by Damen Yachting has released details of the intended next flagship in its luxury expedition fleet, the imperious SeaXplorer 105 m (345 feet).
An evolution of the best features in previous SeaXplorer 90, SeaXplorer 95 and SeaXplorer 100 designs, this highcapability vessel has been put together by Damen’s in-house SeaXplorer team, owner feedback, exterior designers Azure Yachts, and practical operational partners EYOS Expeditions.
“The SeaXplorer 105 is a fully developed design”, says Enrique Tintore, SeaXplorer Design Manager at Damen Yachting. “However the scope for client customisation is massive. That’s a key part of our thinking”.
This spectacular vessel offers eight decks, spanning over 62,000 squ ft. She has large staterooms for 24 guests, including two expansive owner suites, and is built under PYC rules, making her fully charterable.
There are huge onboard stores for all provisions, luggage, heli and tender fuel, as well as tanks to support an 8,000 nm trans-Pacific passage, using latest diesel-electric pod propulsion to reduce any impact on oceans.
Like predecessors such as La Datcha reviewed last issue, her powerful stabiliser fins retract to avoid damage by sub-surface icebergs and glacial spurs, which are significant hazards for yachts with weak hull appendages such as fixed fins.
Having a 300 squ m twin helideck – primary surface and standby area – also means owners can host unprecedented parties for 200 guests with an ultra lounge layout. There is plenty of room for an outdoor cinema, full-size doubles tennis court, or basketball half court. The transom combines a swim platform and open bar area with upstairs lounge.
The indoor SeaXplorer Spa is the same size as the twin helideck, forming a wonderful wellness space on the principal deck. There is an 8 m swimming pool, gym with folding terrace, whirlpool, steam room and sauna again with terrace, massage room, hairdresser, beauty salon and treatment room.
Forward is the unique Observation Lounge introduced in earlier SeaXplorers, but on a bigger 123 squ m scale. Another bar and multimedia centre are located here.
Next to the 13 m chase boat, the yacht can carry four 8 to 12 m tenders, such as a limousine, RIB, landing craft and sports tender, in the forward garage and tender bays. Among her huge collection of toys, she can also carry a submarine, plus a scuba dive deck with watersports center.
Last month, incidentally, one of Damen Yachting’s advisers, New Zealander Rob McCallum, a founder of EYOS Expeditions, and Australian Tim Macdonald of Caladan Expeditions, achieved a new record by taking a submersible down to 10,925 m at the bottom of Challenger Deep in the Marianas Trench, 360 kms SW of Guam.
Two helicopters aboard the SeaXplorer 105 offer increased flexibility and safety when out of range of rescue services. In Antarctica, regulations require two helicopters when flying any distance, or landing in the mountains for sking. They are stored in a weathertight double hangar.
Also below deck the garbage and large greywater tanks ensure zero-discharge for long operations periods between port calls.
The SeaXplorer 105 complies with IMO Polar Code Category B requirements for polar safety and environmental protection. Her hull is built with Polar Class 7 ice strengthening with double-acting stern icebreaking for maximum safety in fast-changing ice conditions.
