American Delta Marine positions this explorer yacht as one of the most technically advanced projects in its history: the Zembra is meant for transoceanic cruises and can carry an incredible variety of research equipment despite her relatively compact dimensions
The custom yacht was commissioned in 2023 by an experienced owner, who has travelled the globe on board his Inace and Nordhavn 86 explorer yachts. He wanted to build another vessel to be able to show the world to twelve grandchildren of his. For this reason, the new expedition vessel did not only have to feature excellent seaworthiness, autonomy and reliability, but to be really comfortable and safe. Besides, the owner wanted the Zembra to have everything possible for studying nature. Her research arsenal is truly impressive.
The Zembra is based on a tested displacement hull designed by Delta Marine. Her exterior features angular, but clean lines, a dynamic profile with a classic bow a spacious open aft deck. Large expanses of glazing and a distinctive Arizona bronze paint finish reflect the owner's desire for a yacht equally suited to serious expeditions and traditional charter cruises.
To reduce the weight of the vessel, the hull was built of GRP, the superstructure is of carbon, while the internal bulkheads utilize a foam-cored honeycomb structure. With a length of 46.3 meters, the internal volume has been optimised to stay under the 499 GT limit.
The yacht provides facilities for storing and servicing an entire fleet of extreme-terrain vehicles. Thus, there is a a two-person ICON A5 amphibious aircraft with a helipad on the sundeck aft. The garage is home to a Williams 625, a custom aluminium tender cat, jet skis and water toys. There is also a three-passenger U-Boat Worx submersible, capable of going down to the depth 300 m.
All the vehicles will be launched and retrieved with the help of a boom crane on the bridge deck and a gantry crane at the stern.
Twin Caterpillar engines will deliver a top speed of up to 15.5 knots, while the gyro stabilisers will ensure comfort both at anchor and under way. The yard will provide more details about the yacht’s performance characteristics after the sea trials.
The vessel can accommodate up to 12 guests across five cabins with a full-beam master suite on the main deck. One of the cabins is wheelchair-accessible. In addition, there is a lift connecting all the decks, including the sundeck with a jacuzzi.
American designer Roger Thomas drew on his experience in high-end hospitality spaces’ design to strike a harmonious balance between traditional classic style and modern minimalism for the superyacht’s interiors. There is no visual clutter, and a clear focus on ergonomics, comfort and practicality. Premium materials are used for the finishes: the walls are clad in fine mahogany panels, while the cream marble floors feature accents of semi-precious stones like vibrant blue sodalite.
“Zembra isn’t just a yacht. It’s how we will share many incredible places we’ve explored that are only accessible by yacht with our grandchildren and dear friends," said the owner. “Getting to experience these places again through their eyes and exploring many new ones is the goal of Zembra”.
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