United States

Shelley McNaughton Interior Designs

Offering exclusive expedition cruises in remote biodiversity hotspot destinations around the world is Italian-American entrepreneur Francesco Galli Zugaro. Inspired by his international upbringing, having lived across 16 countries and three continents, and exploring a business opportunity after a few years in private equity, Francesco founded <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6639" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aqua Expeditions (Company)">Aqua Expeditions</a>.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6639" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aqua Expeditions (Company)">Aqua Expeditions</a> hosts high-end luxury cruises for couples or families who want to explore the world via charter, but without having to rent out an entire superyacht. The goal of each expedition, no matter in what corner of the world, is to create an experience that is both luxurious and adventurous, connecting like-minded travellers who want to explore without giving up their standard of luxury.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/381267/image/large-33b9d2e7d7837ceb334b70171f40c553.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/381267">Francesco’s&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6639" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aqua Expeditions (Company)">Aqua Expeditions</a>While <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6639" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aqua Expeditions (Company)">Aqua Expeditions</a> has been around for 20 years, Francesco himself has been a global explorer all his life. With an international upbringing and a professional background in finance and private equity, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6639" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aqua Expeditions (Company)">Aqua Expeditions</a> is the expression of his entrepreneurial spirit and global curiosity. Since its founding in 2007, guests of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6639" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aqua Expeditions (Company)">Aqua Expeditions</a> have cruised along the Peruvian Amazon and the Mekong river, and have embarked on ocean expeditions in the Galapagos, and all around the Indonesian Archipelago, including Raja Ampat, West Papua, Spice Islands and Komodo National Park.&nbsp;Now the most recent addition to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6639" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aqua Expeditions (Company)">Aqua Expedition</a> fleet is <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aqua Lares77.4m (253'11&quot;)IHC Verschure1974">Aqua Lares</a>, a 77.4-metre superyacht built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/684" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IHC Verschure (Company)">IHC Verschure</a> in 1974. Before receiving her new name, the superyacht, known as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aqua Lares77.4m (253'11&quot;)IHC Verschure1974">Legend</a>, underwent extensive refits at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5161" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Shiprepair & Conversion (Company)">Damen Shiprepair &amp; Conversion</a> facilities in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aqua Lares77.4m (253'11&quot;)IHC Verschure1974">Aqua Lares</a>’ original design features interiors by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/686" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John Misiag Design (Company)">John Misiag Design</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/687" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shelley McNaughton Interior Designs (Company)">Shelley McNaughton Interior Designs</a>, exterior designs by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/685" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="M.E. Consulting (Company)">M.E. Consulting</a>, and naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/684" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IHC Verschure (Company)">IHC Verschure</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/685" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="M.E. Consulting (Company)">M.E. Consulting</a>. The latest refits were led by Francesco’s wife, Birgit Galli Zugaro, in collaboration with Milan based interior design firms <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/908" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hot Lab (Company)">Hot Lab</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/381265/image/large-bc8035dcc814fb75ce1ad430aee69840.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/381265">The renewed interior, shaped under Francesco’s personal supervision, aligns with the company’s signature look: refined, elegant, understated. “<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aqua Lares77.4m (253'11&quot;)IHC Verschure1974">Aqua Lares</a>’ interiors showcase contemporary design at its finest,” Francesco notes. Onboard, curated details shape the atmosphere. Libraries are assembled by specialist editors, bespoke tableware crafted in Bali featuring motifs inspired by each destination and artwork sourced from a century old New York print shop. “There are a lot of unique pieces around the world,” he adds. “That’s why from scouting the destinations, building the itinerary and getting the ship ready; it takes three years to bring to market.”On a Global ExpeditionNot just the refit, but the voyage itineraries are also tested and tried by Francesco himself. “I took an expedition myself with my three kids and my wife earlier this summer on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aqua Lares77.4m (253'11&quot;)IHC Verschure1974">Aqua Lares</a>. We went up north into the Arctic Circle, above 82 degrees to break ice and I wanted to see what she could do,” Francesco shares. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aqua Lares77.4m (253'11&quot;)IHC Verschure1974">Aqua Lares</a> was originally built as an ice breaker with a steel hull, enabling her to break ice if needed when cruising around the Arctic Circle. “We were the northernmost vessel in the world. It was incredible… We’re 150 nautical miles from the North Pole, and on this iconic superyacht.” It is this feeling that Francesco strives to share with his guests.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/381269/image/large-07c6bd49ed82b09574d85fa31d2715c3.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/381269">The main goal, however, of acquiring <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aqua Lares77.4m (253'11&quot;)IHC Verschure1974">Aqua Lares</a> was to create an intimate chartering itinerary along the East African Coastline, chartering the yacht between the Seychelles and Zanzibar. It is an itinerary that Francesco has been working on for two decades: “I’ve done about 18 Sub-Saharan safaris in the last 20 years to scout out bodies of water,” he explained. The Seychelles, particularly their remote outer islands, stood out. “Very few guests have been to Aldabra,” he said. “Aldabra is the Galapagos of East Africa. It has 150,000 giant tortoises on one island and no human population.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/381270/image/large-d18642427859b2707f3acf31e37f2211.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/381270">A New Way to ExploreThe concept behind chartering onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aqua Lares77.4m (253'11&quot;)IHC Verschure1974">Aqua Lares</a> is as disruptive as it is elegant. She is a superyacht designed to be booked by the cabin, an offering rarely seen at this level of luxury. “Nowhere in the Caribbean or Mediterranean can you book a superyacht by the cabin. I’m the only one doing this,” he said. “Especially in these remote iconic conservation destinations like Galapagos and East Africa.”The itineraries are structured with the finesse of someone who has spent years scouting every stretch of water personally. Scheduled five-, nine-, ten- and eleven-night routes will connect Mahé, the Seychelles outer islands and Zanzibar. Guests can combine segments or pair voyages with private safaris ashore in Tanzania and beyond. The appeal lies not only in the scenery and wildlife, but in how accessible it becomes. “A couple can book a beautiful suite on a superyacht and know they’ll be mingling with like-minded guests,” Francesco notes.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/381271/image/large-909967b45315a0c909353d9ac516bb39.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/381271">Days onboard follow <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6639" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aqua Expeditions (Company)">Aqua Expeditions</a>’ immersive rhythm: Snorkelling, diving, hiking, beach landings and wildlife encounters are seamlessly woven into a schedule designed to energise rather than overwhelm. “People are that happy-exhausted,” he said with a smile. “We push them a little outside their comfort zone, and suddenly the barriers break down.” He shared an example from a recent Papua expedition: “We sat under a waterfall that falls straight into the ocean. People were blown away. No one else was around. They become like kids again.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/381272/image/large-da50b7534af51f67fef14fb11000f0c8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/381272">Crew as the Soul of the VesselWhat makes <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6639" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aqua Expeditions (Company)">Aqua Expeditions</a>' cruises most special, says Francesco, is the crew. “Our crew knows everybody’s name by the first morning,” he said. “They work for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6639" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aqua Expeditions (Company)">Aqua</a>, they’re not freelancers. They feel at home on the ship.” When building his team, Francesco looks for crew that are “passionate, authentic, and talented.”&nbsp;Not only that, but Francesco also emphasises on hiring destination locals. “They know the area and they’re genuinely from the region.” It allows Francesco to ensure that the destination-specific expertise is there: “If it’s Indonesia, it’s Indonesian crew, if it’s Ecuador, it’s Ecuadorian crew.”&nbsp;The number of crew per <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6639" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aqua Expeditions (Company)">Aqua Expedition</a> depends on the vessel, but also on the number of guests. Each experience has a minimum of 1:1 ratio, and with an average of 6,000 guests per year, it is clear that Francesco and his team know how to care for their guests, ensuring they have a unique, adventurous, and luxurious charter cruise experience. “Some guests have been coming back to the brand since we began and recognise most of the crew,” Francesco added.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/381268/image/large-19c71f92a81dbd70f729d5c4474adfe6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/381268">A Personal Project with Global ReachFor all the complexity behind <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aqua Lares77.4m (253'11&quot;)IHC Verschure1974">Aqua Lares</a>, her foundation is simple: a desire to give guests access to extraordinary places without unnecessary barriers. It is a philosophy Francesco continues to refine with each new vessel. “I’ve built a small brand, but within our demographic of affluent explorers, we’ve now got 40,000 loyal guests,” he said. “Competition doesn’t worry me. The only competition is where our guests want to go next.”This article was first published in the <a href="https://yachtchartermarket.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Yacht Charter Market</a> newsletter. You can read more <a href="https://yachtchartermarket.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">here</a>.

Aqua Expeditions' newest yacht: The recently refitted Aqua Lares 

Onboard Aqua Expeditions' newest addition: The recently refitted Aqua Lares

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/373401/image/large-8bf8d7586932a7c2002d5a691c6cfa93.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/373401">The 77.4-metre explorer yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legend77.4m (253'11&quot;)IHC Verschure1974">Legend</a>, built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/684" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IHC Verschure (Company)">IHC Verschure</a> in 1974 as the icebreaking tug Giant I, was seen anchored here in Tromsø, Norway. Sold this June, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legend77.4m (253'11&quot;)IHC Verschure1974">Legend</a> was originally engineered with naval input from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/684" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IHC Verschure (Company)">IHC Verschure</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/685" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="M.E. Consulting (Company)">M.E. Consulting</a> before being transformed into a superyacht in 2003 and later refitted at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/429" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ICON Yachts (Company)">ICON Yachts</a> in 2016, when <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Diana Yacht Design (Company)">Diana Yacht Design</a> restyled her exterior and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/686" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John Misiag Design (Company)">John Misiag</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/687" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shelley McNaughton Interior Designs (Company)">Shelley McNaughton</a> designed her interiors, with a more recent interior refit carried out by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/908" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hot Lab (Company)">Hot Lab</a>.Currently undergoing maintenance works at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5161" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Damen Shiprepair & Conversion (Company)">Damen Shiprepair &amp; Conversion</a> in Schiedam, the 2,407 GT yacht accommodates 26 guests in 13 staterooms, with further space for 28 crew. Her highlights include a Balinese spa, a 16-person Jacuzzi with waterfall, a 14-seat cinema, and a certified helipad, while her reinforced steel hull enables polar exploration. Powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1628" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smit Bolnes (Company)">Smit Bolnes</a> diesel engines, she cruises at 11 knots with a top speed of 12 knots.If you would like to see your photo featured each day, then send your submissions to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:news@superyachttimes.com" target="_blank">news@superyachttimes.com</a>.

77m explorer superyacht Legend in Norway

The 77m explorer superyacht Legend, built by IHC Verschure in 1974, was spotted anchored here in Tromsø, Norway. 

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/319372/image/large-028f7526a1e497576165a8f7d4d69773.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/319372">Spotted this week docked in Bergen, Norway, is the 77.4-metre explorer yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legend77.4m (253'11&quot;)IHC Verschure1974">Legend</a>. Originally constructed by the Dutch shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/684" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IHC Verschure (Company)">IHC Verschure</a> in 1974 as an icebreaking tug, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legend77.4m (253'11&quot;)IHC Verschure1974">Legend</a>, formerly known as Giant I, underwent a remarkable transformation in 2003, emerging as the world’s first Class 1 icebreaker superyacht. She was rebuilt by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/429" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ICON Yachts (Company)">Icon Yachts</a> in 2016, boasting a sumptuous interior crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/686" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John Misiag Design (Company)">John Misiag</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/687" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shelley McNaughton Interior Designs (Company)">Shelley McNaughton</a>, with elegant exterior lines from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Diana Yacht Design (Company)">Diana Yacht Design</a>. The extensive upgrade to convert <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legend77.4m (253'11&quot;)IHC Verschure1974">Legend</a> into an ice-breaking passenger yacht included significant modifications. Her stern was extended by 3.6-metres, the superstructure underwent a complete redesign, and her mast was entirely reconstructed.&nbsp;Inside, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legend77.4m (253'11&quot;)IHC Verschure1974">Legend</a> offers accommodation for up to 22 guests across 11 city-themed staterooms. Noteworthy features on board include a Balinese-style spa with a dedicated spa specialist, a 16-person heated Jacuzzi with a cascading waterfall on the main deck, and a 14-seat cinema room. For the ultimate expedition experience, the 2,407 GT yacht is outfitted with an impressive array of tenders and toys, capable of supporting submersibles, heli-operations, and diving expeditions.

77m explorer yacht Legend in Bergen

The 77m explorer yacht Legend is seen here anchored in Bergen, Norway. 

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/253203/image/large-1fc5191d1eb192a4dddc711a6935591d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/253203">Currently anchored off the coast of Brabant Island in Antarctica is the 77.4-metre explorer yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legend77.4m (253'11&quot;)IHC Verschure1974">Legend</a>. Built by the Dutch shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/684" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IHC Verschure (Company)">IHC Verschure</a> in 1974 as an icebreaking tug, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legend77.4m (253'11&quot;)IHC Verschure1974">Legend</a> (ex: &nbsp;Giant I) was converted into the world's first Class 1 icebreaker superyacht in 2003. Now a fully-fledged expedition superyacht, she was rebuilt by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/429" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ICON Yachts (Company)">Icon Yachts</a> in 2016 and features a lavish interior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/686" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John Misiag Design (Company)">John Misiag</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/687" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shelley McNaughton Interior Designs (Company)">Shelley McNaughton</a>, with exterior styling by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Diana Yacht Design B.V. (Company)">Diana Yacht Design</a>. Amongst the list of works completed in order to upgrade her to an ice-breaking passenger ship, her stern was lengthened by 3.6 metres and her superstructure was completely redesigned and her mast rebuilt.&nbsp;Onboard, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legend77.4m (253'11&quot;)IHC Verschure1974">Legend</a> can accommodate up to 22 guests in her 11 city-themed staterooms. Special features include a Balinese-style spa with a dedicated spa specialist, a 16-person heated Jacuzzi and waterfall on her main deck and a 14-seat cinema room. Lastly, among a spread of tenders and toys, she is equipped to support everything from submersibles to heli-operations and dive expeditions in either the icy waters of Antarctica or the sunny seas of the Mediterranean.

Explorer yacht Legend in Antarctica

The 77m explorer yacht Legend is seen here anchored in Antarctica.

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/217550/image/large-4edf3843a54447b03742b0beb34d5ee6.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/217550">Captured last week in Antarctica by the photographer hired to shoot her for the season is the 77.4-metre explorer yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legend77.4m (253'11&quot;)IHC Verschure1974">Legend</a>. Built by the Dutch shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/684" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IHC Verschure (Company)">IHC Verschure</a> in 1974 as an icebreaking tug, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legend77.4m (253'11&quot;)IHC Verschure1974">Legend</a> (ex: &nbsp;Giant I) was converted into the world's first Class 1 icebreaker superyacht in 2003. Now a fully-fledged expedition superyacht, she was rebuilt by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/429" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ICON Yachts (Company)">ICON Yachts</a> in 2016 and features a lavish interior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/686" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John Misiag Design (Company)">John Misiag</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/687" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shelley McNaughton Interior Designs (Company)">Shelley McNaughton</a>, with exterior styling by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Diana Yacht Design B.V. (Company)">Diana Yacht Design</a>. Amongst the list of works completed in order to upgrade her to an icebreaking passenger ship, her stern was lengthened by 3.6 metres, whilst her superstructure was completely redesigned and her mast rebuilt. Her hull was repainted in an attractive dark grey, making her stand out, particularly on visits to the arctic regions.

77m explorer yacht Legend in Antarctica

The 77m explorer yacht Legend is captured here cruising in Antarctica.

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/259" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Y.CO (Company)">Y.CO</a> today announced the sale of the 77.4-metre expedition motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legend77.4m (253'11&quot;)IHC Verschure1974">Legend</a> while the firm also mentioned that the vessel has joined its charter fleet. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/40907/image/large-7983e5a8d15d0ce2e8330351adea061f.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/40907">Built by the Dutch shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/684" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IHC Verschure (Company)">IHC Verschure</a> in 1974 as an icebreaking tug, the 77.4-metre vessel <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legend77.4m (253'11&quot;)IHC Verschure1974">Legend</a> (ex: &nbsp;Giant I) was converted into the world's first Class 1 icebreaker superyacht in 2003. Now a fully-fledged expedition superyacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legend77.4m (253'11&quot;)IHC Verschure1974">Legend</a> was rebuilt by<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/429" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ICON Yachts (Company)">&nbsp;Icon Yachts</a> in 2016 and features a lavish interior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/686" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John Misiag Design (Company)">John Misiag</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/687" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shelley McNaughton Interior Designs (Company)">Shelley McNaughton</a>, with exterior styling by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Diana Yacht Design B.V. (Company)">Diana Yacht Design</a>. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/12516/image/large-402647b08a479221f2e9e189d78148ad.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/12516">On board, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legend77.4m (253'11&quot;)IHC Verschure1974">Legend</a> accommodates up to 26 guests across 13 luxurious guest cabins, consisting of a grand master suite, two VIP suites, five double cabins and five twin cabins. A crew of up to 24 can also be accommodated on board as well as 10 expedition staff. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/12515/image/large-d5e3a46906a76feedbb6154a3e55416b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/12515">With a single shaft powered by two 2500 Kw diesel engines, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/936" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legend77.4m (253'11&quot;)IHC Verschure1974">Legend</a> has a max speed of 14.6 knots and a cruising speed of 10-11 knots, with a range of 7,500 nautical miles at cruising speed.

70m explorer yacht Legend sold

The 70-metre Dutch explorer motor yacht legend has been sold and is now cruising under the command of her new owner. 

77m explorer yacht Legend finds new owner

In this series of articles, we take a look at the best charter deals currently on offer in some of the best cruising hotspots in the world. What, Why, Where and Who forms the basis of the articles. This week we look at the 77-metre explorer superyacht Legend,&nbsp;available for charter in Antarctica and Patagonia this February and March, throughout the Caribbean and the Sea of Cortez in March and April, and throughout Northern Europe and Greenland from May to September this year.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/21714/image/large-02735682e1bf314c97ec384707cc1a20.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/21714">What is on offer?Built by the Dutch shipyard IHC Verschure in 1974 as an icebreaking tug, the 77.4-metre vessel Legend (ex: Giant I)&nbsp;was converted into the world's first Class 1 icebreaker superyacht in 2003. Now an expedition superyacht of the highest quality, Legend&nbsp;was beautifully refitted by Icon Yachts in 2016 and features a lavish interior design by John Misiag and Shelley McNaughton, with exterior styling by Diana Yacht Design.&nbsp;On board, Legend&nbsp;accommodates up to 26 guests across 13 luxurious guest cabins, comprising one master suite, two VIP suites, five double cabins and five twin cabins. A crew of up to 24 can also be accommodated on board as well as 10 expedition staff.&nbsp;Powered by two 2500Kw diesel engines on one shaft, Legend&nbsp;has a max speed of 14.6 knots and a cruising speed of 10-11 knots, with a range of 7,500 nautical miles at cruising speed.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/22019/image/large-83dfb8bbb71455c8fea61d7855366d0d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/22019"> <img src="/uploads/store/photo/22015/image/large-76768faf64b1eaf38d0578988bdfd7d9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/22015"> Why do we think is such a good idea?&nbsp;A charter experience on board the ice-breaking superyacht Legend&nbsp;offers pure, unadulterated cruising adventures with all the luxuries you would expect from the world's best superyachts. During your stay on Legend,&nbsp;you can explore the world's most extraordinary surroundings from the air to the water, making the most of her commercially certified helicopter pad, her snow scooters for adventures on land, her impressive range of water sport toys and her three-person submarine which can dive down to 300 metres.&nbsp;For when you want to kick back and truly enjoy the superyacht lifestyle on board, Legend&nbsp;offers everything you need and more, including a fully equipped gym, a Balinese spa with a sauna, Jacuzzi and beauty salon and a built-in movie theatre and media room.&nbsp;As her owner, Jan Verkerk describes, 'Legend is the first award-winning ice breaking superyacht in the world! Unique in her class,&nbsp;Legend&nbsp;is a superyacht that can truly go anywhere in the world.'<img src="/uploads/store/photo/22018/image/large-cb509fad804004be76df7f7a76f99187.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/22018"> <img src="/uploads/store/photo/22016/image/large-9287ac180b6ec41d860179da3e0f56f3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/22016"> When is she available?Currently cruising around Antarctica and Patagonia, Legend&nbsp;is available for cruising in Antarctica and Patagonia between 8th February and 15th March this year for a special rate of €400,000 per week for Antarctica and €441,000 per week for Patagonia.&nbsp;Legend's general charter fee is € 490,000 per week and she is also available for cruising in the Caribbean and Sea of Cortez in March and April this year, with a special deal of no delivery fee on any charter deal of 10 days or more. For the summer season, the 77-metre superyacht will be available to charter around Northern Europe - including Greenland - between May and September this year, with helicopter skiing and snowmobiles available for charters in Greenland.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/22013/image/large-31c1a4b8591e2ad81306a46ee3058dff.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/22013"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/22014/image/large-a60bce1a7e90aa0e22388fdf1efeaf1a.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/22014">Who to call?&nbsp;&nbsp; For more information regarding a charter experience on board Legend&nbsp;contact Kevin van Luijn via email at <a href="mailto:Kevin@sherakhan.com">Kevin@sherakhan.com</a>, or call +31 621202914.&nbsp;Photos by Quin Bisset&nbsp;