The rise of Explorer Yachts
Dorothea III berthed at Rivergate Marina & Shipyard
An appetite for exploring remote destinations and advances in technology are among the drivers fuelling growing demand for expedition and explorer yachts.
Yacht owners and charter guests are craving adventures further afield, taking their “Bucket List” destinations to the top of their priorities during a year where travel restrictions have curtailed many forms of travel.
As opposed to coastal cruisers, or even long-range cruising vessels, explorer or expedition yachts are built to handle even the most extreme conditions, with robust, reinforced hulls, high efficiency propulsions systems, plenty of storage and crew, plus the capacity to cruise 5,000 or more nautical miles at 10 or so knots.
They are self-sufficient, often travelling with a companion vessel, and boast all the gadgets, gear and watertoys onboard for whatever onshore adventures await.
“People are looking for new experiences,” explains Marty Johnson, Project Manager at Rivergate Marina & Shipyard, which welcomes five of these extraordinary vessels to their facilities each year.
The Kimberleys in WA.
“We are finding younger owners and a younger generation of Captains who are more adventurous and looking for destinations that are different from the regular cruising grounds.”
More than ever, owners and charter guests are seeking privacy, independence, self-sufficiency and all the creature comforts for their long-range and remote cruising.
“People don’t want to be limited by traditional routes. They want to enrich their lives, and this is especially so as a result of the pandemic. There is a lot more interest in exploring Australia, the Great Barrier Reef, Kimberleys, New Zealand, Asia and the Pacific Islands.
“New materials and advances in technology mean explorer superyachts are becoming easier to run and maintain, and more efficient, meaning less impact on the environment. Fuel efficient engines, hybrid propulsion systems, high tech glazing for thermal regulation, onboard recycling and treatment systems, as well as solar or wind power are increasingly common.”
A mix of privately-owned and charter motor yachts such as Qing, Dorothea III, Dragon Fly, Aquamarina, Big Fish, SuRi, Dancing Hare, No Comment, Umbra, Double Haven, Aurora and Callisto have berthed at Rivergate for maintenance. In many cases, they have commissioned complex custom refits such as installing helipads, submersible platforms and expanded engine rooms for more range and efficiency.
MY Dancing Hare at Rivergate.
Among the most recent vessels to dock at Rivergate, Pangaea Ocean Explorer spent three months at the yard for an extensive list of works.
Primarily dedicated to marine research with an expert crew including scientists onboard, Pangaea has undertaken a vast range of missions, including surveying Reef health, sea bed research, monitoring marine life and identifying derelict vessels in some of the world’s most fragile habitats.
As Marty explains: “Pangaea has an incredible range of high-tech gear onboard, from an extensive dive set up, underwater drones and water sampling equipment to a full broadcasting suite. Other than the Navy, Pangaea the most advanced private vessel afloat.”
The vessel’s unique arsenal of equipment comprises its Kongsberg Multi beam sonar systems installed aboard to allow crew to perform hydrographic surveys, whether that’s in shallow waters or deep-water canyons and trenches.
Pangaea Ocean Explorer is specially equipped to survey Reef systems and marine life.
During Pangaea’s stay at Rivergate, the marine professionals on-site and hundreds of local contractors worked on vessel system upgrades and new installations.
“We installed new generators that ensured low emission gas expulsion for its exploration of sensitive waters, a complex desal system and a Hamann black and grey water management system.”
One of the most innovative parts of the refit works was the installation of the 5-metre by 4-metre gondola on the underside of the hull.
“The gondola houses transducers and sensors that will be vital to Pangaea’s deep-sea observation and data collection,” said Marty. “It doesn’t protrude lower than the keel line, so it won’t impact Pangaea accessing bays and reefs.”
To contact the Rivergate Project Management Team email refit@rivergate.com.au