From a Blank Sheet of Paper to Steel on the Slipway

After extensive cruising in the Mediterranean and exploring every island and area, the need for a more capable vessel became apparent. We had planned to explore Norway and cross the Atlantic comfortably, but our current vessel had limitations that hindered these ambitions. This realization led us to conceive a new ship, one that could go everywhere without restrictions.

The owner's dream and my goal was to create a yacht that is as comfortable in Norway and the Arctic as in the Polynesian islands or even St-Tropez. He wanted a vessel that could do everything. We decided to try to seamlessly blend the luxury expected in a superyacht with the durability and functionality of commercial shipping systems. At the time, explorer yachts existed, but they didn't fully meet our expectations.

The journey started by visiting several operational explorers and we discovered several common limitations. Many existing vessels lacked the range and autonomy needed for extended voyages. They were often equipped with yacht-specific systems that, while aesthetically pleasing, were less durable and required more maintenance than commercial-grade systems. Guest spaces were typically smaller, and the overall design did not offer the flexibility needed for both luxury cruising and rugged exploration. These shortcomings highlighted the need for a new approach, blending commercial maritime technology with superyacht luxury.

Making the dream a reality started with playing with the idea of converting an existing research or expedition vessel into a yacht. Initially, we envisioned finding a vessel that could be refitted to travel anywhere on the planet. However, as we delved deeper, we realized that converting an existing vessel might not meet the specific requirements as the original ship would present its own limitations. Many shipyards and individuals often consider this path, thinking it could save time and costs.

However, existing hulls come with inherent design constraints and structural limitations that can significantly compromise the vessel's performance and versatility. The complexities involved in retrofitting can lead to unforeseen expenses and operational inefficiencies. By choosing to build from scratch, we ensured that every aspect of the yacht was designed and engineered to meet our high standards of luxury, durability, and functionality, resulting in a vessel that truly reflects the owner’s vision without compromise.

The owner, a passionate builder, wanted to construct a ship that reflected his vision and personality. He desired control over the process and wanted to build a ship exactly as he had envisioned.

The decision was made to build from scratch. The goal was clear, to merge maritime offshore technology with luxury superyacht features and quality into a single package. This approach, along with unparalleled capabilities, offered cost benefits, as commercial equipment is often more durable, less maintenance-intensive, and more cost-effective than yacht-specific equipment.

We spent a lot of time researching and meeting with various companies to find the best systems for the vessel. Our journey took us across Italy, France, the Netherlands, Lithuania and beyond, and we held countless meetings to fine-tune the design. The specifications evolved continuously, with a focus on ensuring the vessel's capabilities matched the owner’s ambitious goals.

The owner's involvement was crucial in shaping the final design, layout and ensuring every detail met his expectations.?

One of the key design criteria was to have two large tenders, one of which would be fully enclosed for colder climates, both stored inside the vessel, out of sight, and a convertible heli/seaplane deck for remote operations. The vessel's technical specifications and guest spaces were meticulously planned to ensure maximum luxurious comfort, seagoing capabilities, self-reliance, efficiency and to minimise our environmental impact.

As the project progressed, we moved from design to detailed engineering to seeing the ship take form in front of us. The vessel's design evolved from a rough workboat concept to a high-class, expedition-style yacht with everything from dynamic positioning and hybrid propulsion systems, fully kitted out dive and mud rooms, onboard medical treatment facilities, to a heated pool with a swim stream system, a sauna, massage room, observation lounge—the list is endless.

Today, as we see the steel on the slipway, the journey from a blank sheet of paper to this point has been incredible. As the captain, I have poured my experience and passion into this project, drawing on years of knowledge and learning from the industry’s finest.?

This yacht represents a unique blend of luxury and rugged offshore functionality. It is a testament to the vision, hard work, and collaboration of everyone involved. I believe this vessel will set a new standard in the explorer yacht category, offering unparalleled comfort and capabilities for global exploration.

Leapher Shipbuilding

Cor D. de Rover

PASSER SIDC Group

O7 Designers

Sea Level B.V. Amsterdam