The expedition vessel christened Ammonite was commissioned by Australian sailor, Marcus Blackmore
This is the fourth Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) superyacht launched since the beginning of 2026: the 33-metre Tartaruga hit the water in February, the 35-metre Octopus explorer yacht was launched in April, and the smallest in the yard’s explorer series, the 31-metre Mon Coeur, left the yard facility in May.
The Nauta Air series created by Cantiere delle Marche in collaboration with Nauta Design (for exterior and interior) and Hydro Tec (for architecture and engineering) embodies all the benefits of a reliable explorer vessel and a luxury pleasure yacht. Despite the compact size, these explorer vessels boast impressive interior volume and extended range, enabling transoceanic voyages.
The Ammonite is the fourth vessel in the Nauta Air 110 series. She features a steel hull with a length of 33.15 m and a beam of 7.55 m and aluminium superstructure with three decks allowing to maximise exterior areas. The draft of just 2.3 m enables her to enter shallow waters and expands the range of waters she can navigate.
The optimised hull lines ensure not only good speed, but also fuel efficiency: at the speed of 9-10 knots, the vessel powered by twin Caterpillar C18 Acert engines and fuel tanks of 42,970 L boasts a range of up to 4,000 nautical miles.
The Ammonite’s provisional top speed is 13-13.5 knots, and her cruising speed is about 12 knots. CdM will reveal the exact characteristics after the completion of sea trials that are set to begin in the nearest weeks.
The yacht’s internal volume is 250 GT, which allows for comfortable accommodation for ten guests (or more, as two of five cabins feature additional berths) and a crew of five.
The owner, Marcus Blackmore, is a Sidney-based entrepreneur and benefactor, known across the Green Continent as a true sailor, racer and explorer. Together with his wife Caroline, he has taken part in numerous major regattas aboard three Southern Wind yachts, all bearing the name of Ammonite.
The Blackmores have been spotted in the most remote and untouched cruising grounds, including the far-flung archipelagos of the Pacific Ocean, so their wish to have a yacht that combines reliability and comfort of luxury vessel is quite understandable.
The owners' sailing experience largely shaped the Ammonite project, focusing on self-sufficiency and seaworthiness. Besides, they have been collaborating with Nauta for a long time, as it had designed all their previous yachts.
“Working with Marcus and Caroline Blackmore again has been particularly rewarding for us,” said Guido Valtorta, Nauta Design co-director. “Over the years, we have developed a relationship based on a shared appreciation for timeless design, functionality, and a genuine passion for life at sea.”
According to Valtorta, the Ammonite’s owners wanted to keep the character of their sailing vessels, while making use of all the capabilities of a modern explorer vessel. Inside, there is a relaxed, “beach house” atmosphere, featuring natural materials, soft textures and intimate connection with the surrounding natural environment.
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