When it comes to rugged expedition yachts, only a formidable support vessel will do. Italian shipyard Cantiere delle Marche recognized this necessity and engaged Valerio Rivellini to craft a cutting-edge "explorer tender" for its latest Flexplorer 146 model.
The Naples-based designer has recently unveiled a robust 33-footer, aptly named Iceman, setting new standards in tender design. Built to endure the challenges of diverse climates, Iceman will support its 45m (146ft) mothership across the harshest climates, from the Arctic to the Antarctic.
The vessel boasts a robust aluminum hull and a lightweight carbon-fiber superstructure, combining structural strength with agile maneuverability. With a draught of just 51cm (20in), the support vessel will excel in accessing shallow coastal waters.
A stroke of ingenuity by Rivellini and his studio addresses space optimization on the mothership. When stowed in the stern of the Flexplorer 146, Iceman accommodates a second tender of 4m (13ft) in its stern, utilizing half the space of conventional arrangements on yachts of this size. This design allows the mothership to reserve ample room for two 6m (20ft) canoes, four Aerofoils, two Seabobs, and additional fishing and diving gear on its main deck, ensuring enhanced freedom of movement.
The explorer tender, however, doesn't just prioritize functionality; it aims to provide comfort for seafarers exploring icy realms. Propelled by a Yanmar engine generating 370bhp for smooth cruising, it can also be towed effortlessly by the mothership. Furthermore, with a displacement of just over 4 GT, the spacious interior can comfortably host up to 10 guests.
CDM launched the first Flexplorer 146 in November 2023, with Maverick being the second sold and the initial completion among the three 45m (146ft) models under construction at the Italian yard.
Anticipation builds for the next two Flexplorer models scheduled for delivery in 2024 and 2025, raising the question of whether future owners will opt to complement their yachts with the versatile Iceman tender.
