The world-renowned London-based designer Philippe Briand has created a new line of explorer yachts, called the Vitruvius Expedition Range. Launched at this year’s edition of the Monaco Yacht Show, the new range of expedition yachts is composed of six yachts, including five motor yacht models, and a sailing superyacht.
Briand’s new Vitruvius Expedition Range features his distinctive style and elegance with long, sinuous lines and sense of proportion, and marks another breakthrough in the relatively narrow design parameters of that class.
As Philippe Briand said, “We understand that today’s owners want to use their yachts to host glamorous parties on the French Riviera or Greek islands as well as venturing to remote Pacific islands or even polar regions”. As a consequence, the Vitruvius Expedition Range spans from the Mediterranean style, a yacht design matching the Côte-d’Azur feel, to the typical explorer yacht with a military profile. Taking a form-meets-function approach, Briand’s team created six profiles that have efficient, go-anywhere hulls.
The 50-metre Scientific Style Expedition version
A simple, rugged profile with an ice-class steel hull capable of cruising to the polar regions. She has the same low-profile features of past Vitruvius designs like Galileo G and Exuma, but with a huge open stern that holds two 8,5-metre tenders. The upper observation deck is designed for whale watching or sitting beneath a blazing Antarctic sky at night. This 50-metre model comes in a version with a two-level garage that allows the sides to fold out for full access to the water.
The 45-metre Expedition Beach Club concept
Also available with an ice-class steel hull, she features a lowered engine room position so the stern converts to a large beach club. When underway, owners can carry tenders or even a sailing yacht at the stern. This would be the yacht of choice for exploring remote tropical islands.
The 45-metre Crossover version
The third Vitruvius Explorer Range concept has space in the foredeck for storage of large tenders and many water toys. This version has the capabilities of the other explorer yachts, but instead of the open stern, she features a large saloon with floor-to-ceiling windows and a rear cockpit for alfresco dining. Her foredeck has been transformed into a generous social area, with sunbeds and seating that extend almost to the bow.
The 50-metre Expedition Mediterranean
Still featuring an explorer’s profile, her stern is more like a resort, with lounges, infinity pool, and fold-down bulwarks for instant access to the water.
The 53-metre Sailing Yacht
Designed for a Californian who wanted to explore remote stretches of the Pacific. The owner required a performing top speed, large beach club with fitness centre, and plenty of space for tenders and toys. Briand designed in a hybrid propulsion system for running without the sails that would keep the yacht virtually emissions-free. “A sailing yacht is not only for performance and racing,” says Briand. “It can be just as suitable as a motor yacht when it comes to exploration, even with a touch more elegance.”
