THE GREAT ESCAPE
Turn the clock back to the last century and the term “explorer yacht” didn’t really exist. There was a smattering of commercial vessels converted and fitted out to take intrepid owners to remote or difficult environments, but there weren’t really any private yachts specifically built to undertake expeditions. Then in 2003 came the launch of Octopus, the 126-metre prodigy built by Lurssen for diving enthusiast Paul Allen. Fast forward 18 years, and the world’s oceans are bristling with expedition yachts.
BOAT Pro data classifies 197 40-metre-plus superyachts as Explorer Class, but there are 32 more in build, with 28 due for launch in 2022. However you look at it, the growth is phenomenal. “It’s a 300 per cent increase over only a few years,” says EYOS Expeditions co-founder Ben Lyons, whose business has boomed alongside the growth in explorer yachts. “Fifteen years ago when the company started, the idea of taking a yacht to an expedition destination was seen as foolhardy and crazy. Now it’s the hot industry trend. As more and more people see the amazing experiences their friends are having, we are seeing more yachts being built for these locations.”
The boom we’ve seen in recent years has its roots in the search for authenticity. A growing cadre of yacht owners are no longer content to while away their summer days sipping cocktails at the quay in the French Riviera. “People want a more meaningful experience,” says Lyons. In the meantime, boatyards have raised their game to offer phenomenal luxury within a very capable explorer wrapper. “An explorer can also have a softer approach with a high-quality yacht finish,” explains Oceanco’s Emy Artolli, pointing to 91.5-metre Tranquility. “She is a true opulent explorer, but with Ice Class certification and extended range capability.”
EYOS Expeditions is one of the biggest integrated expedition organisers in the business, and has been behind some of
