A robust hull
An exploration superyacht is designed to sail across the world's oceans, especially in remote areas such as the poles. Their hulls must therefore be robust - built in steel or aluminium - and above all of polar class. Aluminium is safer in the event of an impact with an iceberg because it deforms unlike steel, which cracks. It is also preferable in terms of weight and performance with higher speed, better seaworthiness and lower fuel consumption.
That is, it is capable of withstanding ice. Since January 2017, the International Polar Code has been in force and few recreational vessels refer to it. The Damen SeaXplorer 65 is one of the few yachts under construction that meets this requirement.
Large crew quarters
With the evolution of the sizes of exploration yachts, it is necessary to take on more crew members. They therefore need large crew quarters to accommodate this team of specialists, necessary for long course trips: guides, helicopter pilots, teachers, coaches and even videographers.
Octopus, a 126 m yacht is considered to be the largest exploration yacht in the world. It can accommodate a crew of 50 people on board.
Huge storage spaces
When exploring various sailing areas, it is essential to have a multitude of water toys on board: from tender, to helicopter, to submarine, to seaplanes..
Ulysses with its 107.4 m long corresponds well to this definition since it can accommodate six motorcycles, two quads, a landing gear as well as an amphibious tender in its garage. Not to mention a 21 m long yacht support catamaran capable of reaching 50 knots and which takes place on the foredeck thanks to specially developed cranes.
Space, but not necessarily an incredible length
A superyacht must be more than 24 m long and a exploration superyacht more than 40 m long to carry all the necessary equipment. However, Cantiere Delle Marche, has specialized in the construction of exploration yachts from 25 to 33.4 m long.
Range at a reasonable speed
One of the most important characteristics of a yacht explorer is its autonomy. How far is he able to navigate in having to do plein?? Most yachts over 40 m in length will have a cruising range equivalent to that of a transatlantic, i.e. about 3?000 miles. But exploration yachts will be able to sail even longer. The recommended range is about 5?500 miles with a cruising speed of at least 10 to 12 knots.
For example, the 90-metre-long Lürssen Ice yacht can sail 6?000 miles at a speed of 15 knots.
