HYDRO TEC’S WINNING STREAK CONTINUES
3 Agosto 2023A deepest look inside my k2
The motivations that led to the creation of the Flexplorer line stemmed from the shipyard’s desire to take the Explorer Yacht concept a step ahead, by further expanding the boundaries of exploration, allowing even the most remote areas of the earth, which by nature are not provided with any kind of service or assistance, to be reached. The concepts that were already present in the Darwin line have been developed even more in the Flexplorer line, with particular regard to two aspects: the further development of interior volumes and the possibility of embarking tenders of unusual dimensions for yachts of this size.
Embarking a large tender, in addition to various other toys, is necessary when one wants to sail for long periods without touching land and in areas of the world that are scarcely receptive to traditional yachts. In this case, 8-metre tenders with an approximate weight of around two tonnes can be taken on board, thanks to the ample space available at the stern and the tender launching system, the A-frame, developed together with Cantiere delle Marche exclusively for this type of vessel. Tenders of this size are normally found on 50/60-metre yachts with a tonnage of over 500 GT.
With these new Flexplorers under construction we followed two paths.
On the one hand C-146.35 has been developed following the more traditional line than that of Aurelia, which is developed over a longer length offering a greater load capacity. In addition, this explorer yacht boasts a huge sun deck, covered by a large hard top, which allows the owner to have an open space absolutely comparable with conventional yachts of the same size, this sun area doubles further when the tender is launched, thanks to the unmistakable and large Beach Club in contact with the water, which can be further expanded and opened up, thanks also to the folding balconies.
The other two yachts, the 146.30 and the 146.36, take a further step, while keeping all of Matt’s features intact, by adding an additional deck, and this was to meet the need of those owners who wished to have an owner’s deck completely dedicated to private spaces.
The Explorer yacht was born out of a desire to explore and discover new and wonderful horizons, and this approach provides a unique experience.
On these yachts it is normally rare to find cabins with visibility towards the bow, which is more common on larger conventional yachts, a possibility that has been created here on a 40-metre yacht. In this way, the owner will also have the opportunity to explore the surrounding landscape thanks to a private area, completely dedicated to him or her, thanks to the cabin facing towards the bow and the external space in front of the cabin, directly accessible from it.
A further level houses the wheelhouse, where the sun deck was normally positioned. This area, however, offers a rather developed outdoor area, a further level has also been created, which is that of the Crow’s nest, from which one can enjoy a privileged 360° view of the surrounding landscape.
All these features – an 8-metre tender, a bow-facing owner’s deck, which are normally found on yachts over 500 GT - have been combined with the range capability typical of the Flexplorer line, seaworthiness, safety, reliability and robustness. All this on an Explorer yacht of compact dimensions.
As far as the exterior lines are concerned, The Darwin was the beginning and developed in a certain direction, Flexplorer was a new beginning.
The inspiration for the Flexplorer line is drawn from extremely specialised vessels, which typically support ships, supply vessels, all of which have these large areas at the stern, intended for cargo, in this case the space retains multi-functionality and flexibility. The external lines are modern, harmonious and muscular, with details with taut lines and edges, the play on volumes connotes its character and recognisability from a stylistic point of view.
All 3 new Flexplorers will sail at a maximum speed of 15/16 knots and have a range, at economical speed, of over 5,000 miles.
The Flexplorer, while having a strong range imprint that makes it unique and recognisable, is a widely customisable craft. The C-146.30, for example, has a retractable swimming pool on the aft deck, while on two, of the three models under construction, a large room has been added forward of the engine room, on the one hand to extend the crew quarters and on the other to create additional stowage space.
“The Flexplorer is a very rational yacht, where engineering and design merge and integrate completely. Form must follow function, as these yachts are
extremely practical. However, there is a relevant human factor, an element that is independent of practical elements, which is the appeal of a project that is the project of a shipyard that has inaugurated a new type of yacht, started with the idea of creating a niche product and becoming the benchmark for that product, and with the Flexplorer it has succeeded”.
The concept of the pocket-explorer, or medium-sized explorer, while already having reached a remarkable level of avant-garde, both from a technical and stylistic point of view, thanks to the careful and constant work of the entire team, which now boasts more than a decade of collaboration, has further evolved, creating a medium-sized vessel, under 500 GT, with unique and unequalled technical features, but which encompasses everything that was missing in a compact yacht, offering the possibility to owners with a thirst for exploration to broaden their horizons.
FLEXIBILITY
CUSTOMISATION
COMPACT YET ENCOMPASSES EVERYTHING FOUND ON LARGER VESSELS
TECHNICAL FEATURES
BOW-FACING OWNER’S DECK
FEATURES TYPICAL OF 50/60-METRE BOATS
