How should the ideal explorer yacht appear? Helicopter landing pad and ice-rated hull? A submarine on board for deep-ocean exploration? Large volume in a relatively short hull and an interior with so much glass that you can see everything outside? The Xventure concept designed by Winch for Heesen may have it all.
Jim Dixon, director of yachts and aviation at Winch Design, notes that owners’ post-Covid desires include a desire for remote cruising. “Many owners are looking to get themselves and their families into a safe environment and enjoy their time to the fullest,” he told Robb Report, “and the 187-foot Xventure is packed with amenities to facilitate that.”
In November of last year, Heesen unveiled preliminary renderings of its first-ever explorer yacht. Now, Robb Report has exclusive first access to the spacious interior, and all eyes are on the sun deck’s glass-enclosed upper salon. Three of the five sides are made of floor-to-ceiling glass. Both the port and starboard doorways are the largest that can be configured to slide in that area. A vast skylight above creates the sensation that panoramic vistas are almost within reach. The forward bulkhead, which is also nearly entirely glazed, overlooks the sun deck pool.
“Connecting to the landscape is what it’s all about,” explains Dixon. “Providing proprietors with a cosy base from which to explore the wilderness. The interior design is based on this concept. The upper salon is as close to an outdoor space as it is possible to create indoors with the use of air conditioning and heating. Owners can enjoy a romantic supper by candlelight and then unwind while cruising through icebergs.”
Sketched without a specific proprietor in mind, all interior concepts are intended to convey what is possible. The bed in the master suite is positioned centrally to maximise the expansive views. A private terrace with direct access is suitable for morning coffee. Owners can also appreciate the view from the bathroom. The main saloon provides lounge accommodation and dining for 12 guests, but the backdrop once again takes centre stage.
For Dixon, a yacht qualifies as an expedition vessel if it has the most modern amenities and is pleasant in remote locations. The Xventure tender garage contains a sizable Intrepid sportfisherman, which is ideal for avid anglers and exploration away from the mothership. “Having one of these on any superyacht, let alone one of this size, is rare,” says Dixon. Additionally, the concept yacht contains a second beachlander tender for landing in challenging conditions. And room for a submarine if necessary. “All of these factors add up to something that can go virtually anywhere,” he says.
Xventure provides a fuel- and cost-efficient design, which is a priority for many proprietors, according to Dixon. The ice-class concept features hybrid propulsion and a Van Oossanen-designed Fast Displacement Hull Form, making it as efficient as a slippery fish. A range of 5,000 miles (with an optional longer range) allows owners to experience autonomous cruising for longer periods.
“We’re also working on a version with a shallower draught,” says Dixon, “because we believe that will be a major selling point for American clients interested in visiting the Bahamas or cruising down the East coast from New England to Miami.”