Vitruvius Yachts has designed a new range of superyachts that will offer owners a variety of customisation options to suit those looking to cruise the Mediterranean or explore remote and challenging locations.
Profile of the 50m explorer yacht concept from Phillippe Briand of Vitruvius Yachts
Phillippe Briand-Vitruvius Yachts 50m Scientific Explorer Yacht
To evolve with the industry, Vitruvius is taking a ‘function-led approach’ instead of a ‘form-led approach’. Among the designs is a 50m/164ft expedition yacht, a crossover 45m/148ft expedition yacht and a 55m/175ft sailing yacht.
“Our team is driven by pushing the frontiers of yacht design,” said Philippe Briand, designer and naval architect at Vitruvius Yachts. “Of course, the needs and functions of expedition yachts, explorers and Mediterranean yachts would at first seem independent of one another. But there are clear intersections where we can create solutions that span multiple categories.”
While Mediterranean-style yachts focus on comfort and aesthetics, the naval architecture is placed in the spotlight for expedition yacht design. The new range of Vitruvius Yachts concepts proves that an owner can have the best of both, selecting how much of each superyacht variety they want within their own creation. The range includes six motoryachts of similar size, from 45 to 50 metres, as well as a 55-metre explorer sailing yacht under the Philippe Briand brand.
The 50m and 45m expedition yachts and Mediterranean-hybrid yachts
Profile of the 50m explorer yacht concept from Phillippe Briand of Vitruvius Yachts
The scientific-style expedition yacht is one of the most sturdiest designs, providing room on the aft deck for two nine-metre tenders, a sailing boat of toys. The Ice Class Yacht is available in a 50m and 45m steel-hulled variety and features the idiosyncratic low-profile features of past Vitruvius yachts GALILEO G and EXUMA.
Designed as the ultimate luxury expedition yacht, the interiors will hold numerous reception areas, a full-beam Owner’s suite on the main deck forward, a large capacity for tenders and an upper observation deck ideal for whale watching and taking in the local scenery and coastal wildlife.
In variation of the same hull, a two-garage layout is available with a helipad to facilitate with extensive adventuring both on land, in the air and at sea. The aft deck can then be used as a social space while the tenders are stowed in the lazarette beneath.
“There are a lot of stereotypes in yachting that are not actually true. A sailing yacht is not only for performance and racing. It can be just as suitable as a motor yacht when it comes to exploration, even with a touch more elegance…”
Phillippe Briand-Vitruvius Yachts 50m Mediterranean crossover yacht
A 45-metre concept combines the best of an expedition yacht with the opulence and comfort of a Mediterranean yacht, creating an Ice Class yacht with a lowered engine position so that the lazarette can be converted into a beach club for on-water entertainment.
Both hulls are available in aluminium versions for greater efficiency and have space under the foredeck for stowage of further tenders and multiple toys, accessed via gull-wing doors on the port and starboard sides.
Retaining all the signature features of a Vitruvius Yacht, the 50-metre Expedition Mediterranean concept has a balanced superstructure, contemporary lines, and efficient hull design for long-range cruising. The aft section has been optimised for storing large tenders and toys in the lazarette for exploration underwater and when distanced from the superyacht. The deck space also provides plenty of room for social gatherings or additional toys such as submersibles for exploring the region, while the main deck aft can host an optional infinity pool on the starboard side while each side of the yacht can be equipped with a fold-down beach terrace.
The 55m sailing yacht
The 55m sloop expedition yacht from Phillippe Briand
Often superyacht owners feel that choosing between a motor yacht and a sailing yacht means a sacrifice of function, space and even luxury, although this does not have to be the case: Philippe Briand, the designer has also created a 55-metre sailing yacht under his brand name that retains the capabilities of exploration under sail.
A Californian yacht owner first inspired the yacht design, who desired a long-range explorer for cruising in the Pacific Ocean. The essential criteria included a high maximum speed, an open-plan living space with flow inside and out, large tenders of up to 6.55 metres for transit through remote areas and an extensive lazarette that could be used as either a beach club or a fitness centre.
“There are a lot of stereotypes in yachting that are not actually true. A sailing yacht is not only for performance and racing. It can be just as suitable as a motor yacht when it comes to exploration, even with a touch more elegance,” said Phillippe Briand.
