Dominant
species

With Stella di Mare is a growing range of the explorer vessel of Cantiere delle Marche. Evolution of a natural family of yachts DNA with a quite unique.

The Cantiere delle Marche continues to do its bit for Darwinian theory with the launch of its new 30-metre, the aptly-named Darwin 96 Stella di Mare, the latest addition to its highly successful expedition yacht range. Splashed just five months ago, the new arrival has already explored the length and breadth of the Mediterranean and is preparing to embark on more challenging exploits beyond the Columns of Hercules as we write, in line with the evolutionary tradition of her predecessor in the range, the Darwin 86. "She retains the intimate elegance and nobility of form of her smaller sister but has more space and an even better spec," says architect Pierluigi Floris who penned the interiors. "There are very clear references to nautical culture of times past as well as other structural elements that set her apart. She has a ship-like steel structure with an aluminium superstructure, a streamlined hull with high gunwales, fluid but extremely marine forms, a generous and well-laid out exterior and interior spaces too." She is designed to tackle even the roughest of seas. Her structures and waterlines are the work of Sergio Cutolo while Pierluigi Floris did her interiors. She brilliantly suited her owners’ requirements on both levels as Vasco Buonpensiere, the Sales Director of the Ancona yard, is eager to point out: "This 30-metre demonstrates the importance of the relationship between the owner and yard very clearly," he told us. "It’s not just a physical thing. It really sets us apart and puts the owner at the heart of our work." Despite having the family feeling of the rest of the Darwin Class Explorer Yachts, Stella Maris has some distinctive design tweaks too. The open sky lounge at helm level, for instance, was designed specifically for the owner who likes to take the wheel himself yet still be able to chat with his guests. The below decks areas are impressive. "Creating a sense of brightness, light and lightness were our guidelines," explains Floris. "The big hull windows meant we were able to create interiors that were open, modern, clean and warm all at once. The elm we used for the interior fit-out, tones ranging from brown to gold, and the white-painted open pore walls intensify the feeling of light." This is an extremely seaworthy yacht designed for long-range cruising of a more in-depth kind than is usual. The interiors speak volumes in that regard, not least the large saloon area which is in constant visual contact with the outside world. Both its lounge and 10-seater dining area exude a sense of oneness with the sea. The galley and dinette act as a divider between this first owner area and the crew quarters (forward on the main deck). A door leads to the upper deck which is laid out as a continuous flow between the helm station and the entertainment lounge, as per the owner’s instructions. The stairs leading to the lower deck end in a lobby off which open four cabins: the full-beam owner’s aft, two twins amidships and a roomy VIP forward. Stella Maris is designed for heavy duty work but the Cantiere delle Marche has made it its mission to ensure its craft are as green as possible. In fact, the new Darwin Class comes with the option of an Azipod diesel-electric propulsion system which also improves its range and manoeuvrability significantly, of course. Truly a species apart.