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Conversation with Designer Ken Freivokh — 88m MALTESE FALCON and 107m BLACK PEARL
Watch the full video on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-u2iZdJi0E Two Legendary DynaRig Sailing Yachts Maltese Falcon is a full-rigged ship using DynaRig technology, built by Perini Navi in Tuzla, Istanbul, and commissioned by her first owner, Tom Perkins. It is one of the world's most complex and largest sailing yachts at 88m (289 ft), similar in size to the Athena and Eos. Her self-standing three-mast square rig reaches a height of 58.20m (191 ft), de
The Yacht Channel
6 days ago1 min read


Wealthy Americans Built the Largest Yachts in the World — The History of Expedition Yachts Part 2
Watch the full video on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7Xjr1pRm8U The Golden Age of Expedition Yachts In Part 2 of the series, Paul Madden shows how 1930 and 1931 saw more than a half-mile of new Expedition Yachts built by the world's wealthiest people at a cost in excess of $2 billion. Yachts ranging in size to over 400 ft, with steam-turbine electric propulsion delivering 20-knot speed; they offered luxurious accommodations coupled with global range a
The Yacht Channel
Apr 111 min read


Built During the Cold War: This 323' NOAA Research Ship May Have Had Covert Mission Capabilities
Watch the full video on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6A5EyGLljk About This Vessel Rumors swirl around the idea that this vessel was built at the height of the Cold War and its real mission was tracking Soviet Submarines. USC&GS Oceanographer (OSS 01) was commissioned as an "ocean survey ship" with the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., on 13 July 1966 under the command of Captain Arthur L. Wardwell. With he
The Yacht Channel
Apr 41 min read


The Definitive History of Expedition Yachting
Watch the full video on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/oXV3eGo7l64 From Magellan to Modern Explorer Yachts This series looks at the first expeditions and the vessels chosen by Magellan, Darwin and Shackleton — examining Mission, Vessel and Outcome. Part 1 takes us from the 1500's to the late 20th Century and the advent of the Explorer Yachtsman and the first generation of converted commercial and research ships that became expedition yachts. From the earliest ocean-cro
The Yacht Channel
Apr 21 min read


Ocean Conservation: A Call to Every Expedition Yacht Owner
clean oceans The Ocean Gave Us Everything — It's Time We Gave Back As expedition yacht owners, we are among the most privileged people on Earth. We traverse the world's most remote and pristine waters — from the ice-laden passages of Antarctica to the vibrant coral reefs of the South Pacific. We witness the raw majesty of the ocean in ways most people can only dream of. But with that privilege comes a profound responsibility. Our oceans are in crisis. Marine ecosystems that h
The Yacht Channel
Mar 292 min read


How Much Does an Expedition Yacht Cost? Pricing Guide for Explorer Vessels
One of the most common questions from aspiring expedition yacht owners is about cost. Whether you're considering a conversion or a new build, understanding the full financial picture of expedition yacht ownership is essential for making an informed decision. This guide covers purchase prices, conversion costs, operating expenses, and strategies for getting the right expedition yacht for your budget. Expedition Yacht Purchase Prices: New Builds New-build expedition yachts span
The Yacht Channel
Mar 283 min read


Top 10 Expedition Yacht Destinations: Where Explorer Yachts Go That Others Can't
The whole point of owning an expedition yacht is access — the ability to reach places that conventional yachts simply cannot. From polar ice caps to remote tropical archipelagos, expedition yachts and explorer yachts unlock cruising grounds that represent the last true frontiers of ocean travel. Here are the top 10 destinations that make expedition yacht ownership so compelling. 1. Antarctica The ultimate expedition yacht destination. Antarctica offers towering icebergs, pris
The Yacht Channel
Mar 283 min read


Expedition Yacht Conversions vs. New Builds: Which Is Right for You?
When looking for an expedition yacht, one of the most important decisions you'll face is whether to commission a new build or convert an existing commercial vessel. Both approaches have distinct advantages, and the right choice depends on your budget, timeline, intended use, and personal preferences. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about expedition yacht conversions versus new builds. What Is an Expedition Yacht Conversion? An expedition yacht conversion ta
The Yacht Channel
Mar 283 min read


What Is an Expedition Yacht? The Complete Guide to Explorer Vessels
An expedition yacht is a long-range, ocean-going vessel designed to travel to the most remote corners of the world in safety and comfort. Unlike traditional motor yachts built primarily for coastal cruising and entertaining, expedition yachts — also called explorer yachts — are purpose-built for extended voyages across open oceans, through ice fields, and into regions far from standard marine infrastructure. What Makes an Expedition Yacht Different? Expedition yachts are dist
The Yacht Channel
Mar 283 min read


What Is an Expedition Yacht? A Complete Guide
Most luxury yachts are built for calm anchorages and glamorous ports. An expedition yacht is built for something entirely different: the most remote, demanding, and extraordinary destinations on Earth — polar ice, open ocean, uncharted coastline. If you have ever wondered what separates an expedition yacht from a standard superyacht, how much one costs, or whether a commercial vessel can be converted into one, this guide covers everything you need to know. Whether you are res
The Yacht Channel
Mar 116 min read


Navigating the Waves: The Importance of Bow Design in Shipbuilding
In the world of shipbuilding, the design of a vessel's bow is not just a matter of aesthetics; it plays a crucial role in performance and safety. In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating evolution of bow designs, their impact on a ship's operation, and why choosing the right bow can make all the difference when navigating the unpredictable seas.
The Yacht Channel
Dec 13, 20253 min read


The Rise of Expedition Yachts for Adventurous Journeys
As the boundaries of adventure and exploration expand, a new breed of vessel has captured the imaginations of intrepid travelers: expedition yachts. These floating marvels are designed to take adventurers to remote, untouched corners of the world, perfect for those seeking unique experiences on the high seas. In this post, we will delve into the rise of expedition yachts, exploring their features, advantages, and the growing popularity of journeys less traveled. Expedition Ya
The Yacht Channel
Jun 6, 20254 min read


The Golden Age of Expedition Yachts - the 1930's. Part 2 of The History of Expedition Yachts
In Part 2 of the series, Paul Madden shows how 1930 and 1931 saw more than a half-mile of new Expedition Yachts built by the world's wealthiest people at a cost in excess of $2 billion. Yachts ranging in size to over 400 ft, with steam-turbine electric propulsion delivering 20-knot speed; they offered luxurious accommodations coupled with global range and ocean-crossing capabilities. A generation of uber-wealthy yachtsmen who had naval experience from WWI and the ability to c
The Yacht Channel
Jan 12, 20241 min read


THE BOW WARS X-Bow Vs. Sea-Axe Bow Which is better? Paul Madden explores.
The Military, Commercial and Yacht Builders are all at work to create the perfect bow shape. Millions of dollars have been spent and...
The Yacht Channel
Jan 12, 20241 min read


Captain/Designer Grant Maughan discusses his conversion design concept for a North Sea Stand-By Rescue vessel.
This vessel is sister-ship to one of our conversion projects that is currently underway. The designers claim that the vessel is derived...
The Yacht Channel
Jan 12, 20243 min read


262' / 80.8 meter ice-class ex-Canadian Coast Guard vessel was converted into a pirate-themed expedition yacht. It is now being offered for sale at a fraction of its original conversion costs.
The pirate-theme may overshadow just how capable the original vessel is. I think it would be an ideal candidate for a refit with updating...
The Yacht Channel
Jan 12, 20243 min read


Expedition Yacht Conversion Conversations
From my videos and this website, you probably alreay have a good idea about what I have to say on the subject of conversions. So, this...
The Yacht Channel
Dec 17, 20231 min read
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