The first Selene 78 Ocean Explorer is in build at Selene Yachts, further representing the first yacht overall in the Ocean Explorer line. The semi-custom megayacht is for a buyer in North America.
Selene Yachts has a pretty strong customer base in the United States. It also has buyers in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, and elsewhere. Selene Yachts was established in 1998 in China as a brand of Jet-Tern Marine. Howard Chen, who holds a degree in naval architecture and worked for several yacht builders in Taiwan, founded both the yard and the brand. All Selene Yachts offerings from about 42 to 128 feet (about 13 meters to 39 meters, respectively) are constructed of fiberglass.
Measuring 78’7” (about 24 meters), the Selene 78 Ocean Explorer has a healthy beam of 21’6” (nearly 7 meters). That, and the round-bilge hull form from Guido de Groot Design, permit a more voluminous interior than many similar-size yachts. The hull form further promises good seakeeping in various conditions. Considering that many Selene Yachts owners enjoy extensive cruising, this is sure to be appreciated. The same is true of the 78’s anticipated range of 4,000 nautical miles at the 9½-knot cruising speed. The Selene 78 Ocean Explorer should see an even better 8,000 nautical miles at 7 knots. Fuel capacity will be about 5,000 gallons (19,000 liters), plenty for exploring long coastlines. Power for the megayacht will come courtesy of twin 405-Cummins, considered workhorse engines. And, the half-load draft of 6’4” (nearly 2 meters) will bring shallow waters and deep harbors alike into reach.
The idea of venturing to far-flung places typically goes hand in hand with good fuel economy. The 78 Ocean Explorer promises to deliver in that respect. At the above-mentioned 9½-knot cruising speed, the yacht is expected to burn 11 gph (41.6 lph).
The owner of this first 78 Ocean Explorer has requested a few special touches for the interior, all executed by Guido de Groot Design, too. Among the highlights are a pass-through from the galley to the dining area, wood soles, and a library-like atmosphere in the saloon. Four double guest staterooms and a full-beam master stateroom are all below decks. A standard feature: a workshop/utility space accompanying the engine room, for crew and owner-operators alike.
Selene Yachts, which also offers a 92 to complement the 78 Ocean Explorer in the series, expects to deliver the 108-ton megayacht in 2015.
BONUS PHOTOS: To see the 78 Ocean Explorer’s hull release, visit our Google+ page.
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