Australian yachting heavy weights join forces
for a new explorer yacht building joint venture: Evolution Motor Yachts
Evolution Yachts GCX40 42m Explorer Superyacht. Credit: MMYD
The demand for explorer yachts has certainly come of age and Australian based Misha Merzliakov Yacht Design are here for it with their 42 meter explorer superyacht design, the “GCX40 Explorer”. Inspired by ideals of diving, discovering warm waters and tropical reefs, it’s no wonder the GCX40 has already obtained many enquirers.
Evolution Yachts GCX40 42m Explorer Superyacht. Credit: MMYD
Revealed earlier this year at the Australian Superyacht Rendezvous, it was announced the GCX40 Explorer yacht will be produced under the brand “Evolution Motor Yachts” with a new joint venture between Australian leading industry figures, shipbuilders Evolution Motor Yachts, Misha Merzliakov Yacht Design (MMYD), Marine Engineering Consultants (MEC), Periscope Naval Architects (PNA) and the Gold Coast City Marina (GCCM).
Evolution Yachts GCX40 42m Explorer Superyacht. Credit: MMYD
Overseeing project builds will be by Kevin Altera, founder of Evolution Yachts, an Australian yacht builder which has already launched multiple aluminium and FRP superyachts, including the Sam Sorgiovanni designed M/Y Benita Blue, and builder Murray Owen of Marine Engineering Consultants who have won multiple awards for excellence in aluminium yacht construction.
From left: Misha Merzliakov (MMYD), Trenton Gay (GCCM), Murray Owen (MEC), Kevin Altera (Evolution Yachts Founder) and Shaun Phelps (PNA)
In a recent statement, Kevin Altera stated, “The partners in this joint venture have been selected as they represent key and market-leading marine services. It puts into motion the intent and capability to build world-class superyachts on the east coast of Australia”
Misha Merzliakov also explained “Gold Coast City Marina (GCCM) is the ideal shipyard with the Pacific Ocean cruising grounds on its door step. GCCM can offer the depth and breadth of quality Australian marine trades to work on the yacht’s construction. We can pull from 80 individual businesses and 700 individual tradespeople to deliver this project”.
Part of the Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyards Facility.
As a concept design, the GCX40 Explorer Yacht has taken inspiration from the Australian and South Pacific coast line and has been designed with an avid explorer or diver in mind. It can accommodate up to 12 guests (plus a crew of 10) and be customized by individual owners to include a beach club or more room for tenders and toys if desired.
Base price for the GCX40 starts at €15.7 EUR million including design.
GCX40 Specifications
LOA ………………… 42.0 m
Beam……………….. 9.3 m
Draft ……………….. 2.5 m
GRT ………………… <500 tonnes
Speed ……………… 16 knots
Range ……………… 5500 nm
Material …………. Aluminum
Exterior Design … Misha Merzliakov
Interior design … Misha Merzliakov
Naval architect … Periscope Naval Architects
Builder ………….. Evolution Motor Yachts JV
Evolution Yachts GCX40 42m Explorer Superyacht. Credit: MMYD