Project 201 is a 26-metre aluminium catamaran currently under construction at SilverYachts in Jiangmen. The shipyard emerged in 2014 from Hanseatic Marine, which was founded in Western Australia in 2005 by the German entrepreneur Guido Krass. Krass is the founder of Centrotec, a specialist in energy and building services engineering (including Wolf), and the owner of ‘Bold’ (BOOTE EXCLUSIV 3/20). The aluminium catamarans are manufactured at the facility in the Pearl River Delta in China. the SilverCat range and, for example, aluminium superstructures for large yachts, which are being built in Henderson, Australia.
SilverYachts’ latest commission is a custom build. The owner brought in Ker Yacht Design, a firm of his choice known for its sailing yacht designs but which has already gained experience with power catamarans. The British firm is responsible for the concept, hull architecture, exterior design and structural analysis. Design Unlimited developed the interiors in collaboration with the owners. The catamaran has a beam of 12.9 metres and a waterline length of less than 24 metres. These dimensions provide ample interior space and storage, whilst ensuring the boat operates efficiently across a range of speeds.
Hull shape and propulsion concept
The shipyard welds wave-piercing bow shapes, which are combined with an aerofoil in between. Jason Ker and his team developed these three components as an integrated system using CFD calculations (Computational Fluid Dynamics, computer-aided flow simulation) and neural networks for shape optimisation. The foil was not treated as a separate component, but as part of the overall hull design. According to calculations, the Explorer is expected to achieve a range of 2,000 nautical miles at 25 knots, whilst a range of 4,000 nautical miles is targeted at 11 knots. The design enables both fast crossings and economical long-distance voyages.
An Explorer with all the comforts
Calculations were carried out for various sea states in order to predict the catamaran’s behaviour under different conditions. Jason Ker, founder of Ker Yacht Design, explains: “The brief called for a genuine explorer, not a luxury catamaran with an expedition-style look. The boat had to be economical over long distances, allow for fast crossings when necessary, remain comfortable at sea and be practical to operate far from normal infrastructure.”
Tenders and storage capacity
A 7.5-metre-long enclosed tender is carried on board in a dock fitted with a hoisting mechanism. The tender enters the dock under its own power, which simplifies launching and recovery. This solution offers significantly greater capacity than comparable designs. Generous storage spaces are available for provisions, spare parts and equipment. Access to the engine rooms was factored into the design from the outset. This layout is intended to enable longer stays in remote areas without shipyard facilities.
Interior design for the Explorer
Design Unlimited worked with Ker Yacht Design and the owners to develop the interiors. The design takes into account how the owners will use, operate and maintain the catamaran during extended voyages. The interior design combines living comfort with the practical requirements of long-distance cruising. Every detail has been tailored to life on board to create an environment that is both inviting and functional.
Hot work is due to begin in August 2026 at SilverYachts in Jiangmen. The shipyard plans to deliver the vessel in the second quarter of 2028.
Technical Specifications: 26M Explorer Cat
- Overall length: 26.0 m
- Width: 12.9 m
- Waterline length: less than 24.0 m
- Material: aluminium
- Range: 2,000 sm at 25 kn
- Range: 4,000 sm at 11 kn
- Dinghy: 7.5 m, enclosed, in a lift dock
- Start of construction: August 2026
- Planned delivery: second quarter of 2028
- Shipyard: SilverYachts, Jiangmen, China
About Ker Yacht Design
Ker Yacht Design develops sailing yachts and motorboats, specialising in multihulls and high-performance boats. The firm uses CFD calculations and modern development methods to optimise hull shapes, structures and propulsion systems. Its services include concept development, hull architecture, exterior design and structural planning for new builds of various sizes.
Sören Gehlhaus
Stellvertretender Chefredakteur BOOTE EXCLUSIV