NEW BOATS
LOA 60ft 9in (18.50m) BEAM 17ft 1in (5.20m) ENGINES 2 x Volvo Penta IPS800 TOP SPEED 24 knots PRICE FROM €1.5 million ex VAT
We’re usually rather sceptical of small companies with only one model in the range, but when W we took a look around Explorer Yachts’ stand at this year’s Düsseldorf show, we were pleasantly surprised by what we found. Set up by former Sessa owner, Riccardo Radice, with backing from a German investor, the company builds its craft in Lombardo, Italy. At the moment the Explorer 62 model is the only model in the range but a 92 is also in development.
The good news is that the 62 is a very credible craft with some truly innovative ideas.
The shape alone is pretty unusual, with a towering vertical bow featuring a sacrificial bulb to extend the waterline for efficient low-speed running. It also helps cushion the blow if you hit any floating logs or semi-submerged containers – and that has been tested by driving it into a concrete dock at 18 knots!
The layout is equally innovative, with a helm position so close to the bow you can almost touch it. There is a galley alongside the helm and a convertible saloon behind it, featuring sliding glass side and aft doors that can be opened up to make it feel like an outside space. That still leaves room further aft for an extensive two-tier outdoor entertaining space that feels more like a raised beach club than a conventional cockpit.
