An explorer yacht gives you to opportunity for unlimited cruising in some of the most inaccessible places the blue planet has to offer. Here is SuperYacht World’s round-up of the best recent concepts from the superyacht design houses.



This 57-metre designed by Sergio Cutolo at Hydro Tec sets out to create a true ocean-going performer with all the facilities you’d expect of a larger yacht. The aft deck includes a raised touch-and-go helipad, with tender storage. Having the tender here means a free garage area, which can be configured as a beach club or as storage for a sub. The layout specifies a dedicated owner’s deck, with a VIP and four double guests cabins below. The owner’s suite leads on to a terrace overlooking the foredeck.

 



The displacement 115 is the first in a new range from Cantieri delle Marche, whose impressive Darwin yachts are already taking owners on extensive cruises. Designer Mario Pedol at Nauta Yachts has packed a lot into the yacht – in fact, you could be forgiven for thinking this is an interior from a much larger vessel. The full-beam owner’s suite on the main deck boasts a walk-in closet and his’n’hers bathrooms, while below decks there are four suites for guests. The crew are looked after, too – a good job if you’re off on a long cruise: the ensuite captain’s cabin is by the pilothouse and the crew area in the bow sleeps six and boasts a laundry and mess, as well as separate storage areas for waste. This yacht fits a lot into its LOA: the owner’s suite opens onto a private deck and boasts 270˚views. Clear glass has been used where possible in doors, to preserve a visual link between areas of the yacht.

 



Behind the utilitarian exterior of this 72-metre by Liebowitz & Pritchard lies a multi-functional interior that’s intentionally a marked departure from conventional layouts. Windows extend beyond floor-to-ceiling for a true indoor-outdoor experience, while opening terraces allow cabins to extend even further over the water. A touch-and-go helipad, a store of trekking equipment and three tenders promise plenty of exploration for an adventure-seeking owner. Interior comfort levels are high and the yacht has been specified for guests who’ll be spending long spells on board. Facilities include a two-level salon with an opening ‘loft’ area, a cinema, and a massage salon with medical and dental equipment.

 



Ocea Yacht’s Commuter 230 takes its name from ship-to-shore commuter boats that used to run about the harbour on general duites. This 70-metre giant has outgrown the concept, though it retains a nippy top speed of 25 knots. The owner’s quarters are above the bridge deck and boast a hot-tub forward. There’s room for a helicoper on the bridge deck aft (with an extended deck here) and a swimming pool on the main deck. The naval architecture is by Joubert/Nivelt and with just an 11.5-metre beam the plumb-bowed yacht is capable of a cruising speed of 20 knots.



Outer Reef Yachts‘ smaller boats have a proven track record and the yard’s Explorer series, from the board of the Setzer Design Group, looks set to bring those same values to superyacht sizes. The  semi-displacement platform (shown above is a 35-metre 115) has a moderate draught so that owners can cruise areas such as the Bahamas, but the yacht also offers ocean-crossing capability. The semi-displacement hull means a turn of speed if you need it. An Explorer 105 launches next year.