FTX110 Yacht Pledges Fast Cruising Between Remote Locations

A studio known for intrepid explorers and high-performance yachts has blended these capabilities in a new series. The studio is Humphreys Yacht Design, and the first project, the FTX110 yacht, is directly from a customer request.

Humphreys Yacht Design has earned its explorer credentials through yachts like the Arksen 85 and the recently launched JFA Yachts 50m Explorer. It further has fast yachts in its portfolio, like the superyacht Ermis² (below), a 2008 delivery from McMullen & Wing. According to Tom Humphreys, the studio’s co-director, that particular delivery is the reason why the FTX110 yacht and her series, the Fast Transit Explorer Series, came to be. “The concept evolved out of a design commission we received from a client who was originally interested in Ermis²,” he says. During sea trials, the 123-footer (37.56-meter) easily hit 55 knots, topping out at 58 knots.

Although the 111-foot (33.8-meter) FTX110 yacht leverages a similar deep-V planing hull, she is for slightly less-dramatic speeds. Top end should be closer to 40 knots, for instance. For cruising in the 20- to 30-knot realm without burning excessive fuel, propulsion comes from triple Volvo Penta IPS engines. Preserving the ability to cover a lot of cruising grounds, the studio engineered her for a 2,000-nautical-mile range at 12 knots. Even at 20 knots, though, she should still be capable of a 1,000-nautical-mile range.

Fast transits mean more time to pursue exploration-like activities. A party of eight, with a crew of six, can enjoy a mini armada of toys. The low-slung aft deck stows tenders, waterbikes, and more, further making it simpler to launch and retrieve them. Scuba gear, snorkeling gear, and more can stow aboard, too. Humphreys Yacht Design will tailor the configuration according to buyers’ needs.

The FTX110 yacht is the flagship of the Fast Transit Explorer Series. Humphreys Yacht Design intends to start the series at just 50 feet (15.24 meters). More details on each of the designs are yet to be announced.

Humphreys Yacht Design humphreysdesign.com