Frank Neubelt, the naval architect and designer of Roman Abramovich’s 115m luxury mega yacht LUNA, has unveiled the new Explorer Project “The TUG”. Neubelt has teamed up with German Yacht Couture and Conrad Yachts on the design of this “real multi-purpose pocket (below 500GT) explorer yacht”.
Conrad shipyard The Tug By Frank Neubelt
Measuring 43m, The TUG features steel hull and aluminium superstructure. Neubelt mentions that the design aims to create “a tough, safe, reliable, and cost-effective mid-sized explorer yacht that could not only “talk the talk”, but “walk the walk”.” The yacht boasts bold, masculine lines and can accommodate ten guests in five cabins.
The TUG Explorer
Neubelt adds: “The Tug will definitely break certain misconceptions that I see on the market in regards to how an ocean worthy explorer vessel should be designed for maximum seaworthiness, comfort and most importantly safety in the most demanding weather conditions.”
There are three proposed designs of the aft deck depending on an owner’s preferences. The Cruiser Mood provides a massive are for carrying water toys or a sailing yacht of up to 30ft. The Voyager Mood offers an additional platform connected to the aft bridge deck to serve as a recreation and relaxation area. The Explorer Mood has an additional platform that can be enlarged to serve as a helipad. Space underneath will allow carrying 20 ft containers to store water toys.
With a pair of Caterpillar C32 1319hp engines, The TUG can reach a top speed of 15 knots and a cruising speed of 10 knots.
