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ARTEXPLORER, 46 metres to rediscover the pleasure of sailing

With a 17-metre beam, six cabins and 65 m² of solar panels, ARTEXPLORER brings a different interpretation of large sailing yachts to the charter market

ARTEXPLORER is a 46.5-metre aluminium sailing catamaran built by Perini Navi, combining generous spaces, sailing performance and sustainable technologies

ARTEXPLORER has the dimensions of a large superyacht, yet places sailing at the heart of the experience. Built by Perini Navi in 2024, she measures 46.5 metres in length with a beam of 17.1 metres. Fraser describes her as the world’s largest aluminium sailing catamaran, a distinction that immediately conveys the scale of the project, though only part of its philosophy.

Sailing when the noise disappears

One of ARTEXPLORER’s most interesting qualities becomes apparent once she is under sail. The catamaran was designed to sail efficiently even in light wind conditions and features a fully automated all-carbon sail plan. At those moments, engine noise gives way to quietness, inevitably changing the perception of the journey and the connection with the sea.

On a yacht of this size, this is far from a minor consideration. Enjoyment comes not only from the destination or the amount of space available on board, but also from the way that destination is reached. For charter guests, alternating between sailing and time at anchor brings an important part of the original pleasure of sailing back into the experience.

A 17-metre beam changes the perspective

A beam of 17.1 metres gives ARTEXPLORER a very different presence on the water from a conventional monohull sailing yacht. These proportions become especially apparent on the main deck, providing extensive living areas and a layout suited to accommodating up to twelve guests.

The beam is therefore more than a technical specification. It is one of the defining elements of life on board, allowing the catamaran to combine the scale of a large yacht with the broad, horizontal connection to the sea that makes multihull architecture particularly appealing.

Six cabins for twelve guests

ARTEXPLORER accommodates 12 guests in six staterooms, with four doubles and two convertible cabins. Fraser also notes that three guest cabins are positioned on the main deck alongside the Master Suite, while a crew of eight takes care of operations on board.

Both exterior and interior design are by Nacira Design - Axel de Beaufort. With such a substantial beam, design is not simply an aesthetic exercise but also a question of balancing generous volumes with the character of a genuine sailing yacht.

Solar energy becomes part of life on board

A 65-square-metre solar panel array is integrated into the deckhouse. According to Fraser, the system can generate up to 200 kW of energy per day and works alongside lithium batteries and advanced exhaust filtration systems.

This does not remove the environmental impact associated with a 46.5-metre yacht, but it does integrate technologies designed to reduce reliance on conventional energy sources for part of the yacht’s onboard requirements. The approach feels particularly consistent aboard a vessel that already uses wind as an essential part of its cruising experience.

A 55-metre mast above the sea

The fully automated carbon sail plan works with a 55-metre mast, contributing to ARTEXPLORER’s ability to sail even in lighter winds. Performance figures published by Fraser are deliberately far removed from the pursuit of high-speed motor yachting: cruising speed is 11 knots, with a maximum speed of 13 knots.

Those figures help explain the yacht’s character. Time spent travelling does not appear to be something that needs to be compressed between one port and another, but rather an integral part of the experience itself.

From an ambitious project to international recognition

ARTEXPLORER was named Multihull of the Year at the BOAT Design & Innovation Awards 2025. Fraser also reports her nomination for the Future Environmental Award at the Fraser Captains’ Soiree and Awards 2025.

The recognition accompanies a yacht that follows its own path within contemporary yachting: not simply a large catamaran, but a platform where sailing, generous living spaces and energy technologies have been developed together.

ARTEXPLORER in the Mediterranean

For the summer season Fraser offers ARTEXPLORER for charter in the Mediterranean, with rates starting from €240,000 per week in low season and €290,000 in high season. The yacht has a gross tonnage of 498 GT, a draft of 3.4 metres, Bureau Veritas classification and flies the French flag.

In a Mediterranean often portrayed through destinations, beach clubs and exclusive marinas, ARTEXPLORER offers another perspective: rediscovering the time spent travelling between them. On a sailing catamaran approaching 47 metres, moving under sail and hearing the sea again may become one of the most memorable experiences of the entire journey.

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Fraser Yachts - ARTEXPLORER

02 September 2026
© MED Yachting Editorial Team
ARTEXPLORER, 46 metres to rediscover the pleasure of sailing
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The information in this article has been sourced from and adapted from official sources and/or press releases, in accordance with our editorial code of ethics.