EMPIRE - Cantiere delle Marche FOR SALE

Empire, shaped by Hydro Tec’s hallmark Darwin lineage and Cantiere delle Marche’s distinctive engineering ethos, stands as a showcase of top-tier build quality and naval architecture. Conceived as a true explorer yacht for long-range, bluewater cruising and high-latitude expeditions, she carries an ice-strengthened belt at the waterline with reinforced shell plating and rudders for brash-ice passages. At the owner’s request, sections of the hull employ ballistic-grade steel, underscoring her mandate to roam remote, demanding waters. A rare touch for an expedition yacht, a fourth helm station sits within the engine room to support operations.

Interiors by Alessandro Massari, tailored precisely to the owner’s brief, exude quiet, understated sophistication. A cosseting, warmly toned atmosphere blends bespoke furnishings with curated pieces from Poltrona Frau and Poliform. The full-beam owner’s suite lies amidships on the Lower deck for maximum comfort, flanked by two twin cabins, each with a Pullman berth for extra flexibility. Forward on the Lower deck, a refined VIP suite provides a secluded retreat, ideal for private stays aboard this luxury motor yacht.

Crew accommodations for four are positioned forward on the Main deck and include a generous crew mess for relaxed downtime. A private staircase links this zone directly to the Upper-deck wheelhouse, streamlining communication and movement. The Main deck serves as the heart of social life, uniting indoor and al fresco lounges with elegant dining areas. An intimate bar elevates gatherings, while a service-ready galley ensures smooth hospitality befitting a compact superyacht and long-range displacement passagemaker.

On the Upper deck, a spacious, well-appointed gym caters to fitness-minded guests, while a comfortable lounge opens onto a fully furnished aft terrace for effortless indoor–outdoor living. The bridge, equipped with Böning integrated monitoring and control, offers the captain and crew intuitive command of the vessel. Above, the Sun deck—with freestanding lounges and sunpads—invites open-air relaxation and panoramic enjoyment, affirming her expedition yacht credentials.

At 26.30 meters, Empire is a compact, rugged yet refined vessel defined by comfort and reliability. Twin Scania diesels deliver 294 kW each, while three Northern Lights generators provide a combined 155 kW of auxiliary power. A sodium–lithium chloride battery bank boosts efficiency, and an advanced anti-intrusion suite enhances security. Purpose-built as a steel displacement explorer yacht, she is engineered to go farther, stay longer, and do so with effortless elegance.

Darwin Class 86 “Empire” – the ultimate 26m explorer by Cantiere delle Marche

M/Y Empire is a 26.3-metre Darwin Class 86 built by Cantiere delle Marche and designed by Hydro Tec, representing the pinnacle of CdM’s explorer yacht philosophy. Marrying robust engineering with refined Italian design and genuine long-range autonomy, Empire has been conceived for adventurous owners who demand comfort, safety, and reliability in every sea and season.

Built on a reinforced AH36 steel hull and specified with an ice belt and bulletproof plating at the owner’s request, Empire is engineered to roam high-latitude waters and remote destinations with total confidence. Her technical suite features twin Scania engines, three Northern Lights generators, a SeaTorque shaft system, and ABT-TRAC stabilizers, delivering smooth, quiet operation and exceptional efficiency underway.

Every detail has been tailored for independence and protection, from a citadel in the engine room, a fourth pilot station, and an independent radio post to a GOST anti-intrusion system that safeguards the vessel around the clock. A 180 kWh battery pack enables silent, generator-free nights at anchor, enhancing comfort and discretion off the grid.

Inside, Alessandro Massari composes an ambiance of understated elegance. Warm tones, bespoke furnishings, and curated accents by Poltrona Frau and Poliform create a contemporary, welcoming milieu. The full-beam owner’s suite is joined by a forward VIP cabin and two twin guest cabins with Pullman berths, accommodating up to 10 guests. Crew quarters for four are positioned forward on the main deck, ensuring excellent privacy and seamless service.

Generous social areas invite life on board to unfold with ease. The main deck offers a bright salon and dining area that flow to a spacious aft cockpit, while the upper deck hosts a panoramic gym/lounge opening onto a furnished terrace. Above, the sun deck, shaded by a carbon-fibre hardtop, provides abundant space for relaxation and open-air enjoyment.

Delivered in 2024 and maintained in immaculate condition, Empire presents a rare opportunity to acquire a nearly new, fully equipped explorer yacht from one of the world’s most respected builders.