Dixon 56M Flybridge Ketch Yacht Can Ply Polar Waters

Amid all the talk about cruisers being eager to head off the beaten path, few proposals involve sailing superyachts. Dixon Yacht Design sees an opportunity to change that conversation. Simultaneously, it sees an opportunity to incorporate in-demand amenities from warm-weather motoryachts. The Dixon 56M flybridge ketch yacht concept is for ultra-passionate sailors wanting to take on the world.

Sailing yachts plying icy waters isn’t a fanciful idea. The Royal Huisman yacht Pumula, for instance, is among those whose owners planned far-northern cruising right from the start. (Spitsbergen in Svalbard was part of her maiden voyage, in fact.) Dixon Yacht Design has planned its all-aluminum proposal to meet the Polar Code category C. Briefly, this means she can operate in open waters or some thin ice conditions in the 60^th parallel north or higher. The large glass walls of the deckhouse will let owners and guests take in the sights in warm comfort. If they want to head ashore, a rugged RIB could be one of the two tenders stowing in the garage beneath the foredeck.

Of course, the 480-gross-ton, 184-foot (56-meter) project is for voyaging to tropical destinations, too. Whether in the South Pacific or South Florida, the Dixon 56M flybridge ketch invites all onboard to enjoy an indoor-outdoor lifestyle. This is particularly where the design studio chose to make motoryacht design features possible. So, for example, the on-deck saloon has sliding-glass doors that can tuck away when fully open. This makes the welcoming lounge aspect of the saloon part of the alfresco dining area.

That dining area sits adjacent to aft-facing seating, overlooking an infinity pool and a long, open beach area. Really, the beach area and the seating/dining area form a multi-level beach area, a big trend among motoryachts currently. Furthermore, since an Opacmare Transformer platform folds out from the transom, the deck space caters to swimmers and watertoy enthusiasts alike. (Watertoys can stow on the open deck area, besides in the already-mentioned tender garage. Further toys like a PWC can sit beneath the aft deck.) Perhaps best of all, the owners have direct access to this aft beach area from their stateroom.

With a capacious yet low-profile flying bridge capable of having a hot tub and entertainment space plus the twin helms, the Dixon 56M flybridge ketch pledges a lot of possibilities. Yet one more sure to be appreciated: The yacht has an energy-recovery system. Pods (not propellers) generate electricity for hotel loads while she’s sailing.

Dixon Yacht Design dixonyachtdesign.com