A Drive for Exploration: Latest Explorer Vessel Trends

Over recent years, explorer vessels have become increasingly popular with yacht Owners across the globe, working in parallel with the evolution of boating habits and the way in which people wish to experience the sea. Whilst the luxury lifestyle still holds a significant place within yachting, there is now a growing desire for exploration and adventure. This is a concept which has its roots in commercial ships capable of global voyages, with people now wishing for their own private vessels that have similar capabilities.

Hydro Tec has long been associated with the development of explorer vessels, playing a significant part in their rise in popularity. The first explorer yacht to be designed and engineered by the Italian brand was the Naumachos 82’ M/Y BODRY, built by Cantieri Navali de Pesaro in 2006. This exceptional project marked the birth of the ‘Pocket Explorer Yacht’ phenomenon which spread across Italy, simultaneously gaining international recognition. Its unusual proportions resulted in BODRY captivating the industry’s attention, which was drawn to its exploration capacity and unique and distinctive style. 

A spectacle of notable explorer yachts make up Hydro Tec’s fleet and reflect the studio’s extraordinary expertise. The Darwin line has been a cornerstone of the CdM range for over a decade, this longevity highlighting a market for yachts that embody traditional seafaring values. The shipyard’s Flexplorer line draws upon elements from the Darwin line to focus on both increasing the interior volumes and creating space for larger tenders, the addition of these larger water toys enhancing the possibilities for exploration. 

Modern day yachts are often characterised by the seamless connection between interiors and exteriors, a trend that Hydro Tec implements beautifully into its designs. Outdoor areas are transformed for use in both hot and cold climates, optimising outdoor living so those onboard can become fully immersed in their surroundings. Many of Hydro Tec’s vessels also feature an ‘ice belt’: a strip of reinforced longitudinal plates along the waterline to protect the hull from floating ice, an example of the innovative ways in which the Italian brand optimises its designs. 

Hydro Tec implements a series of amenities to ensure that its yachts still boast unparalleled luxury and comfort, including retractable platforms, large windows and sliding doors to seamlessly connect spaces. These features have resulted in the creation of ‘crossover’ yachts that use the explorer’s naval platform whilst incorporating a traditional yacht aesthetic. M/Y SEAMORE is a wonderful example of this modern concept, characterised by a sporty and sinuous aesthetic without compromising seaworthiness.

Hydro Tec’s unparalleled expertise is showcased when it comes to its explorer vessels; they highlight the studio’s holistic approach to yacht design, combining naval architecture and engineering with functionality and aesthetics. A diverse range of challenges come with building an explorer yacht, spanning everything from versatility to storage space, and Hydro Tec has responded to these by optimising its explorer hull to ensure greater speed and fuel efficiency. The introduction of the bulbous bow, for instance, has significantly enhanced hydrodynamic efficiency, improving sea-keeping and cruising speeds.

The rising interest in adventure shows no signs of slowing down, meaning spectacular future prospects for the explorer market. Hydro Tec has anticipated an increase in the size of the yachts whilst staying under 500GT, alongside an increase in demand for higher speeds and aluminium hulls. Green technologies will also characterise future designs, as those with a passion for exploration simultaneously have an interest in eco-conscious yachting. 

The Italian brand currently has several explorer projects under construction, one of which being the sub-300 GT explorer M/Y BEE that is the first yacht from Art Shipyard in Turkey, nearing her launch and listed for sale with Ocean Independence. Various vessels for CdM, including several Flexplorer yachts, are also in progress, as well as the first explorer for Columbus Yachts: the Crossover.