With a growing popularity due to mankind’s ever increasing desire to reach the most exotic locations on earth. Shipyards have been pushing the limit to create remarkable explorer yachts that are both luxurious and extraordinarily capable. Below we’ve assembled a list of some of the most spectacular explorer yachts currently available for acquisition today.
Back in the Mediterranean, after a five-month cruise to Antarctica, Planet Nine has redefined luxury exploration cruising.
Launched in May 2018, the 73.2 meter (240ft) Planet Nine anticipated the current fascination with off-the beaten-track, long distance cruising. Built for extreme conditions, her imposing profile by Tim Heywood is reminiscent of a military vessel. The interior layout is functional but as elegant as the exterior is rugged.
With safety and performance as well as comfort in mind, the hull and superstructure were built by the commercial shipyard Cantieri San Marco in La Spezia while The Italian Sea Group completed the build to luxury yacht standards.
Exploration is in Planet Nine’s DNA. She is Lloyd’s Register Ice Class 1D and can deal with sea ice up to 15 centimetres. She is equipped with dynamic positioning and zero speed stabilizers for comfort at anchor. Her commercially approved helideck, with an enclosed, below-deck hangar and refuelling facility, is accessed by a lifting platform for an eight-ton helicopter. The hangar allows Planet Nine to handle two aircraft at the same time.
The interior was designed by Tino Zervudachi (Mlinaric, Henry and Zervudachi) known for his use of colour and eclectic aesthetic. The yacht is elegant with stylistic flair yet has a cosy quality and does not feel over-designed. The interior and furniture were custom built by German luxury outfitter Fitz Interiors.
The Upper Deck houses the main indoor living area including a stunning Inside-Outside Salon, an Observation Lounge forward and a super-surround cinema with lounge beds. Business requirements have not been overlooked. A large meeting room/library with adjoining lounge is located on the Main Deck and there is a smaller private study on the Upper Deck.
Guest accommodations are spacious and sleep up to sixteen in eight staterooms including the full-beam Owner’s suite, a VIP on the Main Deck and another VIP with a private outside area on the Bridge Deck. An elevator serves all decks.
The Sundeck with Jacuzzi provides ample space for outside-living and “al fresco” dining. The teak panelled Beach Club is designed for use in hot and cold climates. The spa has a foldable bulwark which, when open, becomes a large sunbathing and lounging area on the sea. The spa is equipped with fitness equipment, a Hamman and a sauna.
Tenders include two high-performance 10m Rupert RIB tenders, one open and one limousine, a 6m Rupert crew boat and a rescue tender as well as personal water craft and an array of other water toys.
“Most owners only use their yachts in summer or warm-water winters. Planet Nine is one of the very few yachts that has been designed for summer and colder winter long-range cruising”, says broker Stuart Larsen, “She is ahead of the curve and exemplifies clients’ growing appetites for new destinations and adventure cruising”.
Planet Nine is currently listed for sale at €85,000,000 by Stuart Larsen. For more information on Planet Nine, please visit the listing on Mr. Larsen’s website.
Image credits: Thierry AMELLER and Emilie MALCORPS
Secondly, we have the 55 meter (180ft) Supernova 55, which is currently under-construction at the Cosmo Explorer Shipyard in Italy/Greece with an estimated launch year of 2020. With an ice class hull and at 890 tons, Supernova is capable of carrying up to 14 guests in six suites to the world’s most remote destinations. Powered by twin MTU 16V 2000M70 engines, the vessel is capable of traveling 5,000 nautical miles without the need to refuel. Additional amenities include an immense amount of outdoor living spaces, a plush master stateroom with private staircase, an expansive main salon, a helipad, a water side beach club, as well as an observation deck with gym and spa.
Supernova 55 is unique in the fact that the future owner will be able to completely customize the interior to his or her own tastes with a short delivery time compared to commissioning a new yacht. For more information please visit IYC. Supernova 55’s price is available upon request.
Image credit: IYC
At nearly 1,800 tonnes the 68 Meter (223ft) M/Y DAYS offers massive volume and an ICE class hull. The yacht which is currently under-construction in Istanbul, Turkey by the AES shipyard is scheduled for a launch in early 2020.
With amenities that include a touch and go helipad, two nine-meter tenders, the ability to accommodate 12 guests in a full upper deck owner’s apartment, and 5 cabins and stateroom on the main deck, which encompasses 3 VIP staterooms; MY DAYS is sure to impress the most discerning of yachtsmen. The acclaimed Milan based design house Hot Lab is responsible for both DAYS modern exterior and elegant, warm, and chic interior design which allows the view of the sea to take center stage.
Large full length windows are a hallmark of this yacht’s thoughtful design, which allow for significant amounts of natural light to flood the interior. Additional standout features include a swimming pool on the main deck, massage room, gym, and a sky-lounge boardroom which is directly accessible from a designated tender arrival area. Situated on the lower-deck is the starboard side tender garage, which can be converted to a waterside beach club.
Last, but not least, the shipyard has proposed a potential option where buyers may be able to lengthen the yacht to 72 meters, which would allow for an additional guest cabin. DAYS is currently being marketed at an asking price of €50,000,000. For more information please visit Camper and Nicholsons International.
Image credit: Camper and Nicholsons International
Our next yacht is the PJ World Explorer, which at 81.4 meter (267ft) is the largest yacht in our list. Under-construction in Norway, this Palmer Johnson explorer yacht can be completed in just 18 to 24 months following contract signature. The PJ World Explorer shares a stunning design language reminiscent of all Palmer Johnsons, yet boasts an Ice Class Hull and impressive 10,500 nautical mile range.
Similar to Supernova 55, this Palmer Johnson is able to conform to a new owner’s wishes in regards to both decor and deck plan alterations. At just under 3,000 gross tons, this yacht is nothing short of traveling a villa with 1,400 square meters (15,000sqft) of interior space. Unique features include a large helipad, outdoor swimming pool, gym/spa, and a 225 square meter (2,400sqft) owners suite with 360 degree views. Based on current deck plans, this yacht can provide accommodations for 14 guests in seven cabins and a crew of 27.
The PJ World is Explorer is currently listed for sale at €19,900,000 as is, or €105,000,000 completed. For more information please visit IYC.
Image credit: IYC
The soon to be 80 meter (262’4ft) Simon Fraser started life out in British Columbia and served the Canadian Coast Guard for nearly 40 years. Now the explorer vessel is currently being converted into an Ice Class Explorer Yacht by Benetti’s Lusben Yard in Genoa, Italy. The yacht’s general arrangement will provide accommodations for 24 guests in 12 cabins.
Some spectacular highlights of Simon Fraser include a touch and go helipad, a beach club, an 11,000 nautical mile range, and the ability to carry two 15-meter tenders. Simon Fraser is currently listed for sale at €14,900,000 as is, or an estimate of €39,500,000 for the completed vessel. For more information please visit IYC.
Image credit: IYC
