VESSEL REVIEW | Canoa – 50-metre hybrid explorer yacht capable of trans-oceanic navigation

French builder JFA Yachts recently delivered a new custom explorer yacht for family use and global cruising.

Designed by UK-based Humphreys Yacht Design (HYD), the Cayman Islands-registered Canoa was developed as an exploration yacht capable of crossing the world's oceans in optimal conditions while reducing its environmental impact through a number of engineering solutions.

The yacht has an LOA of 49.95 metres (163.9 feet), a beam of 9.1 metres (30 feet), a draught of only two metres (6.6 feet), and space for 10 guests plus 10 crewmembers on four decks, three of which offer 360-degree views.

Tom Humphreys, Managing Director of HYD, said that the company’s objective was to create an explorer yacht that combines genuine long-range capability with exceptional efficiency, refined seakeeping and a distinctive exterior that reflects her capabilities.

Aluminium/composite construction for improved performance

The yacht is notable for her hybrid aluminium/composite construction. The hull is constructed in aluminium to help achieve a light displacement, whilst the upper tiers of the superstructure are constructed from infused FRP/epoxy composite to accomplish displacement and centre of gravity targets.

The benefits of this construction approach include enhanced stability, reduced fuel consumption, improved overall performance, and greater comfort for guests, both underway and at anchor.

The hull features a fast displacement design developed by HYD. Optimised through extensive hydrodynamic studies, it delivers improved efficiency across a wide speed range, enabling economical cruising during long passages while also providing higher speeds whenever conditions permit.

To maximise onboard comfort, the yacht is equipped with CMC Marine LR170 zero-speed fin stabilisers and a Veem gyroscopic stabilisation system, thus significantly reducing motion both at sea and at anchor. A dynamic positioning system is used in place of traditional anchors for maintaining position in areas with sensitive seabed environments.

Flexible propulsion arrangement for optimum performance at all speed settings

The propulsion setup is a parallel hybrid arrangement consisting of two MTU 12V2000M72 diesel engines, two ZF 3351 PTI/PTO gearboxes, two Danfoss 290kW electric motors, a battery bank, and solar panels.

JFA said this configuration will allow the crew to select the most suitable propulsion mode according to the cruising profile.

A cruising speed of 12 knots will enable the yacht to sail up to 5,000 nautical miles, making trans-oceanic navigation possible, while electric mode will be used for low-speed operations or for low-noise and low-vibration manoeuvring in harbours.

A maximum speed of 20 knots is achievable in hybrid boost mode.

Ample amenities ideal for families and other small groups

The owner’s suite is situated on the upper deck and features a private lounge and office area. Outside there is a large lounge area with a whirlpool and a full exterior walkway.

There are four guest cabins on the lower deck, accommodating 10 in total, with separate quarters for a complement of 10 crew.

HYD said maintaining crew and guest separation was important, and this resulted in the incorporation of a centreline walkway on the tank deck to allow crew direct access to the engine room from the forward crew area.

The galley, with adjacent cold and dry storage, the main saloon and the dining area are located on the main deck. The exterior of the main deck features a sofa and area for sun beds, as well as a bar with an integrated barbecue.

The bridge enjoys commanding views and uninterrupted visibility from its location in the top tier of the superstructure. Wing stations are located on both sides of the bridge deck in addition to a full exterior walkway and an external seating area.

Design work on the interior spaces was provided by M2 Atelier. The interiors are characterised by extensive glazing, which allows as much natural light as possible to enter the premises.

The aft deck stowage area has space for multiple tenders and water toys. A 9.25-metre (30.3-foot) tender is launched via a dedicated C-davit to ensure ease and speed of launch in a seaway, whilst a Palfinger PK32080M deck crane provides additional multi-functional lifting capability with reach extending over the aft deck, stern platform, engine room and lazarette spaces.

A concealed Cramm foredeck crane provides launch and recovery for the rescue boat and personal watercraft.