Keel Laid for First Flexplorer 165 at Cantieri delle Marche

The construction of the 49.9m (163.7ft) Flexplorer 165 has officially begun at Italian shipyard Cantieri delle Marche (CDM), marking a major milestone in the build process.

Flexplorer 165/01, one of four semi-custom new builds yachts sold by Burgess last year, is scheduled for delivery in November 2027.

"The owners are very excited to reach this first milestone in the construction process," said Bakewell. "From the outset, this project has been a true collaboration between the owners, CDM, Design Unlimited, and Burgess Technical Services. The result has been a seamless and well-coordinated build."

The project was spearheaded by Christian Bakewell, Sales and Charter Broker at Burgess, who guided the owner—an experienced U.S. client with a passion for global exploration—through the design and contract phase, culminating in the agreement signing in July 2024.

Extended Upper Deck Standard Design

Customization Enhances Flexibility

One of the standout features of this particular Flexplorer 165 is its extended upper deck, a custom modification that sets it apart from the standard model. This extension creates additional deck space, which can be used for sports and recreation, catering to the owner's adventurous lifestyle. Additionally, the overhang provides a shaded area below, offering a comfortable and sheltered outdoor space for relaxation away from direct sunlight.

This customization highlights the versatility of the Flexplorer platform, allowing owners to adapt the yacht to their specific needs, whether for exploration, leisure, or entertainment.

The build process has been incredibly smooth, allowing clients to personalize their yachts and make this platform truly their own. Now that the keel is laid, we’re eager to see this vision take shape in the coming months.

Built for Adventure

The Flexplorer series has gained recognition for its robust design, cutting-edge technology, and long-range capability, making it ideal for owners seeking remote cruising and multi-generational functionality. Burgess Technical Services is overseeing the build to ensure the yacht meets the highest standards of performance and craftsmanship.

"Working with CDM on the Flexplorer series over the past six months has been an exciting journey," said Helena O’Donoghue, Naval Architect and Project Manager at Burgess. "The build process has been incredibly smooth, allowing clients to personalize their yachts and make this platform truly their own. Now that the keel is laid, we’re eager to see this vision take shape in the coming months."

Flexplorer 165 standard design

First Collaboration with Design Unlimited

The interior of the Flexplorer 165 is being developed by UK-based design studio Design Unlimited, led by Mark Tucker, an industry veteran with over 30 years of yacht design experience. This marks the studio’s first project with Burgess, with hopes for future collaborations.

"Design Unlimited is delighted to be part of the team on this exciting project and looks forward to working with all stakeholders to bring this exceptional vessel to life," said the studio in a statement.

With construction now well underway, the Flexplorer 165 is set to join the growing fleet of rugged and luxurious explorer yachts designed for adventurers looking to push the boundaries of global yachting.

Looking to buy an Explorer yacht? View all new and used Flexplorer 165 yachts for sale, tracked in real-time by YachtBuyer MarketWatch. We scan the entire market to ensure access to all genuine listings, saving you time. Alternatively, you can view all new & used Explorer yachts for sale.