The Ravenna-based yard has announced the launch of its latest project “Orca”, a unique 65-metre ice-classed Explorer with strong Supply Vessel characteristics. Project “Orca” is the fruit of the collaboration between two expert groups in the marine field: Rosetti Superyachts (Rosetti Marino SpA) and the Trieste-based Meccano Engineering, who designed the engineering, naval architecture and exterior design of the vessel.
Project “Orca” draws its inspiration from nature and, in particular, from the killer whale. “The organic design traits mimic the orca or killer whale, the largest and most powerful member of the dolphin family,” comments Fulvio Dodich, Rosetti Superyachts chairman. “Instantly recognisable by their distinctive black-and-white colouring, these sea mammals roam the world’s oceans from the Arctic and Antarctic to the Tropics, which is exactly what our Explorer Yacht is designed to do”. According to the Italian yard, innovation has always been inspired by nature and by how we adapt to it, especially the challenging conditions at sea, and Project Orca is a perfect example of this inspiration and adaptation. These traits are clearly evident in the robust profle with its wrap-around glazing, bold superstructure styling and a radar mast resembling a tall dorsal fin. There is even a classic white side patch of an orca at the owner’s deck level that lights up at night.
With a beam of 12 metres and an estimated gross tonnage of up to 1300GT, Project Orca is the perfect balance between curved and straight lines, nature and technology. In terms of layout, it’s developed on four decks plus a tank-top deck, but owners can choose from various deck layouts. The standard version has an open main deck in the stern for storing more tenders and toys as well as a touch & go helipad. Alternatively, this area can feature an infinity pool overlooking the transom, or have a raised helipad with a pool and spa zone inside. On the lower deck aft is a large garage that can hold two large tenders or several jet skis and other water toys.
The 65-metre can accommodate up to 12 guests across six cabins, with the capacity to sleep a crew of 12. The guest accommodation, comprising two VIP suites and two cabins, is located forward on the same deck level and is served by the main staircase and an elevator that connects with all deck levels up to the sun deck. The crew accommodation is in the bow. The main deck interior features the guest area with a large main salon, dining room and another spacious VIP suite forward. On the portside are the galley and crew services. Access to the mooring deck in the forepeak is via side companionways on the main deck. This area, covered for safety reasons in rough seas, accentuates the height of the imposing bow. The bridge deck features the owner’s apartment with His and Her bathroom, walk-in wardrobes, a study and a large gym. The suite overlooks the open aft deck that serves as a private terrace. The captain’s cabin is behind the wheelhouse. The large sun deck is equipped with full dining facilities, bar and sunbathing areas with elevator access for guests and separate stairs for crew.
Powered by twin CAT 3512 engines (1398kW @ 1800 rpm), Project Orca is expected to have a range approximately 5,000 miles at an economical cruising speed of 11 knots, which could potentially be extended to 7000 nautical miles. Rosetti estimates a 36 month construction time for the first Project Orca explorer. “We have already done the concept engineering and completed the technical specifications for Project Orca, and if we sell the boat tomorrow and want to make a start on it, we can begin construction”, commented Fulvio Dodich.
