Captured on video, the complex transfer highlights both Cantiere delle Marche yachts side by side, revealing a shared platform shaped by Hydro Tec’s naval architecture and exterior lines, yet tailored in markedly different ways.
A Full-Size Pickleball Court at Sea
The first Cantiere delle Marche Flexplorer 165 yacht is immediately defined by an unconventional feature - a full-size standard pickleball court installed on the upper deck. The request required substantial structural revisions to the reference platform, including an extended upper deck overhang engineered to accommodate the court’s footprint.
To support the sporting focus of the expedition yacht, two spectator areas have been integrated into the design. One sits alongside the court on the upper deck, while a second elevated viewing point on the sun deck creates a ‘sky-view’ vantage position. The same reinforced upper deck structure is also rated for touch-and-go helicopter operations with an EC130, adding operational flexibility beyond leisure use.
This yacht was developed in collaboration with Christian Bakewell of Burgess. Exterior design and naval architecture are by Hydro Tec, with interiors by Design Unlimited. Power comes from twin Caterpillar C32 ACERT engines, each producing 970 kW at 1,800 rpm. The propulsion package supports a top speed of 15 knots and a transoceanic range of 4,800 nautical miles at 10 knots.
The result is a Flexplorer 165 that stretches the limits of what a 50-meter explorer yacht can host, while retaining the long-range credentials expected of the series.
A Flexplorer Tailored for Angling
If the first hull centers on sport at sea, the second Cantiere delle Marche Flexplorer 165 yacht has been configured around a focused fishing brief. Sold in collaboration with Chris Holtzheuser of Allied Marine, the yacht was commissioned by an experienced North American owner seeking a platform suited to extended cruising with family and a strong offshore angling capability.
Central to this configuration is the carriage of a Grady-White Freedom 285, a 28-foot dual console tender widely regarded for offshore fishing performance. To launch and recover the boat, the yacht’s A-frame crane capacity has been uprated to 4.5 tonnes. Two additional tenders are also specified, reinforcing the yacht’s role as an expedition-ready base for water sports and coastal exploration.
Internally, flexibility has guided the layout. The sky lounge on the superyacht can convert into an additional cabin when required, while a portside lower deck cabin may function either as a private lounge or as extra guest accommodation. The approach supports large family cruising without fixing the yacht into a single-use arrangement.
Interiors are by Giorgio M. Cassetta, whose brief centers on personality and practicality rather than trend-led styling. Externally, the yacht retains the Cantiere delle Marche Flexplorer series lines developed by Hydro Tec, whose naval architecture underpins the model’s reputation for seaworthiness and efficiency.
A Proven Platform, Two Divergent Visions
The simultaneous arrival of these two Flexplorer 165 hulls provides a clear illustration of CdM’s approach to semi-custom construction. Both motor yachts share the same structural DNA and long-range explorer brief, yet their upper deck programs and onboard priorities differ significantly.
One prioritizes a purpose-built sports court and helicopter capability. The other centers on offshore fishing, heavy-duty tender handling, and adaptable family accommodation. In each case, the technical adjustments required - from structural reinforcement to crane upgrades - have been integrated without compromising the series’ core performance profile.
An Award-Winning Smaller Flexplorer Alternative
For buyers drawn to the Flexplorer 165 concept but considering a smaller platform, the Flexplorer 146/4 is the closest in-family alternative. YachtBuyer’s on-board review of the 44.3m model (M/Y Maverick) found a highly capable steel explorer built around autonomy, deck utility, and long-range intent - and it achieved a flawless YB 5 star score.
That perfect result earned the 146/4 entry into the YachtBuyer Hall of Fame, reserved for production yachts that secure the YB 5 Star Trophy by scoring 5/5 across design and build quality, interior accommodation, helm stations, on-deck features, and value for money during independent sea trials and evaluation.
The Flexplorer 146/3 sits alongside with a three-deck profile, five-cabin layout, and similar 5,000nm range, trading volume and deck count for a cleaner overall silhouette.
According to YachtBuyer MarketWatch, the largest yacht database in the world, Cantiere delle Marche currently has 14 yachts either in build or on order.
Looking to buy a Cantiere delle Marche yacht? View all new Cantiere delle Marche Flexplorer 165 yachts for sale, tracked in real time by YachtBuyer Market Watch. We scan the entire market to ensure access to only genuine listings, saving you time. Or, you can view all other Cantiere delle Marche yachts for sale.
