We pay homage to the explorers, sturdy displacement yachts that can take yacht owners long distances, but surely will keep them looking stylish anywhere they drop anchor. Plus three designers tell us how they added a wow factor to important areas of a yacht.

Sunrise Yachts

Designers Espen Øino and Franck Darnet have worked closely with Antalya-based Sunrise Yachts to develop this thoroughly seductive 164-foot (50-meter) yacht. Various options are available, but the common theme is simple: break the barriers that separate the guests from the sea. The design takes another step toward what may come one day: a yacht made entirely of panoramic or collapsible panels. Big windows and full-length doors are part of it. No stateroom is located below the main deck. In one of two possible configurations, the master suite occupies most of the upper deck. The lower deck is reserved as the all-technical area, including the professional galley. The stern area can be set with an infinity pool or a beach lounge overlooking a swim platform, and the salon on the aft deck is a shaded space that can be entirely opened to the elements with retractable windows. The sun deck is a private space with all that is expected for fun in the sun. The lines of this steel and aluminum yacht are elegant to boot, with pleasing contrasts between traditional round portholes on the lower deck and elongated vertical ones forward of the main deck. On the upper deck, the portholes make way for nearly full-length windows that open wide to complement opening bulwarks. The yacht is not solely about looks. Its fuel reserves and economical consumption allow it to cross the Atlantic or do a full season of coastal cruising without the need to get to the diesel pump. The Sunrise 50m synthesizes all the good ideas that have appeared over the past few years and added a few more for good measure.

For more information, visit sunriseyachts.com

Sunrise 50m

LOA: 163ft. (49.8m)

Beam: 29ft. (9m)

Draft: 9ft. (2.8m)

Displacement: 450 tons (full load) / 380 tons (light)

Engines: 2 x MTU 12V 2000 M72

Fuel capacity: 16,000 gal. (60,000L)

Water capacity: 3,600 gal. (13,500L)

Speed (max): 16 knots

Speed (cruising): 12 knots

Range @ 12 knots: 4,000 nm

MCC 46m long range

This young builder knows a thing or two about long-range cruising. Its inaugural vessel, the recently sold Marco Polo, designed in conjunction with Ron Holland, explored the world’s oceans propelled by its efficient single engine and logged approximately 37,000 nautical miles to date. The 147-foot yacht’s inaugural cruise was from Hong Kong to the Mediterranean. MCC recently launched a second yacht, designed by MCC’s charming Polish-born naval architect Kasia Milewska. Mazu, currently commissioning in China, also boasts a single engine, in addition to a distinctive red hull.

While MCC’s founder, Roland Sturm, and Milewska both firmly believe in the single-engine power plant as an efficient way to propel a yacht (as they do a great number of commercial vessels) they decided to give clients the option to opt for the more conventional twin-engine setup in their newest project, this attractive 150-foot long-range yacht. The new project looks back to dreadnought ships for some of its styling cues. “I took my inspiration from the ships that were built early in the last century with no-nonsense efficiency,” Milewska says. Efficient on the outside, the new Marco Polo yacht is also efficient on the inside. The layout foregoes the seldom-used traditional dining room and instead features a flexible arrangement allowing the salon to convert to a dining space. Most of the time, guests eat outdoors, and the formal dining area on the main deck just takes up valuable real estate. The staterooms are split over two decks (three staterooms on the lower deck and a VIP and master suite on the main deck) to maximize their size. MCC builds its yachts at Cheoy Lee.

For more information, see mcc-marcopolo.com

LOA: 150ft. 10in. (46m)

LWL: 147ft. 7in. (45.4m)

Beam:  29ft. 6in. (9m)

Draft: 8ft. 2in. (2.5m)

Displacement: 450 tons

Fuel capacity:  13,379 gal. (62,000L)

Water: 1,057 gal. (4,000L)

Engine: 2 x CAT C32 ACERT 1,600 bhp @ 2,300 rpm

Speed (max): 16.5 knots

Range@10 knots: 5,600 nm

Columbus Yachts Global Explorer

The Columbus Global Explorer has completed all pre-construction phases and is awaiting contract.

With exterior designs by Hydro Tec and interior concept by Hydro Tec and Claudio Cicconetti, the Global Explorer has the potential for a stunning level of comfort and elegance. The design falls short of being too commercial in nature. The designer pays homage to the big steel ships that ply the oceans, but has softened the lines of a yacht that happens to be an explorer. Guests would enjoy six spacious cabins, not counting the expansive master suite, and an array of outdoor and indoor spaces sure to provide every form of entertainment. Up to 22 crewmembers can be accommodated to ensure all the details of a voyage are well in hand. Several salons are spread across the decks, and two elevators—one for guest use and one for crew—connect all five decks. The classic steel-hulled explorer is designed to roam far and wide. Delivery would be about 30 months after construction starts at the Naples, Italy shipyard. A scale model of this impressive yacht will be on display at the Denison booth at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Columbus Yachts is the luxury yacht division of the Palumbo Shipyard.

E-mail [email protected] or visit columbusyacht.it for more information.

LOA: 237ft. 10in. (72.5m)

Beam: 44ft. 4in. (13.5m)

Draft: 12ft. 9in. (3.9m)

Displacement (full load): 1,337 tons

Engine: 2 x CAT C3516 1,710hp

Speed (max): 18 knots

Speed (cruising): 15 knots

Range@15 knots: 5,000 nm

Mondo Marine

Mondo45 Explorer

Mondo Marine has forged its reputation with innovative custom vessels built in aluminum or aluminum and steel. But it really made a splash when it built the one-of-kind expedition-style Tribù for Luciano Benetton. Mondo Marine revisits the explorer with a seductive project it has developed in collaboration with Sergio Cutolo. The hull form was developed in conjunction with the Krylov Institute and a series of tank tests. Gifted for extensive navigation, with a range of 6,000 nautical miles at economical speed, this vessel makes room for a huge beach club, terraces and an infinity pool. The forward area of the main deck is dedicated to the owner, with a gym, massage room, sauna, Turkish bath, plus, of course, a spacious master stateroom. Four additional staterooms are on the lower deck. Danilo Parisio developed the interior scheme. As proof that Mondo Marine is on to something, the shipyard has recently signed contracts for a Mondo56 Explorer and a Mondo35 Explorer.

For more information, visit mondomarine.it