The far side of the world
Fortune, it is said, favours the bold. In that same spirit of adventure, it’s fortunate indeed – for those restless seafarers who yearn for something more than a leisurely jaunt on the waves – that a superyacht like Sanlorenzo’s 460EXP (price upon request) can take them wherever their hearts desire.
The first of the Italian shipyard’s explorer range, the 460EXP premiered at the Monaco Yacht Show last year and has continued to astound the yachting industry ever since. This summer, at the Sanlorenzo Elite Days 2016 event, it took pride of place as the impressive centrepiece for a gala dinner in Portofino’s marina, surrounded by the town’s pastel-coloured houses and picturesque piazzetta. A week later, at the World Superyacht Awards 2016 in Florence, the expedition superyacht won a Golden Neptune – one of the industry’s most prestigious awards – in the ‘Displacement Motor Yacht below 500GT of 42m to 46.9m’ category.
Drawn up by Milanese designer Francesco Paszkowski, the 460EXP – all 460 gross tonnes and 42m of it – provides liberating degrees of stability, security and considerable agility for its size. With the capacity to reach distant, rarely explored destinations, while maintaining its ability to navigate close to the shoreline when necessary, the 460EXP’s two CAT C32 Acert engines can cover over 7,400km autonomously at a speed of 11 knots.
Its strong, imposing lines – bolstered by an aluminum superstructure, a steel displacement hull and five decks – are a clear nod to the vessels that push the frontiers of ocean exploration. That’s not to say that it is utilitarian, by any means – in fact, the 460EXP doesn’t shy away from amusements or creature comforts. Thanks to the forward-shifting of the superstructure, the main deck astern has enough space to house a large tender up to 10m long or any other water toys that might tickle your fancy.
By way of inspiration, the 460EXP on display at the Sanlorenzo Elite Days held a U-Boat Worx submarine and an amphibious seaplane with folding wings. True to form – as with every Sanlorenzo yacht, which is fully customisable according to each owner’s requirements and style preferences – it also came fitted with an outdoor swimming pool, a private gym and a beach club with full diving gear.
The stern turns into a fully open terrace for those who wish to dive into the water. Meanwhile, those who’d rather retreat to the interior of their superyacht won’t suffer for lack of space, either. With a large owner’s suite and two very spacious salons on the main and upper deck, plus five guest cabins on the lower deck, you really can get away from it all if (and when) you want to, regardless of how long you’re away at sea.
It’s worth noting that Sanlorenzo’s first 460EXP, Moka, completed her first maiden voyage in February this year, where she made a winter Atlantic crossing to be enjoyed by her new owner in a warmer Caribbean climate. Despite covering a course of over 10,300km at an average speed of 12.5 knots, the hull, equipment and machinery showed no signs of wear and tear from the arduous navigation and a month spent on the unrelenting sea. The 460EXP – as you’ll know the minute you take to the ocean in it – is in it for the long run.
