Hulls arrive at shipyards from subcontractors for outfitting on a regular basis. Two arriving simultaneously, though, is a sight to see. The two Flexplorer 165 yachts that moved into Cantiere delle Marche’s sheds for their next stages of construction couldn’t be more different, either.
Short for “flexible explorer,” Flexplorer is for cruisers who want stay at sea for long periods while enjoying the creature comforts more typical of so-called white yachts. Both Flexplorer 165 yachts should be able to reach far-flung destinations with a party of 10 aboard in a traditional configuration, guest staterooms below decks and the master suite on the main deck. Ten crewmembers will have five cabins, while—further following tradition—the captain will have a cabin by the wheelhouse.
Though the two 165s share the same naval-architecture and styling studio, namely Hydro Tec, they have quite dissimilar amenities. Firstly, an owner who wants a pickleball court onboard (below) signed one contract in early 2024. A fishing fanatic commissioned the other yacht (above) later that year. The Flexplorer 165 with the pickleball court has an extended—and reinforced—upper deck to accommodate it. Two viewing areas accompany it, too, one immediately next to it and the other on the sundeck above. Once she’s complete, carbon fiber poles supporting all-around netting will prevent balls from going into the water. Additionally, the upper deck will be able to handle touch-and-go helicopter operations.
The client who can’t wait to go fishing, meanwhile, leads an adventurous lifestyle with his family. That explains why the megayacht will carry a Grady-White Freedom 285, a dual-console offshore powerboat prized by anglers. Weightier than a typical tender, however, she requires a special crane. In fact, Cantiere delle Marche is installing a 4.5-ton-capacity A-frame crane to launch and retrieve it. When the owner and his family are done fishing or just want to pursue other passions, two other tenders will press into service.
Although interior-décor details aren’t yet available for either, the Flexplorer 165 yachts afford a lot of latitude for personalization. The owner of the fishing yacht plans to have the skylounge convert to an extra cabin on occasion. Furthermore, another cabin below decks can switch from a sleeping area to a lounge
More information about both projects should become available as construction advances.
Cantiere delle Marche cantieredellemarche.it
Hydro Tec hydrotec.it
More About the Cantiere delle Marche Flexplorer 165 Yachts
LOA: 163’7” (49.9 meters)
Beam: 29’5” (9 meters)
Draft: 7’5” (2.3 meters)
Guests: 10-12 in 5-6 staterooms
Engines: 2/1,300-hp Caterpillars
Range: 5,000 nautical miles at 10 knots (fishing version), 4,800 nautical miles at 10 knots (pickleball version)
Builder: Cantiere delle Marche
Stylist: Hydro Tec
Naval Architect: Hydro Tec
Interior Designer: Cassetta Yacht Designers (fishing version), Design Unlimited (pickleball version)