Oceanco’s Esquel

custom yacht builder Oceanco is known for its superyachts. It’s looking for yet another daredevil owner to bring its Esquel concept yacht to life, says Charmaine Tai.

THE ESQUEL MAY be yet another concept dreamed up in the lair of the geniuses in Oceanco, but it’s in no way just another concept.

The 345-ft (105m) yacht is designed to explore the most remote corners of the earth such as Antarctica, Greenland or Patagonia, a feat that few – save for commercial ships – have undertaken in the past decade. Fittingly enough, Esquel is named after a meteorite found in Argentina, which is where most cruises heading to The White Continent depart from.

Inspired by the design of rockets, Esquel features sharp, angular lines, and can cut through the most choppy seas with ease. Powered by a diesel-electric system, the hybrid yacht can cruise at a range of 7,000nm (12,964km), taking you from Singapore to Cape Town.

The concept was put together by Turkish designer Timur Bozca, interior designer Gina Brennan, Lateral Naval Architects and yacht expedition specialist Pelorus. While its exterior casts a rather mysterious look – some may even say enigmatic – the interior is anything but.

The salon takes the form of a modern, private members’ club, no doubt a signature of Brennan, most known for her work in Soho House in London and Vie Montagne in Verbier.

It’s hard to pick a favourite feature, but the frontrunners are the stonewalled fireplace and outdoor heated tub, both god-sends as the vessel trudges through ice sheets. Esquel is also capable of transporting a helicopter, Triton submersible and tenders, along with SUVs in the open garage. How’s that for land, air and sea expeditions rolled into one?

You’ll be forgiven for thinking that Esquel would look more at home in the North and South Poles, instead of the Mediterranean, but when you’re the owner of what could easily be the most stunning yacht in a marina, would that really matter?