Dauntless Yachts, a new Turkey-based expedition-yacht builder with an international team behind it, is about two months from launching its first model, the D75.
Previewed in the rendering above, the D75 is intended to perform like a rugged explorer, able to visit far-flung ports and offer operational and fuel savings over traditional large yachts. Inside, the trideck D75 is to feel and look much like a modern-day luxury cruiser. Hull number one for Dauntless Yachts, pictured below, is already sold.
Dauntless Yachts was founded by British yacht owners who previously have commissioned and cruised aboard expedition yachts. Construction, via the SCRIMP method, takes place in Silivri, about 30 kilometers (nearly 19 miles) from the airport in Istanbul. As the megayacht model names suggest, they measure 75 and 85 feet, respectively (about 23 and 26 meters each). Operations are overseen by personnel who have worked at other Turkish shipyards.
Dauntless Yachts’ founders also tapped an experienced design team for the D75 and D85. Styling and naval architecture is by Overing Yacht Design. In fact, both models’ hulls are based on a proven fast-displacement hull form developed by Overing Yacht Design. This hull form will reportedly permit a fuel economy of one mile per gallon and a range of more than 4,000 nautical miles for each Dauntless Yachts project. Fuel capacity will be 4,000 gallons, certainly sufficient for those long-range trips. To permit cruising in shallow-water areas, the Dauntless Yachts models will have a draft of less than six feet. Of course, redundant systems will be aboard as well. Because of Overing’s experience with commercial and military craft, the Dauntless projects have 70/30 copper nickel standpipe sea chests, plus inverted cone strainers made of monel.
As for the interior, the D75 and D85 will feature the work of Espinosa. The D75 that will launch in November has raised-panel oak throughout the relaxation areas. Four staterooms accommodate the owner and guests, one more cabin than most yachts of this LOA. For the crew’s convenience, there’s a working deck level with full standing headroom beneath the guest cabins. This level contains three extra freezers, dry stowage, the laundry, and stowage for spare parts and machinery.
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