The Superyacht Cup Palma

The third Explorer introduced a raised pilothouse. How did that come about?

Venera was created for a repeat client and I was also responsible for the interior structure, layout and décor. She has amazing volume for a 28-metre yacht with all the living spaces being on the same level. The owner asked us to develop an industrial flavour and a loft feel complete with exposed structural components and tough design elements. I am also a big fan of the sturdy raised pilothouse trawler aesthetic and Venera is a fine example of a robust explorer that looks great and provides a nononsense, practical platform for discovering the world. Being designed as a real family boat, she is also suitable for small children.

Lady Lene, the fourth Explorer due for delivery in early 2022, is also highly customised…

Indeed, even more so in fact. This innovative 34-metre tri-deck is still a masculine boat but with more soft lines incorporated into the exterior design. Lady Lene’s fast displacement hull, wave-piercing bow and hull vane transom wing will offer a superb performance and major fuel savings. The superior stabilisation of a gyro system at zero speed is combined with a fin system for rough passages. Lady Lene has been designed to be fully wheelchair-accessible with an elevator connecting all decks and flush floors throughout. She has an exceptional aft entertainment area: this large open space is going to amaze people with its clean deck and dedicated zones for relaxation and dining, bar and swim platform.

Let’s end by looking at the newest member of the Explorer fleet, ‘Project Capella’

We have already laid the keel for this 23.55-metre custom Explorer which will utilise all the available space to create a great family boat and good crew area. The boat has a rugged look while taking inspiration from Seawolf – the owners loved her hardtop, now with straight wheelhouse windows – and the stern area of Venera. Comfort is key with a low centre of gravity assured by her steel hull and aluminium superstructure. We are paying lots of attention to noise and vibration on a self-sufficient yacht with low fuel consumption and a range that allows for lengthy spells away from busy ports. This autonomy will be further facilitated by heavy-duty 1800 rpm MAN industrial engines with RCD 2 approval. This yacht encapsulates how well the Explorer range suits experienced clients who are looking to make long trips on the ultimate home-at-sea for their family. They are very involved in the everyday decisions that can make a difference to their inner wellbeing when on the yacht, making this a real pleasure for everyone involved in the design and build. After delivery in the spring of 2023 her home port will be in the Balearics although I expect she will be seen exploring far and wide like her sister ships!

ADRENALIN BY DAY, LUXURY BY NIGHT

By Isla McKechnie

Known for its beautiful landscapes, friendly welcomes, and dedication to cuisine; one pocket of New Zealand has another claim to fame; adventure. Head to the lower half of New Zealand’s South Island and you’ll find a proliferation of ways to raise your heart rate and chase adrenalin. And the best part? There’s no need to rough it in this thrill seeker’s paradise.

Thrill Sling yourself from the world’s biggest human catapult

Live out your childhood fantasies with the Nevis Catapult as you make like a superhero and take flight. The human-sized catapult propels guests 150m out across the Nevis Valley, with up to 3Gs of force, before rebounding back.

From the inventors of the modern bungy jump, the Nevis Catapult has you reaching 100kilometres per hour within 1.5 seconds, for a high-speed, high-fun, high-adrenaline activity that doesn’t skimp on the fear factor.

Stay

Mahu Whenua is ten minutes by helicopter from Queenstown, providing easy access to the locality’s attractions, in a setting that’s a celebration of the region’s high country landscapes. Views stretch out before you encompassing the majestic surrounding mountains and Lake Wanaka, while Mahu Whenua itself brings together silver service with the ease of a traditional New Zealand homestead.

https://mahuwhenua.co.nz/

©Alpine Helicopters/Minaret Station

Thrill Walk inside an ancient glacier

Fly past New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook, as you make your way to 27 kilometre-long Tasman Glacier. The country’s longest glacier has created its own terminal lake at the foot of Aoraki, (the Cloud Piercer), where it deposits icebergs, but you’ll fly past this to its upper reaches as your guide prepares you to explore its ever-changing caves of ancient blue ice, selacs and icefalls.

The guides of Alpine Helicopters will land you amid the crevasses of the Tasman Glacier and equip you with snow shoes or crampons before you begin your adventure. Once that works up an appetite, they’ll choose a stunning spot to set up the chef-prepared picnic.

Stay

The architectural remit for The Lindis was that it melt seamlessly into the landscape with contours that mimic the rolling lines of the high-country valley floor. At the end of your day’s exploring, return to this luxury lodge, which nestles into the pristine Ahuriri Valley; itself carved over millions of years by a glacier. Sweeping floor to ceiling windows blur the bounds of interior and exterior, with an understated luxury aesthetic that invites you to soak in this wild part of the world in utter comfort.

www.thelindisgroup.com/the-lindis