Cantiere delle Marche / Cantiere delle Marche Darwin Class 86
Cantiere delle Marche conceived the Darwin Class 86 as the entry point to its celebrated explorer range, a 26-metre steel-hulled yacht built for owners who judge a boat by where it can take them rather than how quickly it gets there. Drawn by Hydro Tec under Sergio Cutolo, she pairs a full-displacement hull with the rugged construction that built the Darwin reputation, giving her a transoceanic range of 4,000 nautical miles at 10 knots. Twin MAN engines of 331 kW each drive her to a relaxed 11.5-knot maximum and a 10-knot cruise, prioritising efficiency and reliability over outright speed.
Below decks she accommodates seven guests across four cabins, with a full-beam owner’s suite and quarters for four professional crew in two dedicated cabins forward. The 7.43-metre beam delivers interior volume unusual at this length, while the long foredeck and sheltered aft cockpit provide the working and leisure deck space that serious cruising demands.
Built to order at the CdM yard in Ancona on Italy’s Adriatic coast, the Darwin Class 86 offers the customisation of a semi-custom superyacht in a compact, manageable package. Her shallow 2.42-metre draught opens anchorages the larger fleet cannot reach, while the Darwin platform, delivered across multiple hulls since 2011, gives buyers the confidence of a design refined over more than a decade of ocean service.
Length
26.07M
Beam
7.43M
Draft
2.42M
Day Guests
8
Sleeping
7
Cabin
4
Crew
4
Cruise Speed
10KT
Max Speed
11.5KT
Fuel
Range
4000NM
Engine
2 x MAN i6-450 (331 kW each)
Naval
Hydro Tec
Exterior
Hydro Tec
Interior
Hydro Tec
New Starting From
€6,500,000
Twin MAN engines rated at 331 kW each give the Darwin Class 86 a maximum speed of 11.5 knots and an economical 10-knot cruise. The full-displacement hull is built for range rather than pace, returning 4,000 nautical miles at 10 knots, enough to cross the Atlantic with a comfortable reserve. A 210-tonne full-load displacement and a deep forefoot keep her steady in a seaway, while stabilisers hold roll in check both under way and at anchor. The 2.42-metre draught is shallow for a yacht of this displacement, widening the range of bays and marinas available to her owner.
Hydro Tec gave the Darwin Class 86 the honest, workmanlike silhouette that defines the range: a raised bulwark forward for safe passage-making, a protected wheelhouse with excellent all-round visibility, and a broad aft deck for tenders, toys and open-air living. The steel hull and aluminium superstructure balance strength below the waterline with controlled weight above it. Large side decks and a walkaround layout make the yacht easy and safe to handle at sea, while the expanse of the sun deck and foredeck offers private outdoor space well away from the waterline.
The Darwin Class 86 sleeps seven guests in four cabins, with an additional Pullman berth for flexibility. The full-beam owner’s suite takes advantage of the 7.43-metre beam, while guest cabins on the lower deck each have private bathrooms. Four crew are accommodated in two cabins forward, with their own mess and direct access to the galley and engine room so service never intrudes on guest areas. CdM offers extensive customisation of the interior, from timber and stone selection to the configuration of the lower deck, allowing each owner to shape the yacht around how they intend to use her.
Life aboard the Darwin Class 86 centres on a bright main salon that opens aft to a sheltered cockpit for dining and relaxation at anchor. The wheelhouse doubles as a day lounge with panoramic views, a favourite spot on passage. The sun deck provides an elevated, private area for sunbathing and al fresco meals, while the foredeck offers a second outdoor zone away from the action aft. A tender garage and foldout bathing platform turn the stern into a functional beach club, ready for diving, paddleboards and easy access to the water.
Cantiere delle Marche builds each Darwin Class 86 to order at its Ancona shipyard, with classification to RINA standards and a specification tailored to the owner’s cruising plans. The 210-tonne steel hull is engineered for extended self-sufficient voyages, and the proven Darwin layout keeps running costs and crew requirements modest for a yacht of this capability. With deliveries dating back to 2011, the model offers a deep base of operational experience, reducing the risk inherent in commissioning a bespoke explorer. For owners seeking genuine ocean range in a compact, characterful package, the Darwin Class 86 remains one of the most respected names in its class.
Length
26.07M
Beam
7.43M
Draft
2.42M
Guests
7
Cabins
4
Cruise Speed
10Kt
Max Speed
11.5Kt
Length
30.80M
Beam
7.43M
Draft
2.55M
Guests
10
Cabins
5
Cruise Speed
11Kt
Max Speed
13Kt
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