CdM has added to its Darwin Class range of Explorer Vessels the new Darwin 90 and 115: can you tell us something about them? They both come from different inputs collected during these almost three years of meetings with clients and brokers. We have merged all these requirements, suggestions and needs in one well defined style which we internally like to call Darwin Class 2.0. This is in fact, the first real refreshing ot the Darwin Class since Cantiere delle Marche started to sell and build them and we are sure it will be very much appreciated by all the passionates of the Explorer world.

Let’s talk about specifically of the Darwin Class 90’. The 90’ is the natural evolution of the 86’, but it has to be considered a new model by all means. The style update, both on the 90 and the 115, is evident, but at the same time it is very difficult to perceive it in its single elements. This means that the 90 is absolutely a Darwin Class in all respects. Going into deeper detail, the 90 is longer and wider of the 86 and has all those little technical upgrades deriving from the thousands of miles cruised by the existing vessels, including a transatlantic crossing (M/Y Percheron has logged 12.000 miles in 12 months!). The exterior lines have been completely revisited, and the volumes redistributed giving to this Yacht a more aggressive and sleeker look. This is evident when looking also at the transom of the boat which is more vertical allowing more space on the – already oversized – deck. These changes have allowed us to answer to a very specific request: we have now a master cabin on the main deck and we have moved the crew quarters to the lower deck. The enlegthening has also given us the possibility to have a Portuguese bridge in front of the wheelhohuse: many clients have infact asked for it and for the possibility to sit facing forward on the bridge deck. The new Darwin Class 90’ is definitely a small megayacht both for the huge interior volumes and for the exterior lines. We achieved that without losing or compromising the legendary sturdiness, seaworthiness and the structural solidity which identifies the Darwin Class worldwide. Another positive note is that we have kept the boat under the 24 mt rule, helping clients in reducing operational costs even with a Yacht of more than 200 Gross Tonnes.

The Darwin 2.0 era continues with the new 115’, correct? The Darwin Class 115 was already proposed to the market based on the 86’ style and exterior lines. Anyway, after having met a good number of prospect clients, it was clear to us that we should have worked on a more balanced line, and less ‘extreme’. The new 115’, which has been pre-viewed by different clients and brokers has already been welcomed with great enthusiasm: it seems that the reason of this success (the shipyard is already negotiating the first hull with an Explorer enthusiast), is the perfect merge between the typical Darwin Class technical and structural characteristics and the balance and harmony of volumes and lines. Its volumes put the 115’ in direct competition with longer yachts (120’/130’) and the lay-outs are studied in order to allow both a very functional private use and the commercial/charter exploitation of the Vessel.

In summary, we can say that we are talking about an update of the design of this successful range of Explorer Vessels without compromising any of the intrinsic characteristics which have made of the Darwin Class the main reference for the Explorer market wordwide? Defintely: performance, seaworthiness, safety, range, overengineering and sturdiness are Darwin Class 100%! Cantiere delle Marche stands out for this: it is a shipyard made of people who are never going to accept any compromise when it comes to these characteristics.