OCEA Unveils Ultimate 72m Grand Explorer At MYS
OCEA Yachts created a sensation at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show, with the presentation of its stunning 72-metre Ultimate Explorer Superyacht, which the OCEA design office had developed based on the design of a patrol vessel. A pioneer in aluminium shipbuilding and industrial construction, the OCEA yard was established in 1987. With four production sites located along the French Atlantic coast, OCEA delivers annually 15 to 20 vessels, up to 90m long, including fast patrol boats, passenger vessels, environmental vessels, and superyachts.
“Demands are for our yachts be fast, seaworthy in any weather, and comfortable for long missions. They also need to be stable so that they can easily deploy resources: tenders, helicopter, etc. Whether it is a patrol boat or a superyacht the problem is the same”, explains Vincent Guilbault, head of the OCEA R&D department.
The platform of the OCEA OPV 230 patrol vessel has therefore been retained, with part of its subdivision, while the interior layout, traffic and vertical flows have been adapted. “The Grand Explorer features the same marine qualities as the OPV at the origin of its design. It also benefits from all the calculations, tests, simulations, and measurements already carried out on the OPV range. It also incorporates OCEA patented Arch Bows structural tanks, which reinforce the structure from the top and make it possible to integrate large openings.”
Philippe Briand's London firm Vitruvius Yachts worked on the project's design and has retained the silhouette of the patrol vessel, in particular the high Mission Bay on the side, which has been transformed into a glazed area on the yacht, as well as the atypical wheelhouse with its 360° visibility. The architect has also opted for a very private atmosphere, with a totally enclosed stern that is very pleasant in port, but which tilts completely to create an aft platform flush with the water, giving access to the lazaretto. As for the patrol vessel, the OCEA Grand Explorer can be powered by conventional, electric or hybrid propulsion systems, and is available in lengths from 58 to 84 metres.