Which yacht is best for you? As always, it’s all about personal choice.
If accommodating guests overnight is your main concern, then the Cantiere delle Marche Darwin 86 which offers well-appointed accommodation for up to 8 guests with its 4 cabin layout option does not match its rivals. Many of its competitors including the Ocean Alexander 28E offer slightly more guest accommodation sleeping up to 10 guests in 5 cabins, making them better choices for those seeking to maximise the number of family and friends they can sleep onboard. However, for maximum comfort for the owner, the Darwin 86 features a full-beam master cabin with an en-suite bathroom, hull side windows and a dressing table and all cabins have dedicated en-suite bathrooms for family or guest convenience. Equivalently, the Numarine 26 XP and Outer Reef Yachts Adventure 780 also offer 4 cabins, but with facilities for 8 guests, however they still offer an exceptional level of comfort for family vacations.
When it comes to cruising speed, the Cantiere delle Marche Darwin 86 delivers a steady 10 knots and can't keep up with its faster competitors such as the Numarine 26 XP with an impressive cruising speed of 18 knots. The Cantiere delle Marche Darwin 86 emphasizes stability and comfort over outright speed, catering to a different set of priorities. On the other hand, for those not in a hurry the Outer Reef Yachts Adventure 780, with the slowest cruising speed of 11 knots, emphasizes stability and comfort over outright speed and enjoying the journey over the destination.
Focusing purely on the range, a key factor in determining an explorer yacht's suitability for long voyages, the Cantiere delle Marche Darwin 86 with a standard range of 4,000 nautical miles (nm), leads in this category. It boasts a fuel capacity of 38,400 Litres, ensuring extended time at sea without the need for frequent refuelling. The Numarine 26 XP, with its 3,500 nm range follows closely, offering a significant cruising distance, making it a strong contender for long-distance travel. The Outer Reef Yachts Adventure 780 though slightly behind, still presents a commendable range of 3,000 nm suitable for a variety of cruising experiences. These extensive ranges and capacities are contrasted with the Outer Reef Yachts Adventure 780, which has a more limited range of 3,000 nm and a fuel capacity of 15,000 Litres, indicating a design potentially more suited for shorter trips. This highlights the superiority or the Cantiere delle Marche Darwin 86 in terms of range and fuel capacity, making it an ideal choice for those prioritizing extended cruising capabilities.
Each yacht also brings unique features to the forefront. The Numarine 26 XP impresses with its extensive range of 3,500 nautical miles, ideal for long voyages. The shallow draft of the Ocean Alexander 28E allows it to navigate waters inaccessible to deeper vessels. The performance of the Numarine 26 XP is especially impressive, with a top speed of 23 knots and cruising speed of 18 knots. The Ocean Alexander 28E has an impressive gross tonnage of 163GT, the largest of the competitors here.
Despite stiff competition, the Cantiere delle Marche Darwin 86 stands out with notable features and design elements. These yachts cater to a wide range of preferences and needs, making the choice a matter of personal taste and specific requirements in the world of luxury yachting.
When considering a new (or indeed used) yacht, it’s certainly important to wonder about the alternatives in the Cantiere delle Marche Darwin Class range or indeed its competitors. Browse our hand-picked selection of 3 competing models.
Cantiere delle Marche Darwin 86