Since refocusing on building and refitting purpose-driven expedition yachts, Icon Yachts has had some notable large projects come through its sheds. With the yacht Mission-M, it’s encouraging owners and guests to set their sights farther, and further. The semi-custom superyacht is more modest in size compared to many rugged explorers, plus has options for welcoming scientists aboard. It therefore opens up possibilities to a broader buying base.
Firstly, the yacht Mission-M is 165 feet (50.45 meters), with a volume of 499 gross tons. Both are a contrast to most true explorers on the water and in build sheds. They include the yacht Project Master at the Dutch shipyard itself, a multi-year conversion exceeding 200 feet (61 meters) LOA. Secondly, she relies on the Icon 50 engineering platform and ice class 1D certification, the latter meaning light, first-year ice conditions. The heavier-duty systems can still operate properly in popular Caribbean and other tropical destinations, of course. Either way, the anticipated 7,000-nautical-mile range at 8 knots brings far corners of the globe into reach, on par with much bigger megayachts. (Top speed should be 14 knots.) Equally important, Icon Yachts is recommending simpler to maintain and operate systems for a better experience, including that of the crew.
Although the technical backbone and fixed bulkheads can’t be re-engineered, the yacht Mission-M does invite owners to personalize the interior and room arrangements. Carla Guilhem Design has partnered with Icon Yachts to show buyers the possibilities. For one, owners can have an entire deck, including a balcony, among the six decks to themselves. Friends and family can have four staterooms below decks, too, while seven cabins for up to 11 crew and staff spread over the space. Overall for the project, Guilhem and Icon Yachts believe a split-level configuration will hold great appeal. It heightens the sense of space, for instance, plus provides a twist on typical layouts.
Whatever buyers ultimately choose, they’d be wise to preserve the commercially inspired wheelhouse. According to Icon Yachts, it provides 270 degrees of visibility for the captain. Simultaneously, owners and guests can take a direct role in that navigation experience, thanks to an adjacent skylounge. The idea is to invite you and your family to plot your destinations and missions with your captain.
Speaking of missions, two options especially stand out. Icon Yachts can place two expedition container modules on the open aft deck. Stretching 33 feet (10 meters) long, the deck can hold a 66-foot (20-meter) container serving as a lab and a same-length one for four scientists to perform more work. If you prefer mission-driven craft, however, a submersible, a seaplane, a rugged RIB, and/or a landing craft can stow here. More potential craft, this time watertoys, include Seabobs, kayaks, snorkeling equipment, and waterbikes. Regardless, a heavy-duty crane with a 49-foot (15-meter) reach is on deck as well.
Delivery can take place within about two years of contract signing.
Carla Guilhem Design carlaguilhem.com
Icon Yachts iconyachts.eu
More About the Yacht Mission-M
LOA: 165’5” (50.45 meters)
Beam: 29’3” (8.93 meters)
Draft: 9’2” (2.8 meters)
Guests: 10 in 5 staterooms
Engines: 2/1,200-hp Caterpillars
Range: 7,000 nautical miles at 8 knots
Builder: Icon Yachts
Stylist: Weel Sluijter
Naval Architect: Icon Yachts
Interior Designer: Carla Guilhem Design