This Nifty 146-Foot Explorer Yacht Has a Pool That Doubles as a Storage Deck

Cantiere delle Marche (CDM) just launched the yacht equivalent of Lieutenant Pete Mitchell.

Fittingly christened Maverick, the new Flexplorer 146 is as bold and stylish as the rebellious pilot from Top Gun. The newcomer is the second Flexplorer yacht to be sold and the first of three 146-foot models under construction at the Italian yard to be completed.

Commissioned by seasoned yachtsman Tom Schroder, who happens to be the major shareholder of CDM, Maverick showcases a custom layout and a range of luxurious amenities that set her apart from her two sister ships. Hydro Tec is responsible for the exterior lines, naval architecture, and engineering, while Francesco Paszkowski and Margherita Casprini teamed up for the interior design.

Described as a “fantastic explorer,” Maverick features a robust steel displacement hull, a lightweight aluminum superstructure, and an inch-thick “ice belt” at the waterline that ensures safe and easy navigation through frosty waters. Schroder plans to put her strength to the test, too, with his first high-latitude expedition covering Iceland, Greenland, and the northern Canadian coasts and estuaries. (CDM says this is just the inaugural leg of a multi-year global journey that the yard plans to document.)

Speaking of cruising, Maverick is powered by twin Caterpillar C32 engines that deliver a top speed of 14 knots and a transatlantic range of more than 5,000 nautical miles at 10 knots. She is also equipped with a custom-built A-frame crane with a lifting capacity of nearly five tons. It will be used to deploy and retrieve a custom tender designed by Valerio Rivellini and an A27 sailing boat.

Schroder and his family worked with the interior designers to inject their personal style into the living quarters. The interior is characterized by a neutral palette, high-end materials, and enormous windows. In terms of accommodation, there are seven spacious cabins for up to 13 guests and three cabins for up to six crew.

Heading outside, the aft deck is home to a large infinity pool that can be covered up when cruising to create additional storage space. At anchor, the aft deck’s collapsible bulwarks can be folded down to increase the size of the beach club to nearly 1,500 square feet. Other highlights include a gym, a sauna, and a dive center.

“This explorer yacht, constructed with passion and dedication, is the result of the harmony that has developed between us and Tom Schroder,” CDM cofounder and CEO Vasco Buonpensiere said in a statement. “Maverick is a fantastic explorer yacht and a bearer of top-notch innovation and engineering solutions.”

The next two Flexplorer models will reportedly be delivered in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Stay tuned.