Cantiere delle Marche Darwin 102 Review (2017 Edition) by NautiStyles

On Deck

Starting aft, the swim platform stands out for its safety-first design - the railing’s substantial, not your typical set of staples or open rails. There’s a sturdy gate to access the transformer - the platform can raise and lower into the water, which is always fun to use and makes water access a breeze. A second, partial gate is set up for the passerelle, which extends all the way aft for stern-to docking.

The cockpit is straightforward but practical, with shore power and water hookups right by the entrance. You’ll find two hefty capstans for handling lines, and a pipe running down to swim platform level so you can tie off to floating docks easily. The cockpit dining is set for 6-8, with an aft seating area that’s super comfortable underway - a great spot to hang out on passage. The boat deck above gives you full shade, and you can enclose the cockpit with built-in tracks if you want to keep things cozy in cooler weather. Plus, there are air vents overhead to air condition the cockpit - a big-boat touch you’ll appreciate on hot days. Hidden away, there’s a stern station for the captain with all the controls - bow thruster, throttle, rudder control, indicators, and emergency stops, all neatly tucked in. Service is easy with a cockpit drink fridge and plenty of thoughtful little details.

Moving up, the sundeck is a hub for socializing and relaxation. There’s a huge aft lounge that easily seats ten for dinner, with hi-lo tables that can be moved and leaves to expand. Storage is everywhere under the seating. Sunshades are built into the stainless rails and they’re removable, but at first glance look like part of the structure. The bar area comes with a sink, stemware storage, fire extinguisher, drink fridge, and a big ice maker. There’s storage for gym equipment and covers, and even a Peloton - this area doubles as a workout spot when you’re not entertaining.

A large spa tub sits under a cover that doubles as a step, and there’s a rain shower built into the arch overhead. Layout cushions run along both sides, with even more deep storage underneath. The spot’s genuinely private, even in a marina, you could sunbathe in peace. The electronics mast is proper explorer style, with dual KVH domes and a built-in ladder that’s part of the structure, making servicing nav lights and electronics safe and easy.

Down to the boat deck, you’ll find a big crane that doubles as a bar when not lifting. There’s a 6m (20ft) aluminium RIB with a diesel outboard which is handy for fueling from the mothership. Once the tender’s launched, the deck’s wide open for lounging or even dancing, with alfresco dining for ten. There’s a built-in shade track and support poles for sun protection. The day head for the upper and boat decks is accessible from outside.

Forward, the wing stations provide full controls, including shift/throttle, thrusters, rudder, and a satisfyingly chunky horn switch and great visibility all the way aft too. The working foredeck means business: dual anchor setup, proper day shape, and four massive searchlights for night ops. There’s a built-in forward-facing bench, and big storage lockers for lines and covers. The anchor locker is huge, with storage pockets, nets, and all the gear you need for serious anchoring - very much in the explorer spirit.

The Sky Lounge welcomes you in with massive sliding doors that open up the whole space. It’s a flexible family room - big cozy couch, pop-up TV, exposed shelving - but could easily convert to an office or overflow guest cabin. The vibe inside is traditional and classic, with a warm teak-walnut finish and royal blue accents on the bridge.

The main salon is open and social, with sofas port and starboard, loose chairs, and a pop-up TV. Great built-in storage for dishware and stemware, plus loads of natural light from those big windows you saw from outside. There’s an indoor dining table that expands to seat eight comfortably. A sideboard and bar area keep drinks and glassware handy, with an ice maker and drink fridge, and a sink and more bottle storage.

The galley is bright, with big windows. Two sinks, a four-burner Miele induction cooktop, European-size oven (91.4cm/36in), extractor fan, and a commercial speed-cycle dishwasher. There’s a flash freezer for fresh fish or sushi, plus two large fridge/freezer units and a countertop extension for extra prep space. The water dispenser offers sparkling or chilled water, and there’s also a coffee machine. 

Owner's Cabin

The owner’s suite is full beam and laid out in a unique split-beam style for about two-thirds of the yacht’s width. King-size bed, exposed storage, and a built-in safe. There’s a dedicated office space with a proper monitor and computer set up  which feels like a real workspace. The mirror doubles as a TV for late-night movies.

The walk-in closet is spacious, with full mirrors and plenty of shelves and hanging space - ideal for long-term cruising or all-season wardrobes. The ensuite has a privacy sliding door with a unique leather band, letting light filter in. There’s a single vanity with lots of drawer and cabinet storage, a towel warmer, and a huge shower that could fit up to four people. The head and bidet are separated for privacy, and there’s a second office nook in the head area. 

Guest Accommodation

Two twin cabins sit on the lower deck, each with a Pullman berth (so technically triples) and loads of storage under the beds and in the lockers. Each twin has an ensuite with a bidet and an unusually large two-person shower. The fixtures are solid brass for that old-school vibe, with medicine cabinets and hooks for stowing gear. One cabin has a linen closet, the other a larger wardrobe - there are subtle differences in layout, but both are comfortable and private.

The VIP cabin forward is full beam and feels nearly like a second owner’s suite - big, with a king bed, hanging lockers, exposed storage, and an office desk. There’s a drink fridge, deep drawers, and more space under the bed for linens. Electric blinds reveal sweeping views, and the ensuite is spacious, with a moving mirror, big single vanity, heaps of storage, and a two-person shower with a bench.

Crew Accommodation

The crew quarters has three ways to enter: direct from the exterior, from the salon, or through the galley. The crew mess seats 6 (5 crew aboard is typical - 2 cabins plus captain), with TV, electronic repeaters, and CCTV for monitoring engine room and decks. 

The galley is accessible for crew and service, and the laundry room has a washer, dryer, small sink, and a skylight for natural light. Crew cabins include a bunk cabin with built-in shelving, a pop-up table, hanging locker, and a private ensuite with walk-in shower and head. Skylights in the cabins and laundry bring a touch of daylight below decks.

The lazarette is a dream for any hands-on owner - there’s a workbench with deep storage, a big unit for umbrellas and gear, frequency converter for shore power, water pumps, dual water makers, a garage door for toys, and a dive compressor. Inflatable toys and sea bobs live here, all neat and organized. There’s also the night generator (smallest of three), freshwater tanks, secondary washer/dryer combo for beach towels, and a big deep storage locker. The space is air-conditioned, with a sink and pop-up counter for extra workspace. There’s also an escape hatch.

The engine room’s easy to access, with Caterpillar C18s pushing out 671hp each. Top speed is 13 knots, cruising speed 8 knots - at cruise, fuel economy shines, with a range of 4,500 nautical miles on 40,048 liters of fuel. The full displacement hull and robust stabilizers mean rock-solid comfort underway and at anchor, even with some swell. Three generators keep the systems humming, and there’s a black and grey water treatment plant, comprehensive breaker panels, and independent engine management systems. Headroom’s excellent, access for maintenance is straightforward, and there’s a proper set of toolboxes for DIY or crew tasks. Aircon chillers and pumps are all insulated and easy to reach.

Spending time aboard the Darwin 102, you get a real sense that this yacht is made for owners who want to go the distance. The explorer DNA is obvious in the practical, big-yacht features and the solid, stable ride.

The interior is warm and classic, with plenty of character. You notice the nostalgia in the woodwork and the old-school touches, but it doesn’t feel dated, just inviting. The sky lounge is one of those spaces you’d actually use, whether you want an office with a killer view or just a cozy spot to watch the world go by. The engine room and systems are set up for reliability and easy maintenance, and there’s a sense you could tackle just about anything the sea throws your way.