Xplorer Yachts | Expedition Yacht Design, Technology & Innovation

Paul Madden

The expedition yachting podcast for owners, designers, builders, and maritime professionals. Host Paul Madden - a lifelong sailor and expedition yacht specialist - brings you inside the world of explorer vessels, superyacht conversions, wind-assisted propulsion, and cutting-edge maritime technology. From technical tours of standby vessels in Norway to conversations with the designers behind iconic superyachts like MALTESE FALCON and BLACK PEARL, each episode delivers insider access to the expedition yachting sector you won't find anywhere else. Topics include: expedition yacht design, wind-powered hybrid yachts, DynaRig and wingsail technology, hydro-generation, long-range global cruising, yacht conversions, shipyard tours, and the history of ocean exploration. New episodes weekly. Follow the show and leave a review to help other expedition yacht enthusiasts find us.

  1. Jan 10

    Ken Freivokh on Designing MALTESE FALCON & BLACK PEARL - DynaRig Superyacht Innovation

    Maltese Falcon is a full-rigged ship using DynaRig technology, which was built by Perini Navi in Tuzla, İstanbul, and commissioned by her first owner, Tom Perkins. It is one of the world's most complex and largest sailing yachts at 88 m (289 ft), similar in size to the Athena and Eos. Sail plan: self-standing three-mast square rigg... Height: 58.20 m (191 ft) Yacht design: Dykstra Naval Architects Builder: Perini Navi, ‎Tuzla, İstanbul Black Pearl is a sailing yacht launched in 2016, which is 106.7 meters (350.1 ft) in length. It has three DynaRig masts supporting a sail area of 2,900 square meters (31,215 sq ft). The yacht was known during its build process originally as Oceanco Y712 and thereafter as "Project Solar". Tonnage: 2,864 GT Capacity: 12 Launched: 2016 Beam: 15 m (49.2 ft) Designer Ken Freivokh Working from his studio based on the River Hamble on the south coast of the UK, superyacht designer Ken Freivokh actually started life as an architect. Raised in Los Angeles, he studied engineering and architecture in Peru before moving to the UK to study at the Royal College of Art, graduating in 1972 with a Masters in Design. It was while working as an architect that Freivokh first encountered yacht design, and as an experienced sailor it was when buying his own yacht – and asking for some changes to be made – that he started to make the transition. Since then, Freivokh and his team have created several stunning yacht exteriors and interiors, and the studio has become well known for its cutting edge and often futuristic concept designs. Notable yachts Perhaps most famously, Ken Freivokh design the exterior and interior of US venture capitalist Tom Perkins’ superyacht Maltese Falcon, at 88 metres notable for its innovative Dynarig and still one of the largest private sailing yachts in the world. That is set to change with the Freivokh-designed superyacht Dream Symphony, a striking 141 metre contemporary wooden schooner that is currently under construction at the Dream Ship Victory yard in Turkey. More info on XplorerYachts.com

    29 min

  2. Jan 9

    The History of Expedition Yachts: From Magellan to Modern Explorer Vessels

    This series looks at the first expeditions and the vessels chosen by Magellan, Darwin and Shackleton; examining Mission, Vessel and Outcome. Part 1 takes us from the 1500's to the late 20th Century and the advent of the Explorer Yachtsman and the first generation of converted commercial and research ships that became expedition yachts.

    10 min

  3. Jan 8

    Inside an Ulstein 719-R Standby Vessel: Bridge & Engine Room Tour (Norway)

    See Matterport 3D of bridge and engine room here: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=jHXF2cpt4hu Main Description Survivor Class........FSV Class ‘A’ ERRV Year Built/Converted..............1992/2014 Place of Build............Brattvaag, Norway Principal Dimensions Length o.a...........63.00m Length Capacities Freshwater...................329m3 Cargo Deck Area..........................260m2 Deck Cargo...........................350 tonne Cargo Pumps Machinery and Propulsion Main Engines.....................2 x 1840 kw Total.....3680 kw Main Propulsion Type.....Bergen Diesel Propellers..............2 x CPP Azimuth Thruster.............1 x 736 kw Emergency Generator..........1 x 30 KVA Aux. el. Generator...............1 x 390 kw Shaft Generator...............2 x 1800 KVA Deck Equipment Hydr. Deck/Rescue Crane....1 x 3 tonne Cable Lifesaving and Rescue Equipment Daughter Craft....................2 x MP 1000 DC Davits............2 x Hydramarine G100 FRC...............................1 x MP Woodo FRC Davit.............1 x Hydramarine A 32 Deck Rescue Crane...........1 x 3T @ 12m Rescue Accommodation Total beds..........18 Single Berth.................12 Twin Berth.. Commercial vessels must navigate in all seas, in all weather conditions, year-round. They require proven systems with onboard redundancies in order to stay at sea and complete their mission. The most capable Expedition Yachts and Yacht Support Vessels are based on commercial hulls built by commercial shipyards. see more at Xplorer Yachts.com

    7 min

  4. Jan 7

    Espen Oeino on ECO, OCTOPUS & REV Ocean - The Largest Expedition Superyachts

    According to bolidt.com: "With an average of at least three to four 63 meter + sophisticated yachts in his name on a yearly basis, Espen Oeino is a legend in the world of yacht design. Who is this icon? For us personally, Espen Oeino is a bit of a secret legend. Most yacht designers have published biographies online stating their vision and proudly presenting their portfolio of stunning yachts. Espen Oeino is not one of them! Visit Espen Oeino International’s website online and the only information you will get are contact details. The more reason to find out who the man behind Espen Oeino International actually is. A Norwegian-born designer This Norwegian-born designer was a born designer! As a little kid he was always drawing boats, cars and busses. He drew his first boat when he was 2 years of age and has been obsessed with boat design ever since. As a young adult he completed his degree in naval architecture and offshore engineering in Scotland, after which he worked at Martin Francis’ design studio. During his time here he worked as a project manager on the legendary Eco project (now known as: Enigma). As it goes with legendary designers, Espen Oeino set up his own design studio, Espen Oeino International S.A.R.L., not long after. Since 1994 the technical and design studio has been specializing in naval architecture and engineering related disciplines. Up–to–date he has 44 superyachts on his name from all over the world! What makes designs by EOI so different? Every artist has its own signature and so does he: sketching. In an interview with Yachting, Espen Oeino emphasizes the importance of never using erasers when sketching. “You correct as you go, because this is not meant to be a presentation sketch- it’s really just exploring ideas.” Ideas evolve over time and so will the sketch. At EOI there is no specific style that can be detected. Yacht designs have ranged from fast and sleek to voluminous. The most important thing according to Mr. Oeino is to start every project with a fresh mind and collaborate with clients to design a yacht that exactly fits their needs. The more open-minded and creative the clients, the more room there is for Espen Oeino to work his magic." For more information regarding expedition yachts, go to http://XplorerYachts.com

    30 min

  5. Jan 4

    Building the World's First Wind-Powered Hybrid Expedition Yacht

    Xplorer Yachts™ is building the first wind-powered hybrid expedition yacht. This vessel is based upon an existing, ocean-proven wind-powered commercial vessel that has already achieved 30% fuel savings on Trans-Atlantic passages. It's class-approved OceanWing sail system is the top performing sail system currently being implemented on commercial ships. This hull platform can be built from 80m to 120m and be fitted out for 12-36 guests with a completely customized interior. Our time-tested business model utilizes commercial shipyards for the hull and systems build, while the interior fabrication and fit-out will take place in a yacht finishing facility. Our website: https://windvoyage.com

    10 min

  6. Jan 3

    Wind Propulsion Tech for Expedition Yachts: Wingsails, Kites & Flettner Rotors

    The International Maritime Organization has mandated that large ocean-going ships must cut their carbon emissions by 40% by the year 2030. As a result, the shipping industry is embracing wind-propulsion as the most viable near-term solution. They, along with government agencies, are financing the R&D and manufacturing of wind-propulsion solutions. Wind-assisted commercial shipping uses modern technologies like rotor sails, rigid wings (Wind Wings), and suction wings to harness wind power, significantly cutting fuel use and emissions (5-50%) by supplementing engine power, driven by strict regulations and economic benefits, with systems like Anemoi's rotor sails and Airseas' Seawings already deployed on cargo vessels. These systems offer a practical, cost-effective way for the industry to decarbonize, transforming old sailing concepts into high-tech solutions for a greener future. According to DNV: "Wind-assisted propulsion system (WAPS) technologies have gained significant attention in the shipping industry as a means of reducing fuel consumption and emissions. These technologies harness the power of wind to supplement the propulsion of a vessel by generation of aerodynamic forces. They have the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of shipping operations and make a meaningful contribution to the decarbonization of the industry, as wind is an inexhaustible, free, zero-carbon energy source. Sail systems Several different sailing technology concepts have been or are being developed, including rigid or soft wing sails, Flettner rotors and ventilated foils, or kites. Most modern systems now utilize state-of-the-art intelligent control and automation systems to operate in a safe manner and without the requirement for additional crew. A combination of advanced aerodynamics, automation, computer modelling and modern materials is unlocking a new generation of innovative sail systems for ocean-going ships." For our new build, we want a proven sail-assist technology that is readily adaptable for our specific mission and vessel profile. We need to consider, amongst many criteria - size and weight vs propulsion delivery, will the rig fold-down, is there a service and maintenance program from the manufacturer to support us. This video will shed some light on this highly important component of our new-build process, and maritime industry developments in general. For more information regarding expedition yachts, go to http://XplorerYachts.com

    9 min

  7. Jan 2

    Next-Gen Wind-Powered Global Expedition Yachts: Design & Technology

    Growing up sailing with my dad, he always referred to motor-boats as 'stink-pots'. Motor-boaters, I am told, refer to sailors as 'rag-baggers' due to their proclivity to bag their sails at the end of the day, often before even having cocktails(!) However, the time has come for everyone to take wind-power seriously, as perhaps the most viable solution for lessening carbon emissions of all ocean-going vessels, private and commercial. Wind-assisted propulsion system (WAPS) technologies have gained significant attention in the shipping industry as a means of reducing fuel consumption and emissions. These technologies harness the power of wind to supplement the propulsion of a vessel by generation of aerodynamic forces. And now there are several new sail-assist technologies that have been successfully deployed on large commercial vessels- achieving results in fuel efficiencies that are quantifiable. For our new build, we want a proven sail-assist technology that is readily adaptable for our specific mission and vessel profile. We need to consider, amongst many criteria - size and weight vs propulsion delivery, will the rig fold-down, can it be fully reefed in the event of a power failure without putting the crew at-risk, is there a service and maintenance program from the manufacturer to support us. Hopefully, this video will shed some light on this highly important component of our new-build process, and maritime industry developments in general.

    7 min

  8. 12/31/2025

    Hydro-Generation for Expedition Yachts: Powering Long-Range Ocean Crossings

    Since our wind-assisted expedition yacht will have the ability to operate solely with sail power in certain condition, which will deliver speeds in the 8-14 knot range; we also want to have the ability to generate electricity. The goal is to carry the hotel load under sail, and ideally, also put some 'juice' back into our batteries. We have not yet decided on a system for this, but we expect to settle on a plan in the next 2 months. More information at XplorerYachts.com

    4 min
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About

The expedition yachting podcast for owners, designers, builders, and maritime professionals. Host Paul Madden - a lifelong sailor and expedition yacht specialist - brings you inside the world of explorer vessels, superyacht conversions, wind-assisted propulsion, and cutting-edge maritime technology. From technical tours of standby vessels in Norway to conversations with the designers behind iconic superyachts like MALTESE FALCON and BLACK PEARL, each episode delivers insider access to the expedition yachting sector you won't find anywhere else. Topics include: expedition yacht design, wind-powered hybrid yachts, DynaRig and wingsail technology, hydro-generation, long-range global cruising, yacht conversions, shipyard tours, and the history of ocean exploration. New episodes weekly. Follow the show and leave a review to help other expedition yacht enthusiasts find us.

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