This 256-Foot Explorer Yacht Has Not One But Two Observatories

One yard’s supply vessel is another yard’s explorer yacht—that is, if Bassan & Benedetti has anything to say about it.

The budding Italian studio, which is helmed by designers Giulia Bassan and Alessandro Benedetti, has just unveiled a new 256-footer based on the hull of a supply vessel from Norweigan shipyard Ulstein. The concept has been christened Lontano, which means “far” in Italian. Fitting, since the behemoth has been outfitted for lengthy, global expeditions.

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According to the studio, Lontano’s exterior was inspired by military ships and so she cuts a suitably imposing profile. The vessel sports Ulstein’s signature inverted bow, the X-Bow, along with clean, geometric lines. She’s also equipped with two Rolls-Royce AZ 100 electric Azipod engines for a top speed of 12 knots and a transoceanic range of 8,000 nautical miles.

Lontano has not one but two observatories. - Credit: Bassan & Benedetti
Lontano has not one but two observatories. - Credit: Bassan & Benedetti

Bassan & Benedetti

Despite its explorer credentials, Lontano is not short on luxury. With a beam of 52 feet, the vessel offers a generous interior that Bassan & Benedetti describes as “functional and elegant.” She can accommodate 12 guests across six sizable staterooms designed to emulate a New York City penthouse. There’s also space for up to 26 crew.

As for amenities, Lontano features not one but two observation lounges, a cinema with plush seating and panoramic views, plus a sundeck with the requisite jacuzzi. To the aft, there’s also a sprawling beach club fitted with a 30-foot swimming pool, gym, spa and massage room.

The explorer is full to the brim with toys and tenders. - Credit: Bassan & Benedetti
The explorer is full to the brim with toys and tenders. - Credit: Bassan & Benedetti

Bassan & Benedetti

Naturally, you can expect toys aplenty. Lontano comes complete with an amphibious ATV, a submarine, a pair of 30-foot tenders and a few jet skis. The toys are housed in a garage that rivals that of a luxury abode and can all be deployed via the vessel’s crane. Lontano also sports a helicopter and helipad for transport and exploration.

“Lontano is a concept that explores the possibility of living aboard a yacht in complete safety, interpreting the changes that luxury travel is undergoing today,” the studio said in a statement.

At the very least, it shows what’s possible with a good supply vessel.

Check out more photos below:

Lontano Explorer Concept
Lontano Explorer Concept
Lontano Explorer Concept
Lontano Explorer Concept
Lontano Explorer Concept
Lontano Explorer Concept
Lontano Explorer Concept
Lontano Explorer Concept

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