UPDATE, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019: Due to interest in the GCX40, a joint venture now exists to construct her. Evolution Yachts brings together Misha Merzliakov Yacht Design, Periscope Naval Architects, and Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard. Evolution Yachts actually dates back several years, delivering the 110’6″ (33.7-meter) Benita Blue in 2005.
Read on for our original article.
Since explorer yachts are popular, it makes sense that Misha Merzliakov of Misha Merzliakov Yacht Design has a proposal for one. However, he’s taking a bit of a different approach. Rather than design one for generally visiting far-off places, his GCX40 has a specific focus. She’s for venturing all over Australia and the South Pacific. Even more important, she’s for those of you who like to dive.
Based in Australia himself, Merzliakov is drawing upon his training in naval architecture, styling, and interior design. For example, he previously was part of the in-house design team at Austal. Austal is a large commercial and defense shipbuilder in Australia. On a related note, it was also the parent company for Oceanfast, a now-defunct yacht builder. Merzliakov joined forces with Shaun Phelps of Periscope Naval Architects, with extensive experience from the Oceanfast days, for the GCX40’s technical development.
At 138 feet (42 meters), The GCX40 draws just 8’2” (2.5 meters) and should achieve 5,000 nautical miles around a 12-knot cruising speed. Power comes from twin Caterpillar C32s. The range is plenty to explore and poke around all sorts of terrific dive spots Down Under. In fact, Merzliakov says, “We took inspiration from Australia’ tropical reef coastline to design a yacht which would enhance the experience for the avid explorer or diver.”
For example, the GCX40 has long, open decks for spotting approaching shorelines through your favorite pair of binoculars. In addition, some of those same decks feature dining areas, for better enjoying anchorages. Among the mini armada of watertoys, you can take along a Boston Whaler. So, too, can you tote a Sealegs 7.1 Sport RIB. The latter is a rugged explorer itself.
Naturally, concept designs leave plenty of room for buyers to tailor spaces. Merzliakov and Phelps will coordinate with you and Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard, already standing by to start construction. Given the LOA and 30’5” (9.3-meter) beam, you can accommodate a party of 12. In addition, you still have plenty of space for a plunge pool and beach club—and of course, the all-important crew of 10.
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