Cantiere delle Marche announces the launch of the Darwin 102 Haze²... and this is the third launch in 30 days!
“We are immensely proud of the Darwin Class, a cornerstone of our shipyard, with 16 vessels launched to date, including five 102s.,” says Ennio Cecchini, co-founder and President of Cantiere delle Marche. “Launched in 2010, the Darwin Class brought together superyacht-level space and design with the robust, go-anywhere capabilities of an explorer yacht, all within a compact footprint. Over the years, the commercial success of this highly customizable series has far surpassed our expectations.”
The Owner of Haze2 was first introduced to the Darwin Class when he toured a Darwin 106 at the 2022 Cannes Yachting Festival. He was impressed by the yacht’s craftsmanship and engineering, noting the Darwin series’ voluminous hulls with deep, rounded sections, far more substantial than typical motor yachts of similar size. Another characteristic he greatly appreciated was the generous fuel and storage capacities, which allow all Darwin yachts to comfortably cross oceans or cruise for an entire season without needing to stop for refueling or provisioning.
“All Darwin models share the same ocean-going, expedition-ready DNA, yet each one is tailored to reflect its owner’s needs and lifestyle,” adds Vasco Buonpensiere, co-founder and CEO of the company. “Our flexible and responsive approach combined with our renowned construction quality, was key to earning the trust of this experienced British yacht owner, who was supported in his decision by Andrew Bond of Fraser Yachts. A seasoned sailor with both sailing and motor yachts in his past, the Owner had a clear vision of what his next yacht should be.”
In the months following his visit, the Owner collaborated closely with CdM to finalize the yacht’s size and specifications. Custom touches include a redesigned wheelhouse windscreen for improved visibility and profile, and a concealed tender crane located at the aft end of the Sun Deck (similar to the RJ’s). The yacht’s exterior design reflects the hallmark of Sergio Cutolo/Hydro Tec, who has overseen the development of this successful series since its inception.
Haze2 features an impressive exterior that further highlights the bold character of the Darwin Class, accentuated by a daring color scheme: a metallic grey hull paired with a blue superstructure.
Interior design, led by London-based Lawson Robb, are no less impressive. The yacht’s generous volumes allow to comfortably accommodate the Owners, up to 10 guests and a crew of six. Following an Owner’s brief synthesized in a few inputs - tactile, low gloss, light, open grain veneers, natural tones, brushed bronze, mosaic - the interior designer created an ambience that exudes a refined contemporary elegance, where sophistication is achieved through the masterful use of diverse wood veneers, metals, leather and wallpapers. Each surface tells a story, creating a layered, tactile richness. This generous application of materials grounds the space, offering warmth and timelessness. Flowing lines guide movement through the yacht’s interior, while the cleanness and linearity of most furniture add a sense of structure and modern precision. The palette leans into earthy tones periodically punctuated with vibrant accents, bringing the space to life without disturbing its calm. Lighting plays a key role, with indirect LED strips following architectural curves and custom pendant fixtures echoing the geometric language. The result is an interior that feels both serene and striking, an effortless fusion of contemporary design and luxurious comfort.
The new Darwin 102 Haze2 measures 31 meters in length with a beam of 7.43 meters. She has a displacement of 250 tons and a Gross Tonnage of 245GT. Powered by twin Caterpillar C18 Acert engines (500kW each) and carrying 40,000 liters of fuel, she boasts a range of above 5,000 nautical miles at 9 knots. The yacht will serve both private and charter purposes and will be classed accordingly.
