The Darwin 86 is a prestigious explorer yacht model from the Italian shipyard Cantiere delle Marche (CdM). This vessel perfectly embodies CdM’s philosophy: constructing robust, reliable, and highly capable explorer yachts built to superyacht standards for comfortable, long-range global voyages. Designed by naval architect Sergio Cutolo of Hydro Tec, the Darwin 86 is celebrated for its impressive technical resilience, superior engineering, and volume-maximizing design in the under--meter category.
The Darwin 86 is a meter ( ) full-displacement yacht, constructed with a heavy-duty steel hull and aluminum superstructure. This model is engineered for exceptional endurance, boasting tankage and construction that often exceed class requirements. The yacht features a distinctive, muscular exterior with a high bow, signaling its expedition capability. The interiors, designed for comfort during extended journeys (often by PFA Design or custom designers like Alessandro Massari), feature high headroom (over m), luxurious materials, and large windows. The layout places the Owner’s full-beam stateroom amidships on the Lower Deck and dedicates the upper levels to convivial and technical spaces. The engine room is meticulously designed with commercial-grade systems for ease of maintenance and ultimate reliability.
Specifications
- Yacht Model: Darwin 86
- Builder: Cantiere delle Marche (CdM, Italy)
- Year Built / Refit: (Delivery year varies by hull) / Refits through
- Length Overall (LOA): meters ( )
- Beam (Width): meters ( )
- Gross Tonnage (GT): – GT
- Engines: Twin MAN or Caterpillar diesels ( HP)
- Max Speed: – knots
- Cruising Speed: knots
- Max Range: nautical miles at knots (Up to nm reported at economical speed)
- Hull Material / Class: Steel Hull / Aluminium Superstructure / RINA or DNV Certified
Accommodation & Amenities
- Guest Accommodation: Up to 8 guests
- Cabins: 4 staterooms (Full-beam Master Suite amidships on Lower Deck, 1 VIP Suite, 2 Twin/Convertible Cabins), all en-suite.
- Crew Accommodation: 4 crew members (in 2 cabins, plus Captain’s cabin).
- Key Amenities & Features:
- Stabilizers: Equipped with Zero-Speed Electric Stabilizers (often CMC Marine) and hydraulic fin stabilizers.
- Range: Exceptional nm+ transoceanic range at cruising speed.
- Deck Leisure: Spacious Sundeck with Jacuzzi (optional on some hulls), sunbeds, and a dedicated bar/BBQ area.
- Tender Management: Hydraulic crane (often kg capacity) on the foredeck or sundeck to manage large tenders (m+) and water toys.
- Engineering: Robust, commercially inspired engine room with redundant systems (generators, thrusters) and high-quality construction (Cupro Nickel piping, extra-thick steel plates).
The Darwin 86 is not just a yacht; it is a steel-hulled explorer built to safely deliver you and your guests to the world’s most remote destinations with a remarkable nautical mile range. CdM’s uncompromising construction standards—including heavy-duty plating and commercial-grade engineering—make this vessel exceptionally reliable and robust. Its GT volume provides unexpected luxury, featuring a plush full-beam Master Suite and three other generously sized guest cabins. Equipped with zero-speed electric stabilizers and large tender capacity, the Darwin 86 offers unparalleled capability, stability, and enduring luxury for the owner who truly seeks adventure without limits.












