France-based studio PH Design has revealed the inner workings of a forward thinking design: the 38-metre explorer yacht Orion XPLR 38, which strives to serve as an ideal vessel for “the adventurer in a tuxedo” to take on wild seas. 
Robust and muscular, Orion XPLR 38’s exterior profile boasts forward-facing lines, clear-cut “shoulders” that shield the contrastingly open, exposed deck spaces found on her stern, and is designed to perform regardless of weather conditions and changing seasons.
With the notion of “duality” being the main inspiration for her exterior silhouette, a “dual aspect is shown by two-toned paint—bronze for the comfort and black for the technical areas, where the toys are displayed on the upper deck,” commented designer Pierre-Hugues Vallin.
Inside the fiercely athletic exterior, the yacht, which has a volume of around 380 GT and a beam of up to 8.6-metres, is capable of accommodating as many as 12 guests across a six stateroom configuration, as well as nine crew members.
Besides boasting a sumptuous full-beam owner’s suite on the main deck, complete with a private terrace, Orion XPLR 38 also features a full-beam VIP stateroom on the lower deck with an adjacent private saloon for a personal touch.
Upon entering the yacht, guests are greeted by an opulent exterior lounge area, where expansive sunpads and two plush sofas, paired with a bar, comprise a friendly social hub flanked by far-reaching views of the stern.
With sliding glass doors seamlessly marrying indoor and outdoor living spaces, the same relaxing, convivial atmosphere continues into the interior main saloon, in which a cushy white seating arrangement and marine-themed art installations create a nautical undertone, reminding those onboard that the sea is never far. Moreover, this well-lit saloon includes openings with expansive views that reinforce guests’ connection to the soothing nearby seascape.
Another standout feature found onboard Orion XPLR 38 yacht is her alluring sky lounge stocked with state-of-the-art technology for piloting sky or water-based drones, making fond memories with friends and family, or unwinding after an action-packed day. Depending on the owner’s customisation, a cosy Jacuzzi may also be added to this space for optimal luxury.
Meanwhile, on the yacht’s sundeck, activities ranging from relaxation, festivities, or formal events can be had, thanks to the flexible bar and exterior kitchen space for guests to take in views with a cocktail or alfresco dining cuisine in hand. A lavish pool located forward, which is flanked by sofas for topping up on one’s tan, also allows for blissful, uninterrupted views.
According to PH Design, environmental consciousness was also a priority in the process of designing Orion XPLR 38. That is why the yacht, which features a full displacement hull composed of steel and an aluminium superstructure, contains a large solar panel on the sun deck that can charge batteries while in a harbour.
Additionally, the hybrid vessel can cruise full electric for several nautical miles at a time, surviving solely on batteries for up to a few days while anchored, and is also constructed with Bio-based materials and natural fibres such as wood and bamboo panels.
Furthermore, PH Design aims to elevate guests’ experience by ensuring minimal noise, air pollution with the engines off, while achieving a more sustainable approach to yachting in the process. 