Humphreys Design 50 metre Custom Explorer Yacht

Humphreys Yacht Design (HYD) based in Lymington have designed a 50 metre Custom Explorer Yacht to be built by JFA Yachts, France.

Humphreys Yacht Design (HYD) based in Lymington have designed a 50 metre Custom Explorer Yacht to be built by JFA Yachts, France.

The brief was to design an explorer yacht for family use and global cruising, featuring exceptional efficiency, comfort and safety levels.

The design of the yacht has been developed by HYD over the past two years, working closely with the Client and Owner’s Representative Christian Poorte of A2B Marine Projects.

HYD are responsible for the naval architecture and exterior styling. The yacht features a highly refined fast-displacement hull form, light displacement, hybrid propulsion, stabiliser fins in combination with a large gyro and capacity to carry large tenders and multiple toys.

“The design has benefited from a highly integrated approach to marry all the technical, functional and Client-specific requirements and underpinned through a rigorous naval architecture effort, where intensive CFD work was ultimately validated by one of the most comprehensive model testing programs” Tom Humphreys, Co-Director at HYD explains.

The exterior design features extensive use of glazing and single level decks to facilitate 360 degree views and to provide a real connection with the yacht’s surroundings. HYD’s role started with the development of the initial concept, space planning of the general arrangement as well as assessing a wide range of features, design characteristics and devices to benefit overall efficiency.

Tom goes on to explain that “As designers, sailors and a company that is passionate about the sea, it is essential that this level of optimisation is at the heart of our design process. We chase gains in performance to seek greater efficiencies. This leads to increased proficiency in all aspects from layout, technical systems and ultimately the hull performance and its seagoing characteristics resulting in less impact on our environment.”

Rob Humphreys, Founder of HYD commented that “This has been an absorbing and thoroughly engaging design challenge for the team at HYD. Positioned at the edge of the 500 GRT threshold with efficiency, comfort, safety and handling qualities uppermost in every aspect of the design process.”

The construction of the hull is due to commence in autumn 2021 with the new yacht due to be launched in 2024.