Cantiere delle Marche Darwin 102 Review (2017 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

The CDM Darwin 102, built in 2017, impresses with its robust yet elegant design. Its steel hull and aluminium superstructure enable long-distance journeys. At 30.5m (100ft) long, it commands attention on the water. Notable exterior attributes include substantial boarding steps and explorer-like lines.

The swim platform, designed for adaptability, features a transformer for easy water access. A plug-in shower is handily located here, ideal for rinsing off post-swim. The platform also includes a passerelle for straightforward quay boarding. The cockpit, sheltered by a large overhang, serves as a comfortable outdoor area for relaxation or dining. Equipped with lighting, a camera system, and a docking station, it provides a practical setting for guests.

The foredeck contains crucial anchor handling equipment and innovative refuse freezers, perfect for extended trips. Sunbathing seating offers a prime spot for ocean views. The deck's massive searchlights and navigation light bolster safety and visibility.

The sundeck of the CDM Darwin 102 offers a spacious zone for leisure and entertainment. It includes a dining area with an expandable table for larger gatherings. Central to this deck is a hot tub, flanked by sun pads. The bar area comes complete with refrigeration and ice-making facilities.

Upon entering, you're greeted by the main salon, a beautifully organized space featuring light upholstery and dark wood accents that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The salon includes a large dining area, elegantly set with a substantial table that accommodates guests comfortably. Adjacent to this is a well-equipped bar area.

The interior design emphasizes smart storage solutions, with cleverly concealed compartments and racks that keep items secure and organized, particularly useful during voyages. Art pieces and thoughtful lighting enhance the ambiance.

The galley is equipped with professional-grade appliances including a media dishwasher and a coffee maker, ensuring that meal preparation and service are seamless. It offers ample counter space and storage, allowing the crew to operate effectively even during extended trips. The galley is strategically positioned with direct access to the exterior decks, facilitating easy service.

The bridge is equipped with multi-function displays providing critical information such as radar, navigation, and camera systems, ensuring the captain has everything needed for safe and effective yacht operation. The helm features a vertical wheel and Fruno equipment, reflecting a commercial-grade setup. Backup steering systems allow for redundancy and precision, with controls for independent rudder operation, enhancing manoeuvrability.

The owner's cabin on the CDM Darwin 102 is a luxurious retreat, designed thoughtfully.  Upon entry, a beautifully arranged space greets you, featuring brass toggle switches for a classic touch. Exquisite light fixtures complement abundant storage, with panels that cantilever upwards to reveal extra space.

A noteworthy feature is the TV hidden behind a mirror, integrating technology neatly without disturbing the room's aesthetics. The cabin includes a snug office area with an iMac, offering a private workspace.

The highlight is the walk-in wardrobe, akin to a cabin for your clothes. This generous area provides ample space for personal items, ensuring neat storage.

The ensuite bathroom maintains the luxury theme, with separate sections for the toilet and bidet, alongside a shower featuring steampunk-style brass plumbing.  

The VIP cabin, positioned at the forward end of the lower deck, is a spacious retreat featuring a well-appointed ensuite bathroom. Storage solutions are ingeniously integrated, with hidden compartments and clever use of space to ensure a clutter-free environment. The cabin's decor has light tones contrasting beautifully against the dark wood elements.

The additional guest cabins are configured to maximize space and comfort. Each cabin includes twin berths, with the option of a Pullman berth to accommodate an extra guest. These Pullmans are carefully weighted for ease of use, allowing them to be effortlessly pulled down or stowed away. The cabins also feature bedside tables and reading lights, enhancing the convenience for guests.

The ensuite bathrooms in each cabin are thoughtfully designed, showcasing exquisite brass fixtures and fittings that add a touch of sophistication. Each bathroom includes a shower, a bidet, and a well-organized vanity area for personal items. The shower fittings carry a distinctive steampunk aesthetic, consistent with the yacht's overall design theme.

Storage is a key feature across all guest cabins, with wardrobes and additional compartments providing ample space for clothing and travel essentials.  

The crew mess is a spacious area with large windows that provide natural light and a pleasant atmosphere. This communal space is designed for relaxation and dining, equipped with a large table and comfortable seating to accommodate the entire crew. A dedicated laundry area is equipped with separate washers and dryers, complemented by additional laundry machines located in the lazarette area.

There are multiple crew cabins on board, each designed to maximize the use of space while ensuring comfort. The cabins feature bunk beds, providing sleeping arrangements for two crew members per cabin. Storage is thoughtfully integrated, with built-in wardrobes and additional compartments to stow personal belongings neatly. Each cabin also includes an ensuite bathroom with a separate shower, maintaining privacy and convenience for the crew.

The captain's cabin is uniquely positioned adjacent to the bridge, which is unusual for a yacht of this size. This strategic placement allows the captain to remain close to the helm, ensuring quick response times and effective management during navigation. The cabin features a comfortable double bed and a guest-quality ensuite bathroom.

The engine room of the CDM Darwin 102 houses a pair of Caterpillar C18 engines, each delivering 670 horsepower. These engines are designed for displacement speeds, allowing the yacht to achieve a top speed of 13 knots and a comfortable cruising speed of 10 knots. This configuration provides a remarkable range of over 4,000 nautical miles, making the yacht ideal for long-distance exploration.

The layout of the engine room is vast, almost cathedral-like, providing ample space for movement and access to all critical systems. This space is not only functional but also immaculately clean, reflecting the yacht's 2017 build yet maintaining a condition that suggests it is much newer. The soundproofing is particularly impressive, with thick doors and insulation that significantly reduce noise levels, ensuring a quiet experience for those aboard even when the engines are running.

Fuel management is a key feature, with a sophisticated system that includes a day tank and a large bunker tank. The ability to polish fuel as it is transferred between tanks ensures that only the highest quality fuel reaches the engines, enhancing performance and reliability. The system is designed with multiple tanks, including port, starboard, and forward starboard tanks, allowing for balanced fuel distribution and efficient handling during long voyages.

Additional technical features include a black water and grey water treatment system, which breaks down waste into minute particles and treats it with chlorine for safe discharge. This is essential for maintaining environmental standards during extended journeys. The engine room also houses an air compressor and a versatile bilge pump system with a movable lead, allowing for water extraction from any part of the engine room.

The yacht is equipped with three generators, one of which is a smaller unit used for low-load operations, such as running air conditioning at night. This ensures that the main generators can be shut down, reducing noise and fuel consumption when full power is not required. The engine room also includes twin water makers, providing a continuous supply of fresh water, vital for long-distance cruising.

The CDM Darwin 102 is an impressive Explorer yacht that masterfully combines robust engineering with luxurious accommodations. With a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, it commands attention on the water, offering a range of over 6437.4 km (4,000 miles), ideal for long-distance voyages. Nick was particularly struck by the yacht's fantastic design, from the spacious and soundproofed engine room with its Caterpillar C18 engines to the well-thought-out crew and guest accommodations.   Overall, Nick appreciated the yacht's ability to blend exploration capabilities with comfort and style, making it a standout choice for those seeking adventure and also luxury on the sea.