X-Plorer Yachts reveals 40m catamaran concept Project Orion

Australian shipyard X-Plorer Yachts has revealed a 39.9-metre catamaran concept, known as Project Orion.

Commissioned by a "northern hemisphere investor", the custom project is over two years in the making and is currently in the process of selecting an Australian-based builder.

Built in aluminium, the catamaran's "rugged and understated" exterior is courtesy of Misha Merzliakov, who took inspiration from his 52-metre concept Eva. Naval architecture will be completed by Periscope Naval Architects, while the project is being personally overseen by X-Plorer Yachts founder and former yacht captain Juan Koegelenberg.

Accommodation is for up to 12 guests and nine crew in a layout that caters to a "multigenerational family" as well as frequent charter usage, according to X-Plorer Yachts. Her interiors are also designed by Misha Merzliakov, furnished with monochromatic furniture, warm integrated lighting and marble accents for a contemporary but casual feel. Renderings reveal a main saloon with a pentagonal bar as its centrepiece, flanked by U-shaped sofa seating and a 12-person dining table. 

On-deck highlights include an open-air "cigar lounge" forward of the main deck, a fully compliant helideck, storage for a BRIG Eagle 8 and BRIG Eagle 6 and an eight-metre tender lift platform, located aft on the centreline between the hulls.

While full specifications are yet to be disclosed, the yacht has been designed to "explore the Pacific for extended periods" per the investor's request.