As much as adventurous yacht owners are ready to take on challenging seas, they still want to enjoy tranquil destinations. Leapher Yachts created the NAVIX50 yacht concept to reflect this. The builder says she will be as capable as cruising the Drake Passage as she is stately seaside areas like St. Tropez.
In fact, the project came about because the yard believes not enough true explorers deliver luxury and practical functions. Some bear rugged design and engineering, for instance, but look out of place in glitzy ports like St. Tropez. There also aren’t many luxurious true explorers in the sub-500-gross-ton sector. Leapher Yachts wants clients and crews of “smaller” superyachts to feel confident taking on challenging seas like those of the Drake Passage, which separates South America from Antarctica. (On a related note, the yard has the yacht Horizon under construction, a polar-classed expedition yacht.) Simultaneously, Leapher Yachts wants owners and guests to be able to indulge in superyacht-centric features like a swimming pool, wellness areas, and large suites.
Supporting the explorer side of her personality, the 161-foot (49-meter) NAVIX50 yacht can come with Lloyd’s Ice Class notation. Regardless, Lloyd’s classification for the steel hull and aluminum superstructure are standard. So is oversize gear, selected for its durability. Leapher Yachts says the megayacht should be able to cover 5,500 nautical miles at her most efficient cruise. Top speed should be 14 knots. Additionally, she’ll be able to remain autonomous for six days. Of course, she’ll meet international requirements for emissions, plus have biodegradable antifouling. The build and design teams will incorporate further owner-specified sustainable materials, too.
The profile and creature comforts of the NAVIX50 yacht, from AB Yacht Design & Naval Architecture, makes it clear that yachting is the priority. An 18- by nearly nine-foot (5.5- by 2.7-meter) swimming pool sits prominently on the main aft deck. The build and design teams recommend a contra-flow pool with heating, for exercise and comfort. Folding platforms to the sides create more space for guests to enjoy, access the sea, or board tenders for shoreline adventures. Tenders can include a 28-footer (8.6-meter) and a nearly 15-footer (4.5-meter), stowing on the foredeck. Irrespective of choice, the idea is to be able to launch them properly even if the seas are a bit sloppy, in keeping with the spirit of adventure.
Inside, six staterooms—with the option for a seventh, on the skylounge level—spread across the decks. Guest staterooms can sit on the main deck or below decks. Owners might be interested in an upper-deck suite, with the bed facing aft, or an enlarged master on the main deck. Yet other ideas for the main deck: a gym or wellness area. Regardless of size or location of cabins, all can feature king-size beds. Notably, every deck is wheelchair-accessible thanks to an appropriately sized elevator.
Since the design is still in the concept stage, buyers can bring their ideas to the table. Balconies off staterooms, hot tubs, and more are all possible.
Overall, “The NAVIX50 is more than just a yacht,” says Aristotelis Betsis, AB Yacht Design’s owner. “It’s a floating villa designed for those who see the world as their playground.”
AB Yacht Design & Naval Architecture aristotelisbetsis.com
Leapher Yachts leapher.com
LOA: 161’4” (49.2 meters)
Beam: 30’5” (9.3 meters)
Draft: 8’9” (2.7 meters)
Guests: 14 in 7 staterooms
Engines: not specified
Range: 5,500 nautical miles at 10 knots
Builder: Leapher Yachts
Stylist: AB Yacht Design & Naval Architecture
Naval Architect: AB Yacht Design & Naval Architecture
Interior Designer: AB Yacht Design & Naval Architecture
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