This Blog was posted by my friend John Johnson, Youtuber (Yachtbuoy) and aficionado of the Explorer Yacht marketplace.
Long, narrow-beam hull forms championed by designers like Nigel Irens and Dashew Offshore have firmly established themselves in the explorer yacht marketplace. Renowned for their long-range efficiency, excellent seakeeping, and rugged construction, these vessels have become the benchmark for serious offshore voyaging. A total of 18 hulls were built to FPB designs by Dashew Offshore, while 14 hulls have been constructed to Artnautica designs. Most of these vessels are certified to CE Category A or B.
A select few go further: two hulls have achieved commercial certification to UK MCA MGN 280 standards, the gold standard for those requiring commercial-grade builds for safety and performance, whether for private or charter use.
Vanguard: The Next Generation of Explorer Yachts
Launched in 2023 and completed in 2024, the XPM-78 Vanguard represents the pinnacle of modern explorer yacht design. At 24m LOA, Vanguard was built to MCA Category (0) standards and is currently certified to MCA Category (2). Upgrading to Category (0) would require only minor additions, including compliant first aid equipment, an SSB radio, hard-copy charts, engine room insulation 300mm below the waterline, and wheel-marked Class A lifejackets.
While the current owner does not plan to operate commercially, they opted for UK MCA Category (2) certification to ensure Vanguard’s equipment, build strength, and stability meet the highest private-use standards. With accommodations for six guests across three cabins, Vanguard is powered by an advanced commercial-grade hybrid propulsion system and carries extensive spares for worldwide cruising.
A Comparative Look: Grey Wolf II
Grey Wolf II, a 26.2m LOA explorer yacht launched in 2017, stands as one of the few vessels to achieve MCA MGN 280 Category (0) certification while also complying with the Maritime Labour Convention 2006. Her additional 2.2m in length provides significant additional interior flexibility, enabling her to carry up to three guest cabins alongside two crew cabins—one forward of the owner’s stateroom and one aft of the engine room. This layout allows for versatility between crewed and guest configurations, a feature her two sister ships have since adopted.
Like Vanguard, Grey Wolf II is designed with system redundancy and durability in mind, meeting the rigorous standards of MCA MGN 280 Category (0). This alignment with the individual visions of their owners ensures these yachts are built to tackle the world’s most remote and challenging cruising grounds.
Why Choose Vanguard?
While Grey Wolf II is a proven charter-ready yacht, Vanguard represents a new generation of explorer yachts. Combining cutting-edge hybrid technology with commercial-grade construction, Vanguard offers unmatched energy efficiency, reliability, and performance. Her robust equipment and systems make Vanguard ideal for long-range private cruising or future upgrades to unrestricted charter operations.
Vanguard is currently based in the USA and is available for sale through TJB Yacht Brokers, while Grey Wolf II is listed in the UK with Berthon International brokerage.
Summary
FPB-78, Grey Wolf, and XPM 78, Vanguard are designed with extensive system redundancy. Their configuration, tailored to meet the rigorous standards of MCA MGN 280 Category (0), sets them apart from the pack, aligning perfectly with their individual owners' visions for a reliable, world-cruising vessel. Both vessels are registered under the UK Red Ensign in Jersey.
John Johnson, aka Yacht Buoy - Follow my Youtube Channel HERE