Italian yacht builder Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) has launched its latest Darwin explorer yacht, 26.1 metre Stella del Nord. The Darwin Class 86 is the first in CdM’s Darwin 2.0 series.
What makes a Darwin 2.0? Bigger main saloon windows and lower bulwarks, for a start, to better enjoy the passing scenery as the explorer yacht makes her voyage. The new series also sports sleeker lines and redesigned bow windows for an overall more contemporary feel.
Cantiere delle Marche signed the contract for the new Darwin 86 Explorer Yacht in March 2014. Hull No 4 in the Darwin 86 series, she is a successor to Vitadimare 3, Percheron and Gra Nil. The Furst 60 was a slightly smaller version. CdM has also launched the Darwin 96 Stella di Mare and Yolo and Noga from the Nauta series, designed by Nauta Yacht Design.
Though she has been updated, the new Darwin 86 retains the family feeling of the Darwin class and the long-range capabilities. The deceptively spacious explorer Percheron has already sailed 23,000 miles in two years of cruising. Stella del Nord has a range of 7,000 nautical miles at 8.5 knots.
The brief from Stella del Nord’s owners was for a focus on outdoor living, which can be seen on the 40 square metre sun deck with its gas barbecue, bar, dining area, lounge area and a helm station.
Interiors, by Studio PFA Design, are light and simple in natural elm, white lacquered woods, travertine and neutral fabrics. Stella del Nord has a master stateroom and VIP cabin forward on the lower deck, both full beam.
The boutique shipyard looks forward to more launches in 2015, including its flagship yacht the Darwin Class 107 Storm, which will debut along with Stella del Nord and Noga at Cannes this September. Also upcoming is the Darwin Class 102 Acala, which will be on display in Fort Lauderdale. In build still are the Nauta Air 108, Nauta Air 111 and Darwin Class 102.
Cantiere delle Marche has also hinted at two new contracts to be signed soon for Nauta Air 111s built on different technical platforms – one coming in at 299 GRT and the other 330 GRT.