Humphreys 50m Custom Explorer Yacht

Design Notes

This is an explorer yacht intended for family use and global cruising with exceptional efficiency, and comfort. The exterior design champions large panels of glazing, and single-level decks facilitate 360-degree views – essential for that all-important connection with the yacht’s environmental surroundings.

The fast-displacement hull form underwent significant optimisation, ensuring expectations for performance, seakeeping, manoeuvrability, vessel motion and comfort would all be exceeded. Extensive in-house studies and high resolution RansCFD analysis, working with our project partner Cape-Horn Engineering, were undertaken and scale model testing led to further design refinement.

The design utilises a parallel hybrid propulsion system with twin shaft drives, powered by MTU 12V 2000 M72 Diesel engines, coupled to ZF 3351 PTI/PTO gearboxes and 290kW Danfoss electric motors. A maximum speed of 20kts is achievable in hybrid boost mode, and a range of over 5000nm at an economical 12-knot cruising speed.

The hull is constructed in aluminium to help achieve a light displacement, whilst the upper tiers of the superstructure are constructed from infused GRP composite to accomplish displacement and centre of gravity targets. 

Layout and Accommodation

The Owner’s Suite is situated on the upper deck and features a private lounge and office area. Outside there is a large lounge area with Jacuzzi and full exterior walkway.

There are four guest cabins on the lower deck, accommodating 10 in total, with further quarters for a complement of 10 crew.

Maintaining crew and guest separation was important, and resulted in the incorporation of a centreline walkway on the tank deck to allow crew direct access to the engine room from the forward crew area.

The galley, with adjacent cold and dry storage, the main saloon and dining area are located on the main deck. The exterior of the main deck features a sofa and area for sun beds, as well as a bar with integrated BBQ.

The Bridge enjoys commanding views and uninterrupted visibility from its location in the top tier of the superstructure. Wing stations are located on both sides of the Bridge Deck in addition to a full exterior walkway and external seating area.