What exactly is an explorer yacht? Octopus, REV and now Bold provide a clear indication. So what exactly do these three mega-yachts have in common?
They share the same philosophy, they all come from the pen of Espen Oeino and were all designed around their owner’s requirements. Because although it is true that explorer yachts are a specific kind of hull, each project is different in stylistic and function terms.
Every yacht has its own story. And Espen Oeino has plenty of stories to tell. Starting with his very first such project. “It all started when I developed a 60m with Jean Pigozzi based on the naval platform of an offshore supply vessel. The project never saw the light of day because Pigozzi bought Kisuca, a 67m ex deep water trawler that Torben Karlshoej had converted to a yacht,” he explains.
That was in 1994. Before getting to Bold, Oeino’s path crossed with Paul Allen and Octopus. “Unlike Pigozzi, he wanted a vessel that would allow him explore the abyss”. That 126m project was complex not just in terms of its size but also because so much gear had to be stowed aboard, including a submarine and instrumentation for plumbing the ocean depths. “But there is also room for a large pool, a recording studio, a home cinema,” Oeino remembers fondly.
Now REV Ocean is scheduled to launch in 2021. At 182m, she is not only the world’s largest yacht but also the most advanced research vessel afloat with leading-edge laboratories for studying the oceans, their flora and fauna in addition to vehicles capable of diving to depths of up to 6,000 metres to take water samples.
And then there is Bold. This aluminium 85m built by SilverYachts breaks new ground in the explorer segment. She might be described as a fast explorer yacht as she was conceived to have an ultra-efficient range and to deliver above-average speeds (23 knots at full throttle, cruising at 18). “The hull is the result of in-depth research.
The entry angle and bow design are important in terms of the wave they cause as is the geometry of the aft section of the hull. Extending the length along the waterline helped improve the hull’s efficiency too,” continues Oeino.
The project was driven by the need for versatile, modular spaces. The aft section of the main deck is 24 metres long and is where the tenders and support vessels are stowed. But once freed up, it creates a huge recreational space. As there is no height limitation, it can double as either a helipad or large tender stowage area as required. The aim was to create the ambience of a seafront loft. But it is on the owner’s deck that the volumes really come into their own.
The owner’s suite is forward and the saloon aft with enormous wraparound floor-to-ceiling glazing creating a direct connection to the surrounding world. The Vain Interiors furnishings and décor are contemporary in style. A large geometric motif rug dominates the central area and marks out the lounge area with its four blue sofas angled so that occupants can watch the action on 9 wall-mounted videos.
Aft, however, the interiors are modular and flexible with al fresco dining and living areas that can also be enclosed. Seven guest cabins lie on the main deck while the lower deck is given over to crew quarters for 24. The bridge deck is modular too with a second more informal dining area with adjacent bar overlooking a space that can either be used for a second helicopter or al fresco activities as it also features Paola Lenti furnishings.
