being supervised by the Fraser technical team.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/103978/image/large-c573da00d25afb2f669cd55abb528524.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/103978">Power generation comes from a Siemens BlueDrive system with three variable speed generator sets and DC bus. The expedition vessel is designed to have an economical and environmentally friendly configuration and she is also equipped with electrical propulsion motors and a battery pack. In addition, the Polar Class yacht has expedition facilities for 30 days of autonomous travel, a helideck and helicopter hangar, two generous tender garages and a dive store.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/103982/image/large-dd161b2bf38b64b91d113c22e7154ca5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/103982">The SeaXplorer range was <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/44908" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen officially introduce Damen SeaXplorer at MYS (2015-09-24 00:00:00 +0200)">first introduced</a> in 2015 as a collaboration between <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/damen">Damen's</a> Research Laboratory, <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/azure-naval-architects">Azure Yacht Design and</a> <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/eyos-expeditions-ltd">EYOS Expeditions,</a> who offered up hundreds of operational design features based on their expedition experience.The yard is currently building a second unit in the SeaXplorer range. The hull of the 77-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/49986" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hull launched of custom Damen SeaXplorer 77 superyacht La Datcha (2019-06-04 16:00:00 +0200)">La Datcha</a> was launched in Romania this summer and will be completed at Damen's facilities in the Netherlands.&nbsp;

Video of Damen 62m SeaXplorer launch

Relive last week's launch of the Damen 62m SeaXplorer in this video released by Damen today. 

Video: Damen’s first SeaXplorer superyacht revealed in Vlissingen

The first SeaXplorer expedition yacht by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen (Company)">Damen</a> has been launched at the yard's facility in Vlissingen. Measuring 62 metres, the custom-designed SeaXplorer yacht has in-house naval architecture and features exterior lines by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/37" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azure Yacht Design & Naval Architecture (Company)">Azure Yacht Design</a>.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/103982/image/large-dd161b2bf38b64b91d113c22e7154ca5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/103982">The owners chose Carlo Torre from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4642" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYT Group (Company)">Monaco Yacht Temptation</a> for the vessel's interior design and the build is being supervised by the<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fraser (Company)">&nbsp;Fraser&nbsp;</a>technical team.Outfitting of the 62-metre SeaXplorer was carried out at the Vlissingen East yard and she is expected to be delivered to her owners in early 2020. The SeaXplorer range was first introduced in 2015 as a collaboration between <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1821" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen (Company)">Damen's</a> Research Laboratory, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/37" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azure Yacht Design & Naval Architecture (Company)">Azure Yacht Design and</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2985" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="EYOS Expeditions Ltd., (Company)">EYOS Expeditions,</a> who offered up hundreds of operational design features based on their expedition experience. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/103981/image/large-1855d7870d56a34fe08de3da7e8f9fbc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/103981">Power generation comes from a Siemens BlueDrive system with three variable speed generator sets and DC bus. The expedition vessel is designed to have an economical and environmentally friendly configuration and she is also equipped with electrical propulsion motors and a battery pack.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/103980/image/large-c9c05f8785fc5a048121283c4215b13e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/103980">On board, the Polar Class yacht has expedition facilities for 30 days of autonomous travel, a helideck and helicopter hangar, two generous tender garages and a dive store.

First SeaXplorer yacht launched by Damen 

The first 62-metre Damen SeaXplorer yacht has been launched by Damen. Find out more on SYT.

Damen launches first 62m SeaXplorer yacht 

David ‘Hutch’ Hutchison has skippered six<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">&nbsp;Perini Navi</a> sailing yachts and worked as the owner’s surveyor on six new-build projects. Since the beginning of 2018, he and his crew have safely sailed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/367" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rosehearty56.0m (183'9&quot;)Perini Navi2006">Rosehearty</a> from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean and the South Pacific to Antarctica, taking both her owner Joey Kaempfer and charter parties on the voyage of a lifetime. The yacht raced in her sixth St Barths Bucket in March, winning the Grandes Dames des Mers class, and is due to tackle her second transit of the Northwest Passage this summer.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/72603/image/large-1ad353a0762bef42ff33fe4d92781041.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/72603">After setting out from Italy in early 2018,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/367" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rosehearty56.0m (183'9&quot;)Perini Navi2006">Rosehearty&nbsp;</a>took part in last year’s St Barths Bucket then cruised the Galapagos. Where did you go from there?From the Galapagos, we headed straight out to the Marquesas and Tahiti, where we did five weeks of charter, running one group out to the Tuamotus and French Polynesia then returning to Tahiti to pick up a second group. Bringing along our usual <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a> tender as a chase boat was impossible, so in the Tuamotus we chartered a 36-foot dive boat that we towed everywhere and a diving guide/expert naturalist came on board for three weeks. We were doing two or three dives a day, so it was pretty intense. With a third group, we then headed out to Aitutaki, which is around 150 miles north of Rarotonga in the northern Cook Islands and teeming with marine life. After Aitutaki, we began preparing the boat for the 4,300-mile transfer from Tahiti to Chile, which took 16 days sailing all the way. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/72583/image/large-eda906596c78641b51ded3d4dcb7e441.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/72583">Where did you make landfall in Chile?We arrived in Puerto Montt in southern Chile’s lake district, which is the gateway to the Patagonian fjords. From there we worked our way down through the fjords to Puerto Williams in the deep south of Chile, and in late December there was a decent weather window for crossing the Drake Passage between Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/72577/image/large-2477de4a202034723ddfed8e973cff6b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/72577"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/72590/image/large-b04424e76e52820cdf632600ac9d0756.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/72590">We got into King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands around 65 miles off the coast of Antarctica, on 31st January. A couple of days later a charter group arrived for a seven-day trip. When that charter finished, the owner’s group flew in and we spent the next three weeks cruising the Antarctic Peninsula. The yachtsman Paul Cayard, a friend of the owner’s and mine, joined us for the duration, along with Skip Novak as our expedition guide and Magnus Day, our <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2985" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="EYOS Expeditions Ltd., (Company)">EYOS</a> ice pilot.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/72589/image/large-badcfdaf2053fba9fc3733805e22998c.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/72589"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/72581/image/large-46ae9135b3dd97077a1c4fe3fdac2f7a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/72581">Were any modifications made to the yacht to prepare for the Antarctica trip?We had already done some work on the boat after the owner bought her and before our first transit of the Northwest Passage in 2016. Most of the modifications were to the flybridge, from where we always operate the boat. For example, we reinforced the bimini covering the pilot station and guest cockpit to make it much more rigid and wind resistant, and we ducted heated dry air from the AC system to keep it warm in all weathers. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/72595/image/large-86035d9f9e259adaa4383484c86fd040.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/72595"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/72601/image/large-3a2430bd60533618d00cb90fd0277113.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/72601">When we were in the Arctic we figured out we could make good use of the Jacuzzi by covering it with an insulated hood and using it to store fresh fruit and vegetables. The bilges are another great place for storing perishables because they hover above freezing, the same as the seawater outside. We kept a couple of Zodiacs on deck, which we used for all the trips ashore, sightseeing and wildlife watching. The superyacht tenders, which burn a lot more fuel, remained securely battened down in the tender bay.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/72578/image/large-25b25988112ff9d6cfa0835f92528c96.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/72578"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/72597/image/large-1e82fa598ceb50af4eeb5d44c1b32e4e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/72597">What were the weather conditions like in the Southern Ocean?&nbsp;What surprised me the most is how relentless the wind is, and how quickly the weather can change in Antarctica and Patagonia. They’re fantastic places to cruise, but you can go from 50-knot winds to complete calm and then back to 50 knots in a couple of hours. You spend a huge amount of time looking at weather maps and trying to understand what will happen next. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/72598/image/large-2ce213ebadd7080524a7fbda8dcd0efd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/72598">We’re accustomed in this modern world to knowing what’s coming our way and electronic charting is wonderful, but you find you have to go back to constantly watching the barometer and navigating by running radar transits. These old-time skills are essential. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perinis</a> are very capable when it comes to this kind of this bluewater sailing, but picking up an anchor in a restricted space in a gale is not something you want to be doing in the middle of the night.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/72591/image/large-6a9ab3d7879f4f22ae5bbfc926c889fb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/72591"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/72587/image/large-4bbf9cccb31f30a584f552e364c3b5dc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/72587">What does the owner’s group, or a charter party, bring away with them at the end of this kind of cruise?The great thing for us as operators is being able to take people to once-in-a-lifetime destinations and offering them the freedom to explore these places in their own time. There’s the complete contrast between the fantastic diving in the Galapagos and tropical waters of French Polynesia, and the rugged Patagonian fjords and icebergs of Antarctica. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/72586/image/large-62cb5d7f8dd403129b24306c33387a41.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/72586">Diving with tiger sharks or having an 18-metre humpback whale rub up against the side of the boat are unforgettable experiences that stay with you for the rest of your life!<img src="/uploads/store/photo/72584/image/large-c55ab27abfc4925d620c13903582dff1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/72584"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/72596/image/large-683bcb03be75d9630227a075ed2917dd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/72596">

5 questions with the captain of 56m sailing yacht Rosehearty

David ‘Hutch’ Hutchison talks about his adventures as the captain on board the 56-metre Perini Navi sailing yacht Rosehearty. 

5 questions with David Hutchison, captain of 56m Perini Navi Rosehearty

When it comes to superyacht cruising grounds, sometimes it may be easy to forget that there is a big wide world to discover outside of the hustle and bustle of the main Mediterranean and Caribbean hotspots. With more and more owners and charter clients opting to stray a little further from the beaten track, here we shine a spotlight on some of the more exciting cruising destinations from all four corners of the world, with the help of the experts who have fallen in love with it. In this issue, we speak with Ben Lyons, CEO and Ice Pilot at EYOS Expeditions, who takes us through his favourite 7-day itinerary cruising the coldest, windiest, driest and most awe-inspiring regions in the world: Antarctica.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/22112/image/large-f7eb6675dae5391b105aefebd094d74d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/22112"> Take me to…&nbsp; Antarctica&nbsp;'I am the CEO at EYOS Expeditions, and for those that don’t know us, we provide bespoke superyacht expeditions all over the world. I’m also an Ice Pilot for Antarctica, so part of my job is also to act as a guide for visiting superyachts, work closely with the captain to provide local expertise and support the bridge team when navigating in these remote and ice-filled waters. Together with our Expedition Leader and the Captain, we make sure that we’re safe and heading to the most incredible places!Antarctica is a destination I just never get tired of. People think they come to Antarctica for the penguins, and penguins are certainly cute and wonderful creatures, everybody thinks they’re fantastic, but once you see 20,000 penguins… well, you’ve seen enough! It’s the ice that really stands out as a point of discovery for many visitors when they visit Antarctica. It compels a lot of people a lot more than they would expect; the shapes, colours, sizes - they are seemingly infinite in their variety. One of the most dramatic examples is the Antarctic Sound, where all of these tabular icebergs congregate. I’ve done many expeditions in Antarctica, and these are the sights that truly never fail to amaze!&nbsp;It’s so completely different to anything else. I don’t understand people who say they don’t want to go to Antarctica. People might think it’s too cold, or there is nothing to see there. If those are people’s perceptions, they don’t understand what Antarctica is about, so then they should definitely go! It’s for people who want to truly get away from it all and see something absolutely unique. It’s for people who have an active interest in nature and wildlife. It’s for people that want to have a great family experience; it’s wonderful to take your kids down there and watch them interact with this environment, it’s a way more meaningful experience than anchoring off Monaco for a week and playing on the jet skis every day. Obviously, that’s very fun as well, but when you look at family memories and experiences that are going to work to shape somebodies viewpoint in later life, Antarctica is certainly going to be influential.&nbsp;One thing to bear in mind is that the schedule in Antarctica is inherently flexible… Before the expedition begins, clients find that difficult sometimes and expect a definite plan on where we are going to be on a certain day. A set itinerary is basically impossible as it is so dependent on so many different factors. We’re not going to decide until the day of because we need to work around ice and weather conditions, and of course the wildlife and where they are. This is integral to the experience, and it’s not a negative. It allows you to take advantage of the best experiences as they become available. So, without further ado, here’s an outline of a typical itinerary.'<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/22110/image/large-4d715b8ed041ac2a880ce3b20e98726e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/22110"> Day 1Depart from Punta Arenas in Chile for the very first leg of your Antarctica expedition. Enjoy the two-hour journey across the infamous Drake Passage, and at the very end of your journey, you might spot the first icebergs from the air. Meet your yacht at King George Island, and after enjoying a short walk around the island, jump on board to enjoy the first beautiful crisp Antarctic evening on board.&nbsp;Day 2One of my highlights of any expedition has to be a visit to the tabular icebergs in the Antarctic Sound. These are icebergs that are up to several miles long, huge, giant blocks of ice that are broken off from the ice shelf. To me, they’re just extraordinary. You sail through a veritable maze of these bergs, it’s incredible. Spend the evening discussing your first day over warm hot chocolate!Day 3Wildlife spotting at Wilhelmina Bay today! As the season gets on, there are so many humpback whales that it is impossible not to see them. We get people asking whether or not they will see one on their trip. The answer is: I can guarantee you will see a whale. As the sun sets, get out on the deck for a magical experience as the breath of the whales is lit up by the reds and yellows of the setting sun.&nbsp;Day 4Head to Neko Harbour on day three, for spectacular whale and penguin sightings. There is a glacier on one end of the Harbour, and once you disembark you can climb a little hill past a penguin colony and are rewarded with this panoramic view of the coast, with mountain peaks everywhere, snow everywhere, penguins nearby, and often whales in the Bay, as well as a collection of castle icebergs. This particular location always has something. This is the spot I try to take guests to on every trip. If I ever get a dog, I will name my dog Neko - I love it!Day 5The Lemaire Channel is our next point of call, which is an iconic passageway in Antarctica. It used to be called the Kodak Gap because it’s so beautiful you just can’t help but take a million photos. It’s 7 miles long and narrows to about 7/10th’s of a mile at it’s narrowest point. It’s often ice-choked, so it informally marks the demarcation of the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula to the southern. Every time you go through it’s different, the ice and the currents, and you’re just surrounded by these towering peaks, totally covered in snow, as you cruise down. It’s still and awe-inspiring.As you’ll be heading back to King George Island tomorrow, make another stop to Palmer Station, a US research station. We’ve got a great relationship with the station managers there, so we often get our guests to go and explore the base and see the experience of living there and the research that is being done. To me, Antarctica is multifaceted. There is not just one thing that is compelling, there are so many different aspects combined to make Antarctica what it is. Science and research is a big part of that.Day 6&nbsp;Start the journey back to King George Island, taking in your last few hours of the incredible region. After a day of on-board discovery and photo taking, enjoy the last evening on the boat swapping stories of your adventure. &nbsp;Day 7Arrive back to King George Island for your charter flight back to South America.&nbsp; Antarctica Top 5:&nbsp;Highlights of cruising in Antarctica&nbsp; Antarctic Sound<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/22116/image/large-f8228e0b298b16d0a765b9844256488e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/22116"> Lemaire Channel<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/22114/image/large-28e5098c06dcabb980a50c70cbf5d50d.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/22114"> Wilhelmina Bay<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/22109/image/large-e5e0ee20ab0132d7c3c8311680e8ca38.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/22109"> Neko Harbour<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/22113/image/large-230e1ffa11ae5f0ed9fbf9545e2f4233.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/22113">Palmer Station<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/22111/image/large-04cc3e96d7a2ab6c6d8c9d175c095e20.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/22111"> Need to know:&nbsp;A few things to remember before embarking on your Antarctic discoveryIt’s no secret that Antarctica is one of the harshest environments known to man, and with any trip to the continent, there is always an element of risk. With proper due diligence and sound advice from the experts, however, there is no reason that this element of danger cannot be all-but eliminated. To ensure that every second of your expedition is as filled with incredible moments as it should be, here are some top tips from the experts.&nbsp;Go IAATOThe International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) works in close cooperation with governments and scientific foundations to practice and promote safe and environmentally responsible travel in Antarctica. Most operations offering charter experiences in the region will be IAATO certified, but be sure to check. If you are not going to Antarctica with an IAATO member, you need to be seriously reconsidering your trip.Permits necessaryIt is mandatory to obtain a permit to cruise in Antarctica, and strict penalties are in place for those proceeding south of 60° without one. Although IAATO membership is not compulsory, it will certainly make obtaining a permit a little easier!&nbsp;Bypass the Drake Passage&nbsp;The Drake Passage is notoriously temperamental, with some of the heaviest seas in the world. Although with proper planning and navigational equipment it’s more than possible for any seaworthy vessel to take on the Drake Passage in safety, those looking to bypass the crossing can jump off the yacht in Chile or Argentina and arrange a flight to King George Island.For more information on cruising in the Polar Regions or to book your own charter adventure, get in touch with the experts at EYOS Expeditions directly at <a href="mailto:info@eyos-expeditions.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">info@eyos-expeditions.com.</a>This article was featured in the latest issue of SuperYacht Times, issue 18.<a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">&nbsp;Subscribe now</a>&nbsp;to receive your issue straight to your door and never miss another issue.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Images by Richard White, Justin Hofman, Christopher Michel and EYOS Expeditions&nbsp;

Exploring awesome Antarctica

Owning a support yacht and the effect it has on your experience as a yacht owner remain somewhat of a mystery to some. ‘Do I really need one? Does it not complicate things? How will I benefit from owning another vessel? Surely it would be easier to buy an entirely new, larger yacht, right?’

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For the adventurous type, the obvious benefits that owning a support vessel hold, are clear: more toys = more fun! But is there more to this cruising-buddy lifestyle than just that? To answer these questions and shed light on other aspects of this topic, we have gathered together a few experts in the field with experience in the areas of building, captaining, and managing these type of vessels and the lifestyle associated with it.

Meet Adam Hart (AH), Filippo Rossi (FR), Mark Stothard (MS), and Ben Lyons (BL). Adam is Captain onboard the 55-metre shadow vessel Advantage (serving the 46-metre Palmer Johnson motor yacht, Vantage), with Filippo being the Sales and Marketing Manager of Lynx Yachts in the Netherlands. Mark joins the conversation as Director of Echo Yachts in Australia as does CEO of EYOS Expeditions, Ben Lyons, who knows a thing or two about leading the more off-the-beaten-track yachting lifestyle.

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Why would an owner consider to buy a support vessel instead of buying/building a larger yacht?

AH - I would say the best reason is the massive amount of space a support vessel gives you. We are running a pretty exciting worldwide itinerary and we use Ad-Vantage for all of our tenders, toys, food supplies and spare parts. We have four very large tenders and a submarine which just wouldn’t be possible with Vantage on its own or even to a 70 or 80-metre superyacht as there just isn’t the space. The opportunities that such a fleet offer the charter market are also endless as more clients can afford to charter the two smaller vessels together against some of the massive weekly rates chartered by larger vessels.

FR - Time, money and flexibility. Ease of manoeuvring in certain bays, coves and marinas as the mothership can remain a manageable size and possibly below the 500 GT mark. All these fundamental elements mean more time spent enjoying life onboard.

MS - If you are into adventure-cruising and really getting out and seeing the world then having a support vessel is a very cost effective way of ending up with a good size platform that can carry the kit required to enjoy all sorts of aspects of water sports.

BL - First and foremost, you own a support vessel for greater capability and options. However, for many owners, a larger yacht is just a different experience - it may be more limiting in terms of ports you can dock in, or you simply prefer the more intimate size of the current yacht you own. You get a lot more capability at a very different price point per tonne than you would by owning a larger yacht.

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Does owning a second vessel drastically increase the time management and operational costs of enjoying the yachting life?

AH - Certainly the operational costs increase as you are now budgeting for two vessels, but I think the reward that the owner gets from such a setup is far greater. In terms of time management, we manage everything in-house and have a captain running each vessel with our fleet captain running the shore side of things. I would say the biggest increase is the time spent on crew management, making sure both vessels are streamlined in the way they run, use the same procedures etc. We are setup in such a way that crew can change between the two vessels as required.

FR - Operational costs do not drastically increase, and neither does this have to become a time-intensive operation if managed correctly. In fact, the job of a support yacht is to allow guests on the mothership more time to enjoy their stay onboard. Being able to separate from the support vessel to offload and retrieve the toys, for instance, is just one such example.

MS - I think if you compared owning a second vessel to trying to build something big enough in a superyacht to carry the same kit, there will be considerable overall savings. Case in point, if our current 84-metre Trimaran was to be extended to be able to carry a heli deck, a 12-metre cat, a hovercraft, four jets skis, a luxury tender and two other RIB’s the vessel size would have increased considerably at much more cost than simply designing and buying a dedicated vessel.

BL - Certainly owning a second vessel will increase, naturally, the time spent maintaining and operating your yacht fleet. However, upgrading to a larger yacht also increases the costs and complexity - there are more crew, more costs, etc. So adding a support vessel does not necessarily represent a significant increase in complexity over what upgrading to a larger yacht would.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/166031/image/large-a59ecdaae079c3f27cf4e986f04a899c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/166031">

Have you noticed that owner’s use of their vessels change considerably following the addition of a support vessel to their fleet?

AH - Our owner’s usage has not changed drastically, I just think their experience onboard has significantly improved.

FR – I would say the owner enjoys his/her time aboard much more. The overall experience is more relaxing and, with a good crew, runs smoother. Guests are more likely to embark on a full day of watersports fun knowing that they will not have crew around the breakfast table offloading toys, for example.

MS - Having the additional vessel gives a lot of flexibility in the kit that can be carried and which vessel is used, or both together, for extended explorations.

BL – Yes, definitely. Adding a support vessel opens up a whole range of new experiences - even for yacht owners with vessels around 50-metres - including submersibles and helicopters. For the new type of owner that wants to maximise their experience, this type of support vessel change fundamentally and enhance their yachting experience. 
	 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/166032/image/large-7fd0453f92667b6c173cf8552c022b64.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/166032">

Will we see an increase in the size of support vessels as the size of the top-end of the superyacht fleet keeps increasing?

AH - I am sure we will, yachts are always getting bigger, although I don’t really see the point in much bigger support yachts as, at their current size, they already offer so much. The great thing about our vessels is that we both have reasonably shallow drafts so we can get into places most bigger yachts just can’t go and I have noticed this is a real plus for the owner.

FR - For sure, but you will also see an increased number of shadow vessels built to match the same size as the mothership.

MS - I think there is no doubt that we will see an increase in these types of vessels as they are readily affordable and they can really boost the exploration experience.

BL - I would imagine so. Certainly, a trend we see in yachting is bigger and better, and I don’t see why that wouldn’t apply to larger yachts as well. The same equation and value proposition holds true— the support vessel, no matter its size, will naturally add more to the experience for a yacht owner.

This article was published in a recent edition of the SuperYacht Times newspaper. <a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">Subscribe</a> now to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue!

<a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank"><img alt="[no-lb]" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/166033/image/large-061a32b424d99be35b2bddbbfc441238.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/161506"></a>

Captain’s Insight: Bigger Yacht or Support Yacht?

The Dutch shipyard Damen has announced today that the very first hull of the Damen SeaXplorer range has been sold. Introduced to the industry at the last edition of the Monaco Yacht Show, the SeaXplorer range consists of three purpose built Polar Code compliant models from 65 to 100 metres and was developed in collaboration with Damen, Amels, Eyos Expeditions, and Azure Yacht Design and Naval Architecture. 

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The first model sold is the SeaXplorer 65, described by the brand as, “a crossover between professional technology and superyacht exclusivity; it has proven capability where you need it, and superyacht luxury where you want it.”

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On board she accommodates up to 12 guests in all the luxury one would expect of a Dutch-built superyacht, with a crew of 20 catering to their every need. Offering her new owner 40 days of autonomy, the Sea Axe bow and icebreaking stern, and an impressive selection of tenders and toys including a helicopter, dive support boat, two zodiac RIBs, a submarine and four waverunners, the possibilities for true worldwide exploration are endless.

The first Damen SeaXplorer 65 is scheduled for delivery in 2019.

The first Damen SeaXplorer sold

There are more and more yachts seemingly every week being designed, commissioned or launched that are marketed to the industry as explorer yachts: strong, sturdy vessels that offer owners the luxury of complete freedom to roam wherever their hearts desire. When we started researching into the growing trend of explorers, however, we very quickly stumbled across a pretty significant and blatantly obvious problem: what, exactly, is an explorer yacht?  

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Of course, it’s easy to look at vessels such as the 76.6 metre Yersin built by Piriou last year, or the 107 metre Ulysses built by Kleven and delivered in early March this year, and immediately recognise them as explorers. They boast expansive steel hulls, plenty of room on board for an enviable variety of large tenders and toys, impressive ranges and the rugged stereotypical exterior aesthetic of what we all immediately associate with an explorer yacht. But when it comes to smaller yachts technically classed as explorers, that perhaps have the rugged aesthetic but lack the technical capabilities to really explore, it becomes apparent that the lack of a very clear definition is an addressable issue.

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Seeking clarification, we contacted some of the industry’s experts. The result? The discovery of an even more intricate web of confusion than initially anticipated. Whilst the majority listed qualities such as unrivalled seaworthiness, a level of autonomy and self sufficiency that enables uninterrupted cruising for weeks, ice-strengthened hulls, and easy to maintain, dependable technical areas as essential characteristics of an explorer vessel, there were vast differences in opinion.

What defines an explorer yacht?

“The most important thing is that the yacht is technically built for a longer range of a minimum 5,000 nm and a stronger sea, in culmination with the ability to carry larger tenders in comparison to yachts in the same size range. An Ice Class hull is an advantage, it’s an extra.” Jimmy Broddesson, IYC. 
	 

“First of all: reliability and independence. It is about over engineering, storage capacity, big volumes, seaworthiness, sturdiness, outstanding quality of the technical areas, long range. There is also another characteristic which definitely sets an explorer apart: the attention and cleverness of crew areas, operational issues and technical areas.” Vasco Buonpensiere, CDM.   
	 
	“There isn't much contention among the real experts. It's not how far you can go, it's how long. The Damen SeaXplorer has full luxury service for an unprecedented 40 days of autonomy without port call. That level of endurance means large stores for provisions, plus waste management systems (zero discharge mode), larger fuel tanks, spare parts and workshops. It goes far beyond transatlantic fuel range. True global capability comes with a Polar Code B compliance, this is much tougher than an Ice Class certification, and something in which we are proud to say the SeaXplorer features.” Victor Caminada, Damen.

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“The explorer concept can be expressed in two different ways, by the function and simply by aesthetics. In my opinion, a real Explorer will have a high volume hull, with an overall beam higher than equivalent length conventional yachts, will carry more fuel and consequently will have a longer range. In in bigger sizes it might have a diesel-electric propulsion system, it shall carry more tenders than equivalent size yachts, and they will be bigger.” Sergio Cutolo, Hydrotec. 
	 
	 
	“An explorer yacht is a generic industry term for a yacht that has a higher level of functionality and a ‘go anywhere’ specification. I'd presume that clients who commission an explorer style yacht have the intention to expand their cruising grounds from beyond the normal Mediterranean and Caribbean cruising grounds , perhaps wanting to stay at sea for longer periods desiring a higher level perceived of safety than is perhaps normal, in order to tackle adverse weather and sea conditions". Jonny Horsfield, H2 Yacht Design. 
	 
	 
	“I think you have to define an explorer yacht by its capabilities and ability to deliver exceptional experiences that are otherwise unobtainable. For us, one of the first criteria has to be autonomy - can the yacht operate for significant periods of time away from supporting infrastructure and services? Does it have the fuel range, the garbage capacity, etc. to really operate comfortably and safely in remote areas? Of course, in our line of work, ice class is a very important component as well. Our partnership with Damen started when Damen started to see interest from clients in more capable yachts as an offshoot of the Yacht Support vessel range. We took over 150 design criteria to Damen- everything ranging from helicopter stowage to embarkation arrangements in the tenders- and worked with their team to create SeaXplorer.” Ben Lyons - Eyos Expeditions. 
	 
	 
	“My first, glib response is that any yacht can and should be an "explorer yacht" so long as the owner makes the most of his or her boat's capabilities, rather than keeping her lashed to a pier forever. But more seriously, extrapolating that thrill of discovery, a large yacht means having the ability to be self-sufficient at sea and at anchor for perhaps twice as long as a typical yacht of equivalent size. This manifests itself in robust structure, efficient consumption of considerable fuel stores, additional layers of mechanical redundancy, increased cold storage and even an eye towards the reduction of cosmetic maintenance and upkeep demands.” Bill Prince, Bill Prince Yacht Design.

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The overwhelming response, however black and white many assume the definition is, highlights a real issue of categorisation in the industry. Aspects that all seem to agree on is a large range - but how long? Room for tenders - but how many? A strong hull - but how strong? Is Ice Class necessary? The list of features in a decidedly grey area is endless, and representative of a need for a clearer, well defined superyacht category.

 

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This article is featured in the latest edition of the SuperYacht Times newspaper - subscriptions available <a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">here</a>. What are your thoughts on the hazy definition of explorer superyachts? Let us know at <a href="mailto:news@superyachtcompany.com" target="_blank">news@superyachtcompany.com</a>.

 

Ulysses photo by Wihan du Toit

Categorically undefined: What is an explorer yacht?

Even though completed in 2014, up to now few details have been known about the 26-month refit project that saw the 1988-built fishery patrol vessel named Norna, transformed into the ocean-going luxury expedition vessel that we know today as Enigma XK. Here we take a look at the end result of design studios Vitruvius Yachts and Mc Farlane Ship Design and Atlantic Refit Centre’s handy work.  

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	Norna spent her life in the rough North and Atlantic Seas serving as patrol vessel owned by the Scottish fishery department of the British navy. When she was put up for sale, her new owner particularly fancied her tough exterior and signature funnels, and aimed to retain these characteristics while upgrading her on board features to a superyacht level.   
	 

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	For this, Mc Farlane Ship Design was drafted to enhance the vessel’s exterior by clearing all exterior decks, fitting a large helicopter landing pad, and work around the sloping nature of the existing structure’s decks, and low headroom as a result. As the yacht would be used in predominantly tropical regions, outdoor entertainment areas were designed to receive minimal exposure from the sun.   
	 

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	The aft deck space has been dedicated to the stowing of a 9 metre limousine tender, a 7 metre RIB – both custom creations – including two all-terrain vehicles and a set of Jet-Skis, launched and retrieved by a dedicated 9.5 metre 4 tonne crane.   
	 

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	Philippe Briand of Vitruvius Yachts is responsible for the complete redesign of Enigma XK’s interior. A minimalist and functional design was opted for, with a nautical feel throughout the interior.   
	 

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	Cabins and guests areas are wonderfully bright and simple, with ample natural light that floods through large side windows and a series of skylights in the deckheads above certain guest cabins as well as the owner’s suite. 
	 

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	It was up to French shipyard Atlantic Refit Centre to complete all works within 26 months during which a total of 280,000 man hours were spent on the transformation of the vessel. 
	 

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An inside look at the refitted 71m superyacht Enigma XK

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157942/image/large-d982c530f6f3aae6b912bd9fb49f4d8c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157942">Superyacht Enigma XK in Antarctica The converted fishing vessel Enigma XK was designed to sail in the roughest seas on the planet, and, when launched in 1988, was originally named Norna. Acquired by her current owner in 2011, she underwent a three-year transformation from rugged government vessel into luxury yacht in La Rochelle, France. Built in 1988 by Richards Shipbuilders, the no-nonsense explorer received, amongst other things, a new interior designed by Vitruvius as well as a new exterior styled by Philippe Briand. Enigma XK's 15-foot draft and range of around 5,000-miles means that she can set off on long explorations far away from supporting infrastructure. She is powered by twin 3,000 horsepower Ruston engines. The yacht works together with EYOS Expeditions to offer the most of every trip for her charter guests.She was recently captured in fast-ice near Port Lockroy in the Antarctic Peninsula, near the Southern tip of South America.By Charl van Rooy, photo by Hilary Herscher

The 71m superyacht Enigma XK in Antarctica

Known for their luxury yachting brand Amels, Dutch shipbuilder Damen have now once again pushed the boundaries in the superyacht industry. SuperYacht Times can now exclusively reveal that the yard has developed a new range of expedition yachts from 65 to 100 metres. Named the SeaXplorer range, full details about these first real explorer superyachts will be unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156251/image/large-63c4d391ae9d9aa635876bc91960ba87.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156251">Building on the success of their fast support vessels, Damen have now gone one step further to create a crossover of a yacht with professional ship capabilities, combined with absolute luxury on board. A dedicated Damen SeaXplorer team has spent many hours researching the design to ensure it would live up to its deep water expedition pedigree, through working with their partner EYOS Expeditions. Azure Yacht Design and Naval Architecture was employed to give the range an unmistakable ‘off-road’ appearance, leaving little room to wonder with what purpose in mind the vessel was designed for.The range will feature Damen’s patented Sea Axe hull design that has been optimised with a Polar Class double-act level of strength, allowing the yacht to break through ice. The entire range will offer their guests the ultimate in independence from shore, capable of enjoying up to 40 days in between port calls. As part of the yacht’s exploration capabilities the SeaXplorer carries an array of tenders, toys, submersibles and up to two helicopters.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156252/image/large-962de268e1012adc5a112c35e4a9b1f4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156252">“A number of experienced yachting clients approached us about adapting Damen professional vessels, so we knew from them that there were simply no globally capable luxury explorer yachts out there,” says Rob Luijendijk, Managing Director of Amels. “And that’s also what we heard from the expedition specialists in the industry. So that’s why Damen began developing the SeaXplorer. The result is well beyond a pretty rendering; it’s a fully developed range.”By Charl van Rooy

MYS Exclusive: Damen reveals new SeaXplorer superyacht range

Luxury expedition yacht Enigma XK have announced a partnership with EYOS Expeditions. Beginning with the yachtʼs upcoming Antarctica season, 71 metre Enigma XK will work exclusively with EYOS on all its charters, aiming to introduce a level of luxury and adventure that until now has been unprecedented in expedition charter yachts.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/149996/image/large-3b7f4837750ac4b71b0dd70b33d89873.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/149996">The converted fisheries vessel is designed to sail in the roughest seas on the planet, and, when launched in 1988, was originally named Norna. Acquired by her current owner in 2011, she has been undergoing a three-year transformation from rugged government vessel into luxury yacht in La Rochelle, France.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/149997/image/large-e4baa53df9b64b58cfd4f8b983e5becf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/149997">The partnership will be broad-based and multi-faceted. As expedition operators, EYOS will work with clients on itinerary development, arranging logistical support such as private aircraft or helicopters, and acquiring necessary permits. In addition, two EYOS guides will be onboard to lead every expedition and ensure the safety of the clients in these extreme environments. Lyons says, “Having two expedition staff onboard offers clients the luxury of choice; for instance, some clients may want to go kayaking in Neko Harbor, Antarctica, while others would prefer a hike up to a spectacular view over a glacier. We will be able to offer two activities at the same time. Whatever their interest is, we can supply an experienced guide to enrich their expedition.”<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/149998/image/large-b0cf04eb4991bb3f0802e30cfd8f81cf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/149998">Enigma XK offers luxury accommodation to all guests on board, including the opulent Ownerʼs Suite offers dramatic, 180-degree views from just below the Bridge. A large upper saloon will feature floor to ceiling windows that will frame the stunning views of the passing landscapes. There is a massage room, gym and even a hair salon. A small spa- pool is located aft of a protected al-fresco dining area, and the yachtʼs many toys, including jeeps, kayaks and a certified heli-pad, will ensure guests have the most complete and exhilarating exploration possible.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/149999/image/large-5add6a85ef0e5401a09f4809ea9333c1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/149999">Enigma XK's 15-foot draft and astounding 12,000-mile range mean she can set off on long explorations far away from supporting infrastructure. Her twin 3,000 horsepower Ruston engines propel her at 18 knots, and zero speed stabilisers ensure a comfortable ride whether underway or at anchor.By Gemma Fottles