WHY MORE AND MORE OWNERS ARE CHOOSING AN EXPLORER YACHT

In recent years, explorer yachts have seen a surge in popularity—not just for their bold aesthetics or rugged design. Choosing an explorer means embracing a new way of yachting, one that’s rooted in autonomy, adventure, and a true sense of freedom.

Explorer yachts are purpose-built for long-range cruising, even in challenging sea conditions. They feature extended cruising range, generous crew quarters and storage capacity, and solid construction—often with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure. But their appeal goes far beyond technical specs. More and more owners are drawn to explorer yachts because they enable off-the-beaten-path adventures, offer exceptional comfort and privacy, and allow them to escape the crowded tourist routes to experience the sea on their own terms.

M/Y Aurelia - Cantiere delle Marche.

First model of the Flexplorer series, designed to combine luxury with true exploration capabilities.

Several Italian Yacht Masters members currently command explorer yachts built by world-renowned shipyards. Among them, Captain Gabriele Carniglia – M/Y RJ130, Cantiere delle Marche; Captain Gino Cervetto – M/Y Baron Trenck II, Eurocraft; Captain Mario Allara – M/Y Victorious, AKYACHT, Captain Stefano De Vittor – M/Y Tremenda, Cantiere delle Marche; Captain Carlo Summonti – M/Y Aurelia, Cantiere delle Marche,; Captain Denis Dicic – M/Y Noorderzon, Moonen Yachts; Captain Luca Amante – M/Y Ma Victoire, Ocean King.

M/Y Tremenda - Cantiere delle Marche. M/Y Noorderzon - Moonen Yachts

Custom-built explorer yacht featuring a modern design and capable of navigating remote waters. Explorer yacht with a classic design, ideal for comfortable long-range cruising.

M/Y Ma Victoire - Ocean King M/Y RJ130 - Cantiere delle Marche

Explorer yacht with a rugged hull and a range of almost 4,000 nautical miles. Explorer yacht with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, designed for long-range cruising.

The Shipyards Leading the Explorer Revolution

Around the world, a few standout shipyards are redefining what explorer yachts can be:

• Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) – a true pioneer, with its Darwin Class, RJ, and Flexplorer series all built for serious exploration.
• Damen Yachting – known for its SeaXplorer range, designed for extreme expedition cruising.
• Feadship – Dutch excellence, with bespoke explorer projects crafted for the most discerning owners.
• ICON Yachts – recognized for converting commercial vessels into powerful explorer yachts, like the famous Ragnar.
• Ocean King – an Italian builder specializing in full-displacement explorer yachts, known for their strength and functionality, built in Chioggia to take on any sea.

Explorer Yachts: The Freedom to Go Anywhere

Choosing an explorer yacht today means embracing a new approach to life at sea. These vessels are designed for those who don’t want to follow charted courses, but create their own.

For Captains, it also means facing new professional challenges—extended passages, remote destinations, complex logistics. It’s in these scenarios that experience, skill, and vision truly come into play. And that’s exactly where Italian Yacht Masters captains prove their excellence every day.

M/Y Baron Trenck II - Eurocraft M/Y Victorious - AKYACHT

Steel-hulled yacht built for extended exploration voyages. Luxury explorer yacht with spacious interior and exterior areas, designed to ensure comfort during long-distance expeditions.