When most people hear the words “explorer superyacht,” they are likely to conjure up images of a massive 70-metre superyacht, complete with a helicopter, submarine, ice class certification, and a huge aft deck heading right to Antarctica. However, the reality of the explorer brokerage market today couldn’t be any more different, with far more accessible, smaller yet considerably interesting models for sale. One segment in the explorer market that is gaining more attention and traction due to its attainability is the 35 metre and under section. The same cruise-anywhere, autonomous attitude remains intact, but in a more compact package that owners can more easily manage. Here, we take a closer look at what the 35 metre explorer segment looks like and what this category uniquely offers potential owners today.
35m Explorer superyachts: defined by range, not size
The philosophy behind explorer superyachts was never defined by length. Rather, it centres on long-range autonomy, durable construction capable of withstanding all conditions, and true ocean-crossing ability, none of which are limited to larger superyachts. A well-engineered and constructed 35-metre or less explorer is capable of delivering all of this in just a smaller, more manageable platform. A more compact explorer means a tighter crew, lower running costs, easier berthing and shallower draught, with the same ability to cruise to the most remote anchorages autonomously. The evidence is clear when one looks at where some of these very superyachts are located now, with 35m explorer yachts currently scattered across the globe, from Baja California Sur to Eastern Indonesia and the Gold Coast in Australia to Dubai and the Göcek Islands in Turkey, according to recent data from SYTIQ. Proof that explorers in this size range can cruise the world’s oceans, this makes the possibility of owning an explorer yacht more realistic than the previous mega explorer yacht initially pictured.
35m Explorer superyachts: know your builders
Just as important as size, prospective explorer owners should work with the right shipyard for their cruising needs, as each builder offers its own philosophy and approach. For example, American shipyard Nordhavn, founded in 1978, is known for constructing rugged, ocean-crossing trawler-style expedition yachts, with a history and reputation few shipyards can match. Bering Yachts from Turkey is also known for building durable, steel-hulled go-anywhere explorer superyachts that offer strong value and expedition capabilities. Then there’s Cantiere delle Marche from Italy, which has positioned itself as the “world leader in the construction of long-range luxury explorer yachts from 26 to 50 metres,” pairing true expedition ability with Italian craftsmanship. Lastly, Brazil’s INACE, established in 1968, draws on decades of commercial and naval shipbuilding experience to construct robust steel-and-aluminium explorers that can handle the conditions of the open ocean with ease. Depending on what style, capabilities, and platform owners have in mind, selecting the right shipyard will help in deciding on the best explorer yacht for them.
35m Explorer superyachts: the price range, from entry point to new-build
Another appealing aspect of the sub-35-metre explorer segment is, of course, its breadth of price. Spanning a broad price range, each tier on the brokerage market offers potential owners something different. For example, at the more accessible entry point are slightly older, seasoned explorer yachts, like the 32.28m Victoria from Inace, a proven, seaworthy hull that has already crossed oceans several times and offers a route into bluewater ownership at a more modest price. In the mid-market sweet spot are more recent new builds from established shipyards, like the 29.4m Vivierae II from Nordhavn, delivered in 2017 and currently for sale at a more considered price. Then, at the top end sit the newest, new-build explorer yachts from specialist explorer yards, offering the latest engineering and comfort, such as the 26.2m Bering 88, with an open layout, contemporary design and true long-range capability of 5,000 nautical miles. The main takeaway here is that explorer yachts cover a wide span of sizes, budgets and builders, and understanding these factors is key to making a smart purchase.
The explorer market rewards the informed buyer: knowing the segments, the builders and the price tiers is how you find the right yacht, not simply the biggest. Explore TWW Yachts’ current selection of explorer yachts for sale, or speak to our team to find the right explorer, including off-market opportunities.