The pioneer catamaran from Perini Navi, today under the umbrella of The Italian Sea Group since its acquisition in December 2021, upholds and revitalizes the brand’s signature values. The boatyard unveiled its launch in early September 2023, marking its public debut at the Monaco Yacht Show. The yacht’s design was entrusted by the owner to the famous French designer Axel de Beaufort, who was assisted by naval architect Guillaume Verdier, whose expertise stems from extensive experience in ocean racing and the America’s Cup, added invaluable depth to the project.
Art on board
Measuring 47 m in length, with a width spanning 17.30 m and crowned by a towering 55-m carbon mast, Art Explorer – commissioned by its owner – transcends the traditional notion of a yacht: serving as a sailing museum, it will open its doors to the public during its harbor stops, embarking on a two-year journey to bring artistic experiences and foster environmental awareness across the globe.
The flybridge will serve as a versatile space for virtual exhibitions, workshops, and conferences. Meanwhile, the inner section of the main saloon will feature the main gallery, set to host ‘Icons‘: an inaugural digital exhibition curated by Noëmi Daucé, curator of the archaeology department at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, focusing on the representation of women in the Mediterranean.
The project’s technical details
A total of 65 sq.m of solar panels have been installed on the roof of the deckhouse, enabling the immediate production of 12 kW of electricity and yielding a daily total of over 200 kW. This system is backed up by a lithium battery bank, enabling emission-free electricity production for over 6 hours at full load.
The yacht holds a ‘green‘ class notation: all exhaust gases are fitted with catalytic filters to minimize emissions and particulate matter. Moreover, all maneuvers within ports and protected areas can be executed in full electric mode. Equipped with an impressive sail plan that is fully automated and easily managed by a single crew member, the catamaran can effortlessly achieve speeds of 10 knots, even under light wind conditions. Following the initial two years of sailing dedicated to art, it will also be available for charter.
The designer’s perspective
Designer Axel de Beaufort commented: “I am absolutely thrilled to be part of this extraordinary project, the release of the Art Explorer, the largest sailing catamaran in the world! When Mr. Jousset and his foundation, Art Explora, approached us with the vision for this incredible yacht, I was immediately captivated by the possibilities it presented. The Art Explorer is a true marvel of engineering and design, a boat of superlatives that pushes the boundaries of what is possible in naval architecture and interior design”.
The sheer size of this catamaran posed unique challenges, but “it was a challenge we embraced wholeheartedly. The design of the catamaran drew considerably from my offshore experiences. Working closely with my dear friend and renowned naval architect, Guillaume Verdier, we crafted a boat that marries performance and functionality seamlessly. The interior design of the Art Explorer exudes timeless elegance and sophistication, reflecting the essence of chic. Every detail has been meticulously curated to create a luxurious and inviting space that perfectly complements the grandeur of the yacht”.
Technical, engineering, and human fronts
To Axel de Beaufort, it was also a great opportunity to work with Perini Navi and their teams. “Their strong experience and stellar reputation in the world of sailing yachts allowed this vision to become a reality. I am incredibly proud to have been a part of this adventure, and I look forward to seeing the Art Explorer embark on its remarkable journey, bringing art, culture, and the beauty of the sea to the world. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when vision, expertise, and passion come together, and I am excited to witness the impact it will have on the world of sailing and beyond”.
Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group, remarked, “Perini Navi’s Art Explorer stands as an innovative project on technical, engineering, and human fronts, representing yet another milestone achieved through ongoing stylistic and technological research, coupled with the professionalism of the entire project team.”
OUR INTERVIEW
We interviewed a representative of TISG to gain further insights into the project.
During the MYS, you unveiled two notably innovative and unconventional yachts, Art Explorer and This Is It, both built on a catamaran platform.
Yes: “Art Explorer” and “This Is It” stand as two innovative yachts each born from collaborative projects with their respective owners. Thanks to our expertise, we are capable of constructing a wide range of motor and sailing yachts tailored to our clients’ needs. We specialize in bespoke yachts, catering to even the most exacting specifications. For instance, Art Explorer, designed as a catamaran, was conceived to serve as an itinerant virtual museum, benefitting from its exceptional stability.
Why opt for a catamaran design under the Perini Navi brand rather than Tecnomar or Picchiotti, which are also part of the TIGS portfolio?
The decision was driven by the owner’s specific request. Perini Navi, renowned for its excellence in sailing, was deemed ideal for ensuring the desired results of elegance and comfort.
What specific aspects of the project did Verdier oversee?
Guillaume Verdier collaborated with the architect Axel De Beaufort, overseeing both the naval architecture and the sail plan design.
How was the workflow coordinated between the technical department and the two naval architects?
De Beaufort and Verdier presented their concept, which TISG then developed structurally. The structural design was subsequently validated in collaboration with Lorima, a company specializing in carbon composite masts and spars. This synergistic collaboration commenced even before the contract was finalized.
Knowing that the yacht will function as a traveling museum, how did this decision impact the interior layout and lighting design?
The entire boat’s design was centered around the concept of the museum. Both the main saloon and main dining areas were purposefully designed with the exhibition in mind, thereby influencing both the lighting design and ventilation system. The ventilation system, for instance, is equipped with two air-conditioning modes: yachting mode and museum mode. Additionally, from an electrical standpoint, a series of interfaces needed to be incorporated to seamlessly transition between the yacht’s configurations at sea or at anchor and its setup as a museum in port.
How will parameters like temperature and humidity be controlled aboard the yacht?
With a dedicated museum operation facility.
From an aesthetic standpoint, how did you develop Art Explorer’s distinctive shapes? Were they inspired by any particular influences?
Axel de Beaufort enjoyed nearly complete creative freedom in this regard. The only limitations revolved around internal volume, as we needed to adhere to the 500GT threshold, and some structural constraints discussed during the development phase to ensure alignment with the sailing aspects.
Do you expect a significant amount of sailing, or will it primarily serve as an auxiliary to motor sailing?
The boat is primarily designed for sailing, with the motor serving as an auxiliary when needed. Its sail configuration is remarkable, featuring one of the largest masts ever constructed. Additionally, in terms of sail area, Art Explorer stands as the largest aluminum sailing catamaran ever built.
