Diana Yacht Design shares 60m explorer yacht concept featuring a dedicated observatory

Dutch studio Diana Yacht Design has unveiled its latest project – a 60-metre (197-foot) explorer yacht concept named Beyond which is designed to venture into the farthest reaches of the planet.

The new vessel follows swiftly on from the success of Legend, Diana Yacht Design’s fully classified Class 1 ice-breaking ship which was converted into the world’s only ice-breaking charter yacht. The immense project, capable of travelling to any destination on Earth, was awarded Best Superyacht in the rebuild category at the World SuperYachts Awards in 2017.

For Beyond, Diana Yacht Design has aimed to create a unique build focused on ocean and sky exploration that draws upon its experiences with Legend. Combining a steel hull and forward aluminium superstructure with a high bow means that her exterior lines are bold and elegant, highlighting her innate power in any condition.

Speaking to  SuperYacht Times, Casper Marelis, Beyond’s naval architect at Diana Yacht Design and a finalist at the Young Designer of The Year Awards, said, “I wanted to create an explorer yacht which really has the rugged look associated with this type of vessel… the grey border interrupts the green hull which makes the bow look even more impressive while ensuring the overall side view does not look too massive.”

Beyond – Marelis’ first project as a designer at the firm – boasts a variety of flexible storage options for tenders and miscellaneous vehicles which can be transformed depending on the type of voyage being undertaken. Far-ranging views can be enjoyed by guests thanks to low bulwarks, spacious, open decks and glass railings, while a dedicated observatory on the sundeck has a unique, gyro-stabilised telescope which is perfectly poised to take advantage of locations with little or no light pollution.

As well as an observatory, Beyond benefits from a certified helideck on the bridge deck aft and space for numerous toys and even a submersible.

“The multi-purpose tender garage on the main deck, which can be configured to the needs of the exploration to let you store snowmobiles, extra dinghies and skies all in a closed space ensure her owner is able to discover more than just the obvious,” added Marelis.

Inside, Beyond offers a huge range of amenities so that guests can stay in complete comfort and luxury. On board guests can find a cinema, a dive store, a dedicated boarding room, a gym and wellness centre, as well as the observatory. A private seating area connects seamlessly to the owner’s lounge as well, which includes panoramic views via a complete glass aft wall; the owner’s suite features 180-degree views and a Jacuzzi.

Beyond can accommodate up to 14 guests across seven staterooms, including four doubles, two twins and the owner’s suite. Crew quarters are similarly spacious, with room for up to 17 crewmembers and a private captain’s cabin by the wheelhouse. A tank deck also features laundry facilities and lots of refrigeration space. A dumbwaiter connects all decks.

Technical specifications are yet to be detailed, but Marelis hinted at an impressive cruising range when discussing the owner and his ethos: “Beyond was created for a visionary owner, a self-made entrepreneur who made his dreams into a living. His dream is to see the world and beyond and get the most out of every exploration."

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