Editor’s Note: Taking Exploration to New Lengths

The rise of the explorer is nothing new. With more and more concepts, projects, new-builds and sales coming to the fore, this is a defining style for a new generation of adventurous owners. I for one completely understand the attraction of globally capable, aggressively styled vessels which hide a world of stripped back luxury on board; the arrival of the new REV, however, is an entirely new chapter in the phenomena.

Set to become the largest yacht ever built on her launch in 2020, this dichotomous vessel is part-research revolutionary and part-charter icon. Set to explore the world’s waters and document, collect and measure global oceanographic issues with the view of solution, the REV is an incredible initiative and a major chapter in the progression of the superyacht industry.

Whether or not the world sees this as an official superyacht is of little concern, the initiative, the style, the thought and the potential behind this project alone is worthy of note.

Built by Norwegian industrialist Kjell Inge Røkke, the REV is not only a research vessel with flawless eco-credentials but a charter vessel and home on the water for her owners. Luckily the passenger ship status ensure enough space on board for around 60 scientists and 30 crew, or however you wish to spread the 90 people quota.

In further news, we had the fortune of speaking to Kim Vibe-Petersen - Owner of Q - this week after our guest contributor Roxanne Hughes pointed a spotlight of the brand-new potential behind the renewed charter yacht bringing life under sail to new heights.

Rossinavi brought a new superyacht to water today, which is the latest member of the Prince Shark series. Named N2H, this 50-metre superyacht is just part of the exciting launches of the last seven days, including the brand-new Benetti ‘SeaSense’.

The Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix are around the corner, and in case you missed our guide of yachts available for charter over the two glamorous occasions, you can catch up via hyperlink and start getting excited about what May has to offer.

We’ll be keeping an eye on the upcoming events of the month, including the America’s Cup, so keep posted on Superyachts.com or get in touch via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to let us know if there’s anything you think we’ve missed.