A new 29.54-metre explorer yacht concept, HARD 97, is currently being developed by yacht designer Juan Carlos Espinosa in collaboration with H.A.R.D. Yachts (Historic Armour Reinforced Design).
HARD 97, a Kevlar-reinforced GRP design, would be built in China at Heysea Yachts on a hull developed by Florida-based naval architect Nick Boksa and marketed in the US by brokerage firm Atlantic Yacht & Ship.
According to H.A.R.D. Yachts, this compact explorer yacht has been designed to withstand extreme arctic conditions and even running aground. Vital statistics include a beam of 7.77 metres and a maximum draught of just 1.89 metres.
The yacht can comfortably accommodate up to ten guests across five staterooms, including an upper-deck owner’s suite and four further cabins located on the lower deck, among which there is a full-beam amidships double cabin. Back aft, the crew quarters allow for a staff of up to four people.
The main deck has been arranged to enhance socialising: a large dining area can seat all ten guests and features an adjacent bar and saloon. Tender storage is located on the foredeck, so to leave the transom area free as a waterside cockpit with sportfishing potential.
Power would come from a pair of 1,000hp Caterpillar C18 engines for a cruising speed of 12 knots with Seakeeper gyroscopes ensuring a smooth ride for all the guests. When trimmed back to its economic speed of ten knots, the HARD 97 would be capable of cruising for up to 3,000 nautical miles before the 22,700-litre fuel tanks need refilling.
