Explorer for sale: ‘Scintilla Maris’, a former fishing trawler setting out on a long voyage

​“Scintilla Maris” does not look like a conventional superyacht. Its working vessel features are no illusion: ​“‘Scintilla Maris’ is less a refit than a complete rebuild on an existing hull,” the owner is quoted as saying. The basis for this major project, which he oversaw closely, was a fishing trawler built in 1989. When the 46-metre vessel left the Maaskant shipyard, it was one of the largest Dutch side trawlers of its time.

​From workboat to explorer

The fishing heritage lives on in ‘Scintilla Maris’. For example, in the bow crest, the marking for the bow thruster and the draught scale below it. Furthermore, the owner chose to retain the distinctive mast and the main propulsion system with just a single propeller. The decision was also made to avoid a high-gloss yacht finish. Up close, it is clear that the hull has not been fully filled. Furthermore, the shipyard where the conversion took place serves as a link to the original. This is how ‘Scintilla Maris’ (‘Sparkle of the Sea’) was built by Damen Maaskant by 2024, at the very same site as ‘Vertrouwen’.

The Explorer, with its fishing heritage, is designed to cruise comfortably even where traditional yacht routes end, thanks to its heavy steel hull and deep draught. And yet it boasts features such as a beach club – which the owner, however, has interpreted in his own unique way. The area features a lounge, a bar, a galley and platforms providing direct access to the water. On both sides, recesses are utilised for swimming, the smooth operation of tender boats, water sports or al fresco dining.

​‘Scintilla Maris’ in high latitudes

The sea trials did not consist of short test voyages off the coast. In April 2024, the owner set sail from the Netherlands on a voyage lasting around ten months. The route took the yacht via London, the Scottish Outer Hebrides, the Faroe Islands and Iceland to Greenland. The “Scintilla Maris” then crossed the North Atlantic and continued via Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, the US east coast and Bermuda back to the Netherlands. A total of around 11,000 nautical miles were logged.

According to the owner, the vessel proved its worth even in heavy seas in the North Atlantic. The voyage also served as a trial run for the planned operational concept. The Scintilla Maris was designed not only to look impressive, but also to enable comfortable living on board over extended periods. This includes ample space for guests and crew, a high degree of autonomy, and the ability to anchor even in remote bays and sensitive natural areas.

Hybrid powertrain for a quiet ride

The Explorer is fitted with a hybrid propulsion system comprising a 2,000 PS Marelli engine and three Volvo generators. The brokerage firm Burgess states a cruising speed of nine knots, a top speed of 14 knots and a range of 9,000 nautical miles at nine knots.

The hybrid propulsion system also allows for purely electric driving and is designed to reduce noise and vibration levels. Added to this is a dynamic positioning system. It can hold the yacht in position using the propeller, rudder and thrusters without the need to drop an anchor. This is particularly advantageous in deep fjords, on sensitive seabeds or whilst observing wildlife.

A heat recovery system has also been fitted for cold cruising areas. The waste heat from the generators can be used to heat outdoor areas such as the railings and seating on the aft deck or the Portuguese bridge. Whilst this may initially sound like a mere comfort feature, it can be a decisive factor in determining whether outdoor areas are actually used when outside temperatures are low.

Bright interiors with character

The specifications for the interior fit-out were provided by Vripack. The Dutch design studio deliberately chose not to model the design on that of a traditional, high-gloss superyacht. Instead, they combined light-coloured surfaces, robust materials, nautical details and colourful accents. High-pressure laminate was used for many of the surfaces. The material is comparatively easy to maintain and durable, which suits the operational concept of a long-range explorer.

A key focus of the refit was natural light. The original fishing trawler had very few windows in the central section of the vessel. The design team therefore added numerous portholes and skylights. In the owner’s suite, even the former cargo hold hatch has been repurposed as a large skylight. It can be partially opened at the touch of a button, bringing additional light into the cabin amidships.

The bridge retains some features of the ship’s former life as a workboat. These include the original windows with their glass and brass fittings. Parts of the old communications equipment have also been preserved and now serve as a historical reminder of the ship’s past. At the same time, additional monitors provide an overview of navigation and operations.

Space for ten guests on the ‘Scintilla Maris’

Scintilla Maris can accommodate up to ten guests in five cabins. Burgess states that there are three double cabins and two twin cabins. The crew is expected to consist of eight or nine people, although the figures vary slightly between sources.

The spacious owner’s suite is located amidships on the lower deck. According to the broker, it has a ceiling height of 2.4 metres and a skylight measuring around 1.5 metres. Its position amidships also offers advantages in terms of motion and noise comfort, as it is less affected by pitching and rolling than the areas at the bow or stern.

One distinctive feature is the open connection between the bridge and the saloon. Guests can watch the navigation operations from there and feel a direct connection to the area being sailed through. On an Explorer, which covers long distances through sparsely trafficked regions, this is more than just a design concept. It makes the journey itself part of the experience on board.

Open-air cinema and viewing platform

The upper decks, too, are designed for longer stays. Facilities include several shaded areas, an open-air cinema and an observation deck with space for six people. The deck is situated around 15 metres above the waterline and is designed to provide views of marine mammals, ice landscapes or the coastline. The fleet of tenders includes a 7.6-metre MK Boats MK 760 RIB and a 5.3-metre Zodiac. These significantly extend the range of activities whilst at anchor, for example for exploratory trips, shore excursions or access to shallow bays.

​“I wanted to make use of the magnificent hulls of the Dutch fishing trawlers built over the centuries and create something that offers optimal comfort and quality of life rather than luxury,” says the owner, who nevertheless wishes to sell the “Scintilla Maris”. Burgess is offering this exceptional 46-metre vessel for 16 million US dollars.

Technical Specifications for ‘Scintilla Maris’