Things weren't originally supposed to be this way. When XO embarked on a project to build its new flagship, it began as the EXPLR 12. That expanded by a metre during the design stages to become the EXPLR 13, but rather than invite any negative numerical associations, XO ditched the metric approach, added another couple of feet and ended up launching the EXPLR 44 instead. So what do you get for all that extra length, breadth and volume? Well in terms of the concept, the new boat's luxury and flexibility are designed to take it well beyond the Nordic states and northern Europe and make it a real part of the conversation in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean too. In terms of the basic design principle behind that ethos, that's also quite simple.
As you would expect, it uses a walkaround design with a central pilothouse and open fore and aft decks. But by raising the aft deck, as well as the bow, and then keeping the central pilothouse section relatively deep-set, the idea is to generate a pair of private cabins at opposite ends of the boat, while keeping the profile (and the windage) well in check.
As far as the aesthetic goes, it certainly works. With its plumb bow, muscular haunches, hidden anchor and vertical ranks of sail-yacht-style windows, this is a very cool-looking boat.
That purposeful look is ably augmented by the granite grey colourways, tinted windows and aluminium construction too.
But what we really want to do is get on board and see how this unusual arrangement impacts on the cabins themselves...
A TALE OF TWO
Denne historien er fra October 2024-utgaven av Motor Boat & Yachting UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra October 2024-utgaven av Motor Boat & Yachting UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Lofoten or Bust- Part 4- Grandezza owner Per Harrtoft heads back to Sweden after an epic 3500nm adventure deep into the Arctic Circle to visit the mythical Lofoten islands
After ten memorable days in the Lofoten Islands in the far north of Norway, we are on our way back south towards Sweden. We have already made it as far as Trondheim, a charming place even if it was raining so hard we had to cycle round the city centre clutching umbrellas. But now we are back on board Deamare, our Grandezza 40 Fly, eating up the miles at a steady 31 knots.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YACHT TRANSPORT
As the name suggests it's a means of having your boat moved professionally from one location to another. It might be as simple as hiring someone to tow your RIB a few miles down the road or as complex as shipping a superyacht halfway around the world.
HANDLE A SINGLE SHAFTDRIVE BOAT PART 1
Single shaftdrive boats are relatively rare these days but the reduced costs of buying, servicing and fuelling such a simple but reliable drivetrain does mean they are making a bit of a comeback.
COCKWELLS MOTOR LAUNCH
There can be very few boats that have appeared three times at the Southampton Boat Show and been sold off the stand each time.
INSTALLING AN AUTOPILOT
Rick Channon makes solo boating simple with a Raymarine Evolution Autopilot
GOOD AS NEW
Why fit a brand new engine when Volvo Penta's remanufacturing service can rebuild you an old one to the same standard for a fraction of the price?
BENETEAU SWIFT TRAWLER 54
Alex Smith heads to France's Beneteau HQ for a UK exclusive on what might just be the best Swift Trawler yet
ΧΟ EXPLR 44
Can XO's all-new aluminium flagship really make it big in the Med?
BUYING OUR FIRST CLASSIC
Instead of whiling away their retirement playing bowls, Rob and Shona Adams decided to invest their time and money in a classic Silver gentleman's yacht. Would the gamble pay off?
PRINCESS S65
Torn between the V and F Class flagships? The new S65 might be the boat you've been waiting for...
