Cantiere Delle Marche Delivers Fourth Unit In Acclaimed Explorer Series
Cantiere delle Marche has launched its 33-metre Nauta Air 110 explorer yacht, the Ammonite, marking the fourth unit in the Italian shipyard’s acclaimed explorer series delivered since the start of 2026. The expedition vessel was commissioned by Australian sailor and entrepreneur Marcus Blackmore, who brings decades of racing and cruising experience to the project. This latest delivery continues a remarkable production run that includes the 33-metre Tartaruga in February, the 35-metre Octopus in April, and the 31-metre Mon Coeur in May. The Nauta Air series represents a collaboration between Cantiere delle Marche, design house Nauta Design, and naval architecture firm Hydro Tec. The partnership has created a vessel that successfully bridges the gap between a reliable expedition platform and a luxury pleasure yacht. Despite the compact 33-metre length, the design delivers impressive interior volume and extended range capabilities, enabling transoceanic voyages without compromising on comfort or style.
The Ammonite features a steel hull measuring 33.15 metres in length with a 7.55-metre beam, paired with an aluminium superstructure spanning three full decks. This configuration maximizes exterior living areas while maintaining structural efficiency. The shallow draft of just 2.3 metres is a defining characteristic, allowing the yacht to access shallow anchorages and expand the range of cruising grounds available to her owners. The optimized hull lines ensure not only respectable speed but also fuel efficiency, a critical consideration for extended voyages. Powered by twin Caterpillar C18 Acert engines and equipped with fuel tanks holding 42,970 litres, the Ammonite achieves a cruising range of approximately 4,000 nautical miles at 9 to 10 knots. The provisional top speed is 13 to 13.5 knots, with a comfortable cruising speed around 12 knots. The shipyard will confirm exact performance figures following sea trials scheduled for the coming weeks.
The yacht’s internal volume of 250 gross tonnes accommodates ten guests across five cabins, with two cabins featuring additional berths for flexibility. A crew of five operates the vessel, ensuring seamless service during extended cruises. The interior design philosophy emphasizes a relaxed, beach-house atmosphere featuring natural materials, soft textures, and intimate connections with the surrounding marine environment. This approach reflects the owners’ extensive sailing background and their desire to maintain the character of their previous sailing yachts while embracing modern explorer vessel capabilities. Marcus Blackmore and his wife Caroline are renowned figures in the international sailing community. Together, they have competed in numerous major regattas aboard three Southern Wind yachts, all named Ammonite. Their sailing experience spans some of the world’s most remote and untouched cruising grounds, including far-flung Pacific archipelagos. This extensive background directly influenced the Ammonite project, with particular emphasis on self-sufficiency, seaworthiness, and reliability.
The Blackmores have maintained a long-standing relationship with Nauta Design, which has created all their previous yachts. Guido Valtorta, Nauta Design co-director, noted the rewarding nature of this collaboration. “Working with Marcus and Caroline Blackmore again has been particularly rewarding for us,” Valtorta stated. “Over the years, we have developed a relationship based on a shared appreciation for timeless design, functionality, and a genuine passion for life at sea.” The design team worked closely with the owners to balance their desire to preserve the character of their sailing vessels with the capabilities of a contemporary explorer platform. The Ammonite represents the culmination of this collaborative vision, combining proven expedition credentials with refined luxury. Her steel hull construction ensures durability in challenging conditions, while the aluminium superstructure keeps weight manageable and fuel consumption reasonable. The three-deck layout provides distinct spaces for entertaining, relaxation, and crew operations, each thoughtfully appointed with materials and finishes that age gracefully and withstand the rigors of extended cruising.
The launch of the Ammonite underscores Cantiere delle Marche’s position as a leading builder of explorer yachts. The shipyard’s ability to deliver multiple units across different sizes within a single year demonstrates both production capability and design flexibility. The Nauta Air series has resonated with owners seeking vessels that combine expedition capability with the comfort and style expected in the luxury yacht market. Each unit reflects the specific requirements of its owner while maintaining the core design principles that define the series. For prospective owners interested in explorer yachts that prioritize seaworthiness, range, and refined comfort, the Ammonite serves as a compelling example of what modern Italian shipbuilding can achieve. The yacht is now entering sea trials, with full performance data expected in the coming weeks. Discover more about Cantiere delle Marche’s explorer yacht offerings and exclusive listings at https://panaceayachtgroup.com/exclusivelistings/ #NautaAir110 #ExplorerYacht #CantiereDelleMarche #LuxuryYacht
This article has been sourced from press releases and cross-referenced with multiple websites. Facts originally seen at Source.