Explorer Yacht Haze2 Has Clear Cruising Ambitions

Since its inception 15 years ago, the Darwin series from Cantiere delle Marche has seen 15 deliveries. Launch number 16 occurred this month, with the splashing of the yacht Haze2.

In fact, Haze2 is the fifth Darwin 102 to date. Her British owner took a tour of a Darwin 106 in 2022 during the Cannes Yachting Festival, and he liked what he saw. Specifically, he liked her rugged character, suiting a compact explorer that can cross oceans and remain independent from shore for long periods. This is in keeping with the famous Charles Darwin quote summing up the Darwin series philosophy, “It’s not the strongest, but the fittest.” Secondly, the owner was drawn to the ability to personalize the design, including some structural characteristics.

Cantiere delle Marche yacht Haze2 launch

“A seasoned sailor with both sailing and motoryachts in his past, the owner had a clear vision of what his next yacht should be,” according to Vasco Buonpensiere, co-founder and CEO of the shipyard. For example, she needed to be capable of carrying a party of 12. The owner additionally wanted to redesign the wheelhouse windows, which Cantiere delle Marche did with him, for more visibility. Some styling changes occurred, too, including installing a concealable tender crane aft on the sundeck. If that sounds familiar, it’s what the owners of the shipyard’s RJ Class yachts did as well.

Although the color scheme outside—a blue superstructure and metallic-grey hull—is bold, the interior is soothing and serene. The owner chose the London-based design studio Lawson Robb to make his vision a reality. From the staterooms to the lounges, warm, earthy colors and tactile surfaces set the mood. (On a related note, the same occurs outside thanks to indirect lighting in the form of LEDs that hug the yacht’s shapes.) The yacht Haze2 invites those who cruise aboard to relax and enjoy the sight and feel of open-grain veneers, brushed bronze, and mosaics, too, along with wallpapers and leathers.

Come delivery, Haze2 will support the owner’s private trips as well as some charters. “Over the years, the commercial success of this highly customizable series has far surpassed our expectations,” says Ennio Cecchini, the yard’s co-founder and president.

Cantiere delle Marche cantieredellemarche.it

Lawson Robb lawsonrobb.com