Perini Navi launches first sailing catamaran

The Italian Sea Group has launched the first sailing catamaran of the Perini Navi fleet, S/Y Art Explorer.

Designed by architect Axel De Beaufort, who oversaw the exterior and interior design, Art Explorer is now the world’s largest aluminium sailing catamaran, according to the shipyard. Art Explorer, which has a total length of 47m, a beam of 17.3m and an all-carbon sail plan with a 55m mast, will have its world premiere from 27-30 September at the Monaco Yacht Show 2023.

The Italian Sea Group says the yacht’s flybridge will be used for virtual exhibitions, workshops, and conferences during the show, while the main gallery will house ‘Icons,’ a digital exhibit on the representation of women in the Mediterranean managed by Nomi Daucé, curator of archaeology at the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

On the roof of the deckhouse are 65 square metres of solar panels, which can accumulate up to 200 kW each day.

This system is backed up by a lithium battery bank, which enables zero-emission electricity generation for more than six hours at full load.

With its fully automated sail plan, the catamaran can sail at a speed of 10 knots even in very low wind conditions.

Italian Sea Group says the yacht’s first two years of sailing will be ‘dedicated to art’, before the catamaran will be made available for charter.

“Perini Navi Art Explorer is an innovative project on a technical, engineering and human level that represents a further milestone made possible by the continuous stylistic and technological research as well as the professionalism of the entire team that realised the project,” says Giovanni Costantino, founder & CEO of the Italian Sea Group. “Art Explorer is the result of continuous investment in the study and research of systems to reduce emissions and contribute to improving air quality and the health of our seas.”

In March, the Italian Sea Group unveiled the new Perini Navi fleet, one year after it acquired the brand. The fleet, named Genesis, includes 48m, 56m, and 77m yachts.

Three more Perini Navi yachts are currently under construction: a 60-metre ketch with naval architecture by Ron Holland and exterior and interior design by French architect Rémi Tessier, due for delivery at the end of 2024; a 56-metre ketch with naval architecture and exterior design by Malcolm McKeon and interior design by Winch Design, due for delivery in July 2025; and a 47-metre sloop, designed by Centro Stile TISG, due for delivery in 2025.