Steve Rigby, Owner of the Darwin 102, reflects on design, performance, and life at sea.

About the Ownership and Decision to Build

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1. What inspired you to choose a Darwin 102 from Cantiere delle Marche?
I loved the rugged classic explorer design and together with the yard we have modernized the boat and created a new look for the Darwin.

2. Had you owned other yachts before this one? If so, how does the Darwin 102 compare?
I have owned an ISA (Haze) and a Swan (Mist) previously, this is a big step up in GT and scale.

3. What were your top priorities when beginning the custom build process?
Quality, seaworthiness, capability, design, quality of yard.

4. What role did your past yachting experiences play in shaping your decision to build the Darwin 102?
My previous yachts taught me the importance of seaworthiness, reliability, and comfort. Those lessons pushed me toward an explorer-style yacht like the Darwin, where I knew I could combine luxury with the ability to truly travel the world.

About Design and Customization

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5. How involved were you in the design and customization of the yacht?
I have run interior design businesses for 20 years (Rigby & Rigby, Helen Green and Lawson Robb) and whilst I don't do any external design anymore, I have heavily involved in my projects, I lead on FFE/ Dressing and material. George Wolstenholme leads on the interior architecture.

6. Were there any unique features or innovations you specifically requested?
I am a lover of artisan wallpaper, for me they are works of art. As a big fan of Murano, I also re used Vincenzi and Chan light sculptures.

7. What influenced the interior and exterior aesthetic choices?
The exterior colours are all Rolls Royce colours (their bespoke process is wonderful and their options some of the best) and the interior is based on ongoing research (I am always saving ideas for my next project, generally always one happening somewhere in the world).

About Performance and Technical Features

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8. Why did you choose an explorer-style yacht like the Darwin series?
We want to stretch her legs and see the world.

9. What performance or technical features are you most excited about on board?
Range and seaworthiness.

10. How important was long-range autonomy and fuel efficiency in your decision?
Very, fuel efficiency and carbon footprint have to be a consideration.

About Lifestyle and Use

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11. How do you plan to use the yacht: private family cruising, remote exploration, or a mix?
A mix.

12. Do you already have a maiden voyage or a first itinerary in mind for the yacht?
She will go to Valetta for registration and then pick me up in Taormina and we will transit through Italy to take her to Monaco for the MYS.

13. Which regions or destinations are high on your cruising wishlist with the 102 Darwin?
Norway / Red Sea – both on the agenda for 26/27.

About partnership with the shipyard

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14. How would you describe your overall experience working with Cantiere delle Marche throughout the entire project?
Excellent, family atmosphere, good communication, trustworthy

15.What do you think sets CdM apart from other yacht builders?
The team and quality of the technical aspect of the vessels.

16. Would you consider building with them again in the future?
Yes!

About Personal Reflection

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17. What emotions did you feel seeing the yacht touch water for the first time?
Pride, reward (efforts past), hope<

18. What does this yacht represent to you personally: freedom, adventure, legacy?
Freedom, the sea is my happy place and the way we will see the world for the rest of our lives.

19. If you could name one feature that best expresses your personality on the boat, what would it be?
We will not have art other than a sculpture on board and we will use the wallpapers, veneer panels (sky lounge) and V&C lighting as our art. Choosing every dressing item means i love each piece and I will get joy from this as i do in our other homes

20. What advice would you give to someone considering building a yacht of this scale?
Be clear on your objectives, where and how you want to travel with the boat. Appoint a good design team and add your personality especially to the dressing. Ensure a good surveyor and a build captain. Enjoy the process