Robust luxury explorers designed for long-duration cruises in the most challenging weather conditions are real Swiss Army knives among yachts that combine great maritime capabilities with palatial luxury
In the world of yachting, explorer yachts stand out as a class of vessels that seamlessly blend the thrill of adventure with the epitome of luxury. These robust and versatile yachts are designed to conquer the harshest environments, embarking on long-distance expeditions to the most remote corners of the globe.
Explorer Yachts: Your Swiss Army Knife for the High Seas
Despite their rugged exteriors, explorer yachts offer an unparalleled level of comfort and sophistication, providing owners with a luxurious retreat wherever their journeys may lead.
Unlike traditional superyachts that focus primarily on coastal cruising and leisurely activities, explorer yachts are built to withstand the rigors of extended voyages in challenging conditions. Their steel or aluminum hulls, reinforced decks, and powerful engines enable them to navigate through rough seas, ice floes, and other demanding environments.
Cantiere delle Marche Flexplorer 130
When Cantiere delle Marche was founded in 2010, explorer yachts were virtually unknown to most yacht owners and overlooked by the majority of shipyards. A decade later, this class of yachts has become one of the most intriguing segments in the market, thanks to their versatility.
CdM’s Flexplorer line, built from a combination of steel and aluminum, as the name suggests, possesses all the robustness and seafaring comfort typical of explorers, with an added dose of flexibility, functionality, and superyacht-level space and design standards.
The interiors are the brainchild of Francesco Paszkowski Design, envisioning the yacht as a sophisticated New York penthouse. Nine guests will enjoy a blend of comfort and an industrial touch in five cabins, including a master suite on the main deck.
This explorer yacht, stretching just over 39 meters, boasts an exceptionally versatile aft platform with fold-out sides, creating an ‘infinite deck’ with over 115 square meters of space. The Flexplorer has a top speed of 14 knots, with a range of over 5,000 nautical miles achievable at a cruising speed of 10 knots.
Sanlorenzo 500Exp
Flagship of the Sanlorenzo Explorer line, the 47-meter 500Exp is tailor-made for modern incarnations of Phileas Fogg, seeking to cruise the world’s remote corners in luxury.
With a range of 4,500 nautical miles and an optional strengthened hull capable of navigating through sea ice, Sanlorenzo transforms into a superhero ready for the most formidable challenges. Designed by Francesco Paszkowski Design as an ‘off-road superyacht,’ the 500Exp embodies the perfect fusion of adventure and comfort.
On the deck, seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces creates a deeper connection with the natural environment, while ten guests luxuriate in the refined ambiance of five lavish cabins. The yacht’s versatility shines through its ability to carry a helicopter or a submarine on the reinforced stern platform for underwater exploration, as well as tenders and sailboats up to nine meters in length.
Whether you’re swimming in the pool overlooking a massive glacier or sipping cocktails in the cozy salons on the main or upper deck, the adventure is limited only by the endless horizons of the open sea.
Canados Oceanic 143
Canados, in its foray into the market, presents its largest yacht to date, the Oceanic 143, showcasing a unique explorer concept in terms of design and range. Unlike the typical 13-knot speed range found in similar yachts, this yacht boasts an impressive maximum speed of 24 knots while still delivering extended autonomy.
The 43-meter long and 8.2-meter wide three-deck yacht places a strong emphasis on reducing noise, both when anchored and, crucially, during navigation.
This feat has been achieved through dedicated attention to soundproofing and positioning noisy components as far away from guest areas and owner cabins as possible. The main deck salon, uniquely, is situated above the guest cabins, while the top owner’s deck is placed so far from the engines that, even at maximum speed, noise levels are restricted to the hum of air conditioning and speakers.
Featuring two guest cabins, two VIP cabins, and a fully private owner’s deck, the Oceanic 143 Tri Deck offers not only exceptional comfort but also boasts unique outdoor spaces. The 105-square-meter aft deck is equipped with a pool, a summer kitchen bar, and a 12-person dining table.
Numarine 37XP
Numarine 37XP shares the same beam as its predecessor, the 32XP, but an extension of four meters forward of the engine room bulkhead has led to significant improvements in guest and crew accommodations. Additionally, this extension has elevated the upper deck, promising an even more luxurious experience on board. Equipped with a steel hull and a composite superstructure, this superyacht possesses all the attributes necessary for worldwide cruising.
With an range of 5,000 nautical miles at a consistent 10 knots, Turkish explorer transforms into a cruising palace of comfort and luxury. Stepping into the spacious interior, guests are greeted by multiple social areas. Large windows throughout the main deck saloon and cabins flood the spaces with natural light, creating an inviting and warm ambiance.
However, the true charm of the 37XP lies in its expansive outdoor areas. Whether you’re in search of panoramic vistas, al fresco dining, or simply a sunny paradise, this yacht provides the comfort of a luxurious home on the water. Another standout feature of this model is the vast flybridge, offering an 80-square-meter open-air haven for outdoor enjoyment.
Benetti B.Yond 37M
From a 150-year-old shipyard comes an explorer equipped with a hybrid system for eco-friendly long-distance cruising and a four-deck layout typically found on yachts longer than 50 meters. The Benetti B.Yond 37M is a yacht that fulfills the dreams of modern owners eager to navigate the world with their family and friends.
Designed by the visionary Stefano Righini, the B.Yond 37M embodies a harmonious fusion of elegance and functionality. The upper and lower decks seamlessly merge with the yacht’s hull, allowing for the addition of a fourth deck adorned with expansive windows that offer unrivaled panoramic vistas of the boundless sea.
Combining SCR catalytic filters with the innovative E-Mode hybrid system, the B.Yond 37M stands as the most eco-friendly boat in its class. The use of new technologies has resulted in an incredible range of up to 8,200 nautical miles at nine knots in Eco Transfer mode, nearly double that of traditional yachts of the same size. Instead of fiberglass, Benetti made an unusual choice for a boat this size and opted for a return to steel. For many markets, steel is a symbol of durability and solidity, which are quintessential features of a Voyager designed for long cruises.
Bilgin Kaşif
Kaşif, with its 42-meter length, embodies the essence of its name, ‘explorer’ in Turkish. Designed by Emrecan Özgün from Unique Yacht Design, the exterior seamlessly combines form and function while maintaining Bilgin Yachts‘ distinctive sporty and aggressive lines, departing from the traditional bulky explorer yacht design. Inside, Kaşif offers an elegant interior crafted by Enrico Lumini of Hot Lab in Italy.
Lumini’s creative vision results in a modern, yet timeless aesthetic, blending contemporary geometries with elements that reflect the owner’s passions. The layout includes a sumptuous owner’s cabin on the main deck, three VIP cabins, and two twin cabins, each with its own unique yet harmonious style.
Her expansive outdoor decks provide guests with a plethora of seating areas to choose from when embracing unobstructed, panoramic views. Powered by twin CAT C18 engines, Kaşif comfortably cruises at 10 knots, boasting a range of over 5,000 miles at an economical speed.
Feadship Shinkai
Like every genuinely custom superyacht, the design for Shinkai (the Japanese word for Deep Sea) revolved around these specific choices of the client. In this case the key was how best to incorporate a 7.2-tonne submarine on the aft deck along with the giant crane required for launching and collection.
Taking this as the starting point, designer Philippe Briand and the teams at Vitruvius and Feadship have developed a 55-metre explorer yacht which is be able to travel the world while remaining both self-sufficient and fuel-efficient.
For the first time on a yacht of this size, a gyroscope system weighing a hefty 23 tonnes, has been fitted within the hull, with the tank deck arranged in such a way to enable traditional stabilisers to also be installed later if required. The rest of the Feadship’s explorer is a testament to the luxury that defines a superyacht.
Shinkai spans four decks plus an observatory setting, in order that the spaces inside meet the detailed requirements of the very experienced client. The owner’s cabin is positioned forward in the superstructure, with an exceptional area of 73 sqm and a 135-degree view through full-height reinforced windows. There are four further guest suites, while seven cabins for 12 crew complete the accommodations.
Damen SeaXplorer 58
Measuring 58 metres in length, the SeaXplorer 58 has been perfectly prepared to offer the combination of indoor-outdoor living. Here, the owner can enjoy adventures worldwide with friends and family in six luxurious suites accommodating up to twelve guests. For those seeking adrenaline, the yacht comes equipped with various gear, including two versatile tenders, motorcycles, on and off-road vehicles, and an 11.4-meter sailboat.
The hedonistic experience includes relaxation in a cabana-style bar and lounge, featuring an infinity pool located beneath the helipad. Additionally, the sky lounge and upper deck dining area offer a seamless connection with the great outdoors.
The yacht also boasts the signature observation lounge at the bow, a hallmark of SeaXplorer vessels, providing unparalleled views of some of the Earth’s most beautiful and untouched places. With an ice-capable hull and a 30-day autonomy for ocean voyages, it can confidently navigate to many remote destinations that are often inaccessible to other vessels.
Rosetti 38m EXP
Crafted in steel and aluminum, the Rosetti 38m EXP is the Italian shipyard’s first explorer model in its history. With a beam of 8.85 meters and a gross tonnage of 432 GT, the RSY 38m EXP boasts a volume typical of larger yachts, with its 700 square meters of space almost evenly distributed between the interior and exterior.
The exterior design, characterized by a classic profile, extensive glass surfaces, a straight bow, and sharp modern lines, reflects the functionality and reliability of the yacht. Special attention has been dedicated to crew and cargo spaces, crucial for extended voyages far from ports or marinas.
Inside, this Italian explorer yacht provides accommodation for 12 guests in five cabins, including a main deck suite that spans the entire width and four guest cabins on the lower deck. The RSY 38m EXP, powered by two MAN engines, can achieve a top speed of 13 knots and has a range of over 4,500 miles at a cruising speed of 10 knots.
Text Hrvoje Bulešić
Photos & video Cantiere delle Marche / Guillame Plisson, Sanlorenzo, Canados,
Numarine, Benetti, Bilgin, Feadship, Damen / Tom Van Oossanen & Rosetti / Alberto Cocchi
