Launched in 2023, M/Y VANGUARD is a purpose-built explorer yacht designed for serious offshore cruising and high-latitude expeditions. Built to CE Category A, constructed and surveyed to MCA Category (0) standards, and certified to MCA Category (2), Vanguard was engineered to exceed conventional expectations, blending commercial-grade reliability with long-range efficiency.

Her hull is aluminium, ice-strengthened for operations in Arctic waters and configured with a box keel and twin rudders—features that support exceptional directional stability and allow her to dry out upright if needed. A fully integrated Commercial Dynamic Positioning System offers precise station-keeping capabilities, while DMS MagnusMaster retractable rotor stabilisers enhance comfort both underway and at anchor.

At the heart of Vanguard’s propulsion package is a Praxis Automation Hybrid Drive system comprising two John Deere 4045 AFM85 M1 engines (160 hp each) and twin 30 kW DC electric motors. The system is supported by a 120 kWh lithium battery bank and delivers silent electric operation, with the ability to run key systems—including air conditioning—overnight without a generator. Solar panels across a 36 m² array (6.3 kW) support house loads during daylight hours, minimising engine run time and generator use

Fuel capacity is 9,885 litres, offering a transoceanic range of 3,000+ nautical miles at a cruising speed of 9 knots. Fresh water capacity is 7,500 litres, with systems onboard designed for long-duration autonomy.

The interior features a practical and minimal design with three en-suite guest cabins: a master suite, VIP, and twin. The main salon—convertible to sleep two additional guests—forms part of a continuous open-plan layout alongside the helm station and galley. A raised flybridge includes an exterior helm, dining space, and additional seating.

Notable equipment includes:

• Commercial-grade Furuno radar with Doppler capability

• TZ Professional charting system with worldwide coverage

• MIL-SPEC FLIR thermal imaging

• Twin 25 kVA transformers and HF converters

• FEM carbon fibre tender davit

• 5.5m Highfield tender (as used by the UK Antarctic Survey)

• Carbon fibre passarelle

• 4 holding tanks for black/grey water

• Custom paint job using high-grade epoxy system (valued at $250,000)

• No standalone generator required

Currently lying in Fort Lauderdale and offered for sale at $4.2 million USD, Vanguard presents a rare opportunity to acquire a highly specified, go-anywhere explorer yacht ready for extended voyages.

Additional Specifications and Features of XPM78-02 “Vanguard”

Hull and Design

Vanguard is constructed from aluminium and features an ice-strengthened hull built to withstand high-latitude cruising conditions. Her hull design incorporates a box keel, twin rudders, and a shallow 1.3m draft, allowing her to dry out upright and access remote anchorages. Generous bulwarks forward enhance safety and reduce green water over the deck in heavy weather. Portholes along the hull sides offer natural light and views during long-distance voyages.

Propulsion and Power Systems

Vanguard is fitted with a twin-engine configuration using John Deere 4045 AFM85 M1 engines, each delivering 160hp (M1-rated for continuous operation). These engines are globally supported, known for their reliability, and backed by a wide service network. The dual-engine layout provides full propulsion redundancy—each engine has independent systems and can operate the vessel on its own.

The vessel also incorporates a parallel hybrid propulsion system supplied by Praxis Automation. Two 30kW DC electric motors, connected via an electro-mechanical clutch, allow for silent operation when desired. Propulsion can be switched seamlessly between diesel, electric, or hybrid mode, depending on operational needs.

Energy Efficiency and Solar Power

The deck features 36 square metres of solar panels, delivering up to 6.3kW per hour in peak conditions. This contributes around 38kWh per day in optimal sun exposure, which is sufficient to meet house loads and charge the 120kWh lithium-ion battery bank. While the solar array does not power the HVAC system directly, it reduces generator reliance and supports sustainable operation.

Interior Configuration

The interior includes three en-suite cabins: a full-beam master suite, a VIP double cabin, and a twin guest cabin. The main salon features an open-plan layout with the galley and interior helm station forward. The salon seating area can convert to an additional double berth if required. The elevated saloon and flybridge deck heights offer enhanced visibility and generous headroom, improving the sense of space and comfort.

Flybridge and Exterior Living

The flybridge includes a secondary helm, dining and lounge seating, and panoramic views—perfect for navigation or relaxation. Aft, the cockpit includes an L-shaped seating area with a barbecue, refrigerator, and sink, designed for alfresco dining and extended liveaboard use. The aft deck is arranged for both function and comfort, making it ideal for long passages and remote anchorages.

Stabilisation and Handling

Vanguard is equipped with DMS MagnusMaster rotor stabilisers—an innovative system that uses the Magnus Effect to generate lift perpendicular to water flow. These retractable stabilisers provide active roll reduction both underway and at anchor. The vessel also features a Commercial Dynamic Positioning System for station-keeping without anchoring, enabled through twin rudder control and a large bow thruster.

Steering and Control Systems

Her Wills Ridley hydraulic steering system, independently actuated per rudder, allows for precise control under challenging conditions and forms part of the vessel’s triple redundancy for helm control. A selector valve ensures rudders can be synchronised easily during manual operation. The Praxis Automation MIMIC display integrates navigation, alarm monitoring, ship-wide system control, and CCTV from a single interface.

Electrical Systems

The yacht includes dual 25 kVA high-frequency power converters and isolation transformers for shore power compatibility and protection from galvanic corrosion. Vanguard has no standalone generator; instead, she utilises engine-driven power generation and batteries to provide full operational capability, including silent HVAC operation overnight on battery power.

Navigation and Electronics

Vanguard is outfitted with a Furuno navigation suite, including dual Doppler radars, AIS Class A, GPS, and a TZ Professional charting system with global coverage. She also includes a MIL-SPEC FLIR thermal imaging system, offering advanced situational awareness in low-visibility conditions.

Tender and Launch System

She carries a Highfield 5.5m RIB tender (as used by the UK Antarctic Survey) with a 100hp Yamaha outboard. Launch and recovery are managed via a FEM carbon fibre davit, and boarding is via a carbon fibre passarelle.

Certifications and Classification

• Built to MCA Category (0)

• Certified to MCA Category (2)

• CE Category A (Open Ocean)

  These designations underscore Vanguard’s capability for commercial charter, global cruising, and operations in remote or extreme environments.

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.