Equipped with ice-class hulls and transoceanic capabilities, explorer yachts are built to navigate the most remote areas of the world effortlessly. BOAT provides an in-depth look at the bold new fleet ahead of the 2024 Explorer Yachts Summit, set to take place on November 13 at the Yacht Club de Monaco.
The only international summit dedicated exclusively to the explorer yachting sector, this event will feature a remarkable lineup of yacht owners, captains, and adventurous spirits taking the stage for a one-day gathering. Tickets for the 2024 edition are now available.
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Promise.D
Builder: Feadship
Length: 65m
Most exciting feature: a helipad
First sighted last year, Promise.D. is part of a highly confidential collection of projects from the Dutch shipyard Feadship. She was photographed being transported through the Dutch canals in December 2023, showcasing a sheltered foredeck typical of explorer yachts, a spacious helipad on the upper deck, and a fold-down beach club. The exterior design is attributed to Studio De Voogt, while the interiors have been crafted by Bannenberg & Rowell.
Read More/65m Feadship superyacht Promise.D delivered
Xplorer 60
Builder: Damen Yachting
Length: 60m
Most exciting feature: an observation lounge-cum-cinema room
This entry is the first 60-meter addition to Damen Yachting’s “luxury expedition” range, aptly called a “yacht for all seasons.” H2 Yacht Design was engaged for the interiors of the Xplorer 60, with inspiration drawn from previous high-profile expedition projects such as Andromeda, Victorious, and the world’s largest yacht, REV Ocean. Efficient space utilization is essential for long voyages, and the Xplorer 60 meets this need with an observation lounge that converts into a cozy cinema at night, as well as a sheltered outdoor area that can serve as a cabana lounge, bar, dive deck, wellness space, or even a ski lodge. The exterior and engineering are credited to Azure Yacht Design.
Read More/Damen Yachting lays the keel on first SeaXplorer 60
King Benji
Builder: Dunya Yachts
Length: 46.7m
Most exciting feature: an upper deck dedicated to the owner
As the owner of King Benji told BOAT International: “The goal [with King Benji] was to create something focused on doing rather than just lounging.” This superyacht certainly delivers with a hidden Jacuzzi beneath the bow sunpads, an inflatable climbing wall, and a jousting arena, complemented by an extensive catalog of toys. While the interiors might not have been the main focus for the owner, Design Unlimited’s vibrant, tropical design definitely captures guests’ attention, featuring natural bamboo ceilings and wooden floors. She was nominated for the 2024 World Superyacht Awards.
Read More/On board Dunya Yachts’ second new build, the 47m King Benji
Project T
Builder: Cantiere delle Marche
Length: 45m
Most exciting feature: a full-beam owner’s apartment
This fully custom explorer yacht was commissioned by her seasoned owner in 2021. Designed by Giorgio Maria Cassetta, Project T showcases sleek, clean exterior lines that connect an almost vertical bow to the expansive beach club at the stern. The owners will enjoy complete privacy with access to the entire forward section of the main deck, featuring a full-beam apartment including his and hers bathrooms, a dressing room, and a lounge area.
Read More/Cantiere delle Marche lays keel on 45m custom explorer Project T
Maverick
Builder: Cantiere delle Marche
Length: 44.3m
Most exciting feature: an infinity pool that converts into storage
Maverick is the first yacht in the shipyard’s Flexplorer 146 series. True to the explorer spirit, her sturdy displacement hull and rugged Hydro Tec exterior include a custom-built crane with a lifting capacity of 4.4 tonnes, along with a 22-millimeter “ice belt” above and below the waterline and a diving center. Leisure features include a sauna, a gym, a 135-square-meter beach club, and a large infinity pool that can be covered and used as storage for deck furniture when Maverick is in motion. She was sold to an “experienced” German owner in 2020.
Read More/Maverick: Cantiere delle Marche delivers first Flexplorer 146 yacht
Irish Rebel
Builder: Bering Yachts
Length: 39.5m
Most exciting feature: a sauna and wellness facilities
Little is known about the B125. Currently under construction in Turkey, this explorer yacht is said to “utilize a proven platform of naval architecture and engineering” to deliver the ocean-going capacities akin to a much larger vessel. On board features include a 30-square-meter beach club and the option for sauna and wellness facilities or a dedicated tender garage. The exterior design has been completed in-house, while the interiors are by Red Yacht Design.
Read More/Steel hull of 40m Bering explorer yacht arrives in Antalya, Turkey
Fox
Builder: Pendennis
Length: 34.9m
Most exciting feature: an aft deck measuring 103.5 square meters
According to Falmouth-based shipyard Pendennis, Fox embodies “the very best of British engineering and interior design.” This compact explorer features an open aft deck measuring 103.5 square meters, capable of accommodating a pair of 7.5-meter tenders, with options for submersibles, Jet Skis, quad bikes, and other gadgets the owners desire. Additional standout features include a DJ station, a glass-walled sky lounge, and a dedicated wine fridge. The exterior and interior design are credited to Q London.
Read More/Fox: 35m Pendennis explorer yacht delivered and named after British scientist
Mereley I
Builder: AES Yacht
Length: 34.6m
Most exciting feature: a sundeck with a Jacuzzi and bar
Mereley I is one of the newest entries this year, having been completed and christened in August 2024. The striking exterior, complete with a bright red boot stripe, comes from the Milan-based studio Hot Lab, while its cool, contemporary interiors can accommodate up to 12 guests and seven crew members. An abundance of al fresco spaces include a sundeck with a forward Jacuzzi and bar, an upper deck dining area, a cockpit lounge, and sunpads with coffee tables on the foredeck. This explorer yacht is currently listed for sale with TWW Yachts, with an asking price of €13,950,000.
Read More/AES Yacht christens 35m pocket explorer Mereley I