Yacht Empire Looking to Take on the World’s Oceans

If the world can be your oyster, it can also be your empire. More to the point, it will be the empire for the owner of the yacht Empire. She’s a true go-anywhere cruiser, a Darwin 86 series project from Cantiere delle Marche. In fact, she marks the 12th Darwin Class cruiser for the shipyard in the water.

The Darwin Class is the first series that the Italian shipyard revealed when it opened its doors about a decade ago. Robust steel and aluminum construction and equally robust machinery characterize the yachts. Of course, owners can and do tailor the design and components to suit their needs. The American owners of the yacht Empire took full advantage of this. Firstly, they requested an ice belt for the steel hull. They plan to explore some of the globe’s highest latitudes, and spend significant time there, too. Further reinforcements in the hull and rudder should protect against ice encounters as well. Yet another request is a fourth steering station, in the engine room. Speaking of the engine room, twin Scania diesels are joined by three gensets and a battery bank. Finally, an anti-intrusion system is aboard.

the saloon rendering for the yacht Empire from Cantiere delle Marche

As for the interior accommodations, eight can stay aboard in four staterooms, though two more friends or family may join cruises on occasion. They get Pullman berths in each of the two twin cabins. As you might expect, the yacht Empire has a fully forward VIP below decks and an amidships master suite.

Also as you might expect, the main aft deck and saloon will be the primary social areas, hosting group meals and get-togethers. Keeping the rest of the deck casual and sociable, a bar connects to the galley. To work off some of the calories from the chef’s meals, the owners requested a sizable gym on the upper deck. Sunning and more good conversations will be the “work” Plenty of custom-made furnishings and selections from major Italian brands will outfit the various decks, too.

Considering the owners were quite involved in design and development, they’re eager to take delivery. Notably, Filippo Dall’Aglio, the project manager, shares that the husband got “emotional at seeing what were just ideas or drawings become reality.”

a stateroom rendering for the yacht Empire from Cantiere delle Marche

Sea trials should confirm a top speed of 11½ knots, before delivery in a few weeks.

On a related note, the launch of the yacht Empire took place within the same two-week span as two additional launches. Namely, the Flexplorer 146 Maverick and the RJ 115 Pazienza preceded her just by days.

Cantiere delle Marche cantieredellemarche.it