Damen 75-metre SeaXplorer sold

75m SeaXplorer expedition yachtDamen shipyard announced the sale of a 75.2-metre luxury expedition yacht, the second hull in its SeaXplorer series.

Among the main concerns in the design of the new expedition vessel, there was self-sufficiency at sea. Damen spent considerable time to provide the best solutions to key expedition yacht design challenges: autonomy and endurance, sea-keeping and icebreaking, safety and the environment, yachting lifestyle and expedition logistics.

To do so, the yard has been closely collaborating with EYOS Expeditions, a worldwide network of travel and marine professionals with knowledge and experience in cruising to the most remote and wildest destinations.

“Our partnership with Damen on the SeaXplorer concept was fantastic because it’s one of the first times a leading yacht builder has sought expert advice in terms of what’s required of an expedition yacht,” explained Tim Soper, of EYOS Expeditions.

“I think Damen was originally expecting a dozen or so suggestions, but we gave them 155 – and all of them have been incorporated into the concept,” added Rob McCallum, also of EYOS Expeditions. “Every single suggestion was a lesson learnt from another vessel and it’s a synthesis of thousands and thousands of hours of expedition cruising.”

One of the most remarkable features available onboard and specifically required by the owner is a below-deck hangar providing enough space for two helicopters: a spare helicopter would turn very useful in case of dangerous and inadequately mapped terrains, in order to ensure even the most extreme explorations.

In addition to providing operations for two helicopters, the 75-metre SeaXplorer will feature a fully-equipped dive centre, a submersible hangar, a toy store, a tender garage for a 10.5-metre landing craft, retractable zero-speed stabilisers for use in icy conditions, and huge tank deck provisions stores and garbage management.

The standard layout arrangement for the previous SeaXplorer concept (the 65-metre SX 65) comprised accommodation for 12 guests and 20 crew. The new model will feature the same guest capacity with five more crew. The increased length and volume will be dedicated to enhancing onboard life and performance.

Delivery of the 75-metre SeaXplorer is scheduled for the second half of 2020.