DYDXL Design Forge unveils 49m "modern explorer" yacht concept

　　Italian studio DYDXL Design Forge has unveiled a 48.8-metre explorer yacht concept known as the Awaha 160. 

　　With five decks, a volume of 921GT and generous storage, the design has been coined a "true modern explorer" and a "pure expression of Italian style" by the Lazio-based design studio. A Polar Class 7 classification allows the yacht to travel in demanding conditions, while its diesel-electric propulsion package enables access to protected marine areas with navigation restrictions.  

　　Accommodation is for up to eight guests and 12 crew, with the latter including crew quarters with private access and a spacious, independent crew mess. A central staircase and elevator, complete with a dumbwaiter reaching up to the flybridge, have been designed for functional flow and further privacy between guest and crew areas. 

　　"The interiors are conceived as emotional microcosms, spaces that combine flexibility, elegance and immersion," said designer and studio founder Franco Gnessi, who explained that the design ethos was to contrast "rugged, powerful" naval architecture with "comfortable and luxurious" interiors. This focus on leisure is clear across the exterior decks, with a large lounge, pool and formal dining area on the main deck, a panoramic upper deck gym and the flybridge, which is envisioned as an "open-air living room" complete with a second pool, bar and dining area.

　　Meanwhile, the lower deck garage can accommodate a 7.5-metre tender, two Jet Skis, two snowmobiles, a single-seat submersible, an off-road vehicle, quads, canoes, and windsurf boards. There is also a small operating room for emergencies.

　　Powered by twin Volvo IPS40 Full Electric Double Engines rated at 1000kW each, the Awaha 160 has a projected top speed of 17 knots and a range of 5,000 nautical miles at 12 knots.