Award-winning CdM Explorer Acala Sold: A Deeper Dive into a Modest Giant
Acala, the 43.1-meter custom explorer yacht from Cantiere delle Marche (CdM), has changed hands. Sold through a team led by Luke Brennan of Cecil Wright and Franco Ambrosi of Zarpo Yachts for the seller, with Adam Papadakis of Moravia Yachting introducing the buyer, the transaction marks another milestone for this capable Atlantic-and-Pacific explorer.
The yacht’s pedigree includes a World Superyacht Award in 2023 for the category Displacement Motor Yachts 499GT and below, 40m to 44.9m. The judges commended her rugged aesthetic, excellent crew spaces, a well-equipped diving store, and an interior that blends elegance with modernity — arriving just a year after her 2022 delivery.
Exterior and interior design come from a notable collaboration: Italian studio Horacio Bozzo Design crafted the exterior profile, Hydro Tec handled naval architecture, and Mexican designer Simon Hamui shaped the interiors. Acala sits on a steel and aluminium hull and is noted for a practical, expedition-ready ethos that still offers refined comfort.
The asking price stood at €29,995,000. Acala carries the nickname “modest explorer yacht,” reflecting her purpose-built nature for a seasoned owner who wanted a more comfortable platform than the owner’s previous Darwin 102, also named Acala. The aim was to venture to remote Atlantic and Pacific islands while leveraging the owner’s extensive customization experience.
Key onboard features underscore this mission:
- A beach club with a dive store, illuminated by the glass-bottomed aft-deck pool, and a generous 5,000-nautical-mile range at a modest 10 knots for extended expeditions.
- A nitrox compression setup located conveniently in the engine room to support diving operations.
- Accommodation for up to 12 guests in six cabins, including a spacious master suite, three VIP cabins on the main deck, and two twin cabins on the lower deck.
- Interiors emphasize calm, natural woods—aged ash and wire-brushed oak in living spaces, eucalyptus in the master, and grey Sucupira in guest areas—paired with plush fabrics (including cashmere) and hand-woven alpaca rugs. Much of the furniture is custom-made in Mexico or Italy, with leather accents enriching the tactile feel.
Layout and ambiance favor light and open sightlines. The main saloon centers around a large sofa and entertainment hub, while a panoramic sky lounge on the upper deck provides formal seating forward and a sizable dining table aft. Full-height glass doors connect these interiors with circular lounge space outside, creating seamless indoor-outdoor entertainment.
Windows abound, bathing living areas in natural light and framing expansive exterior views—an essential feature for those long-range, remote island itineraries.
The upper reaches offer a partially shaded sundeck with a second pool, dining arrangements, and ample sunbathing spots, while the main deck aft provides additional casual dining and sunpads for relaxed moments after a day of exploration.
Performance-wise, Acala is rated at 499GT and can reach a top speed of 15.3 knots, propelled by twin Caterpillar C32 ACER engines and supported by a beam of 8.6 meters.
In summary, Acala epitomizes CdM’s explorer-yacht philosophy: robust, range-friendly build with thoughtful comfort and a design language that suits serious expedition cruising without sacrificing luxury. The sale closes a chapter but also reinforces the appeal of capable, well-appointed expedition yachts in today’s market.
Would you consider a modern explorer yacht like Acala for your own adventures, or do you prioritize smaller crewed footprints and ultra-luxury adaptations for remote destinations?
