The Italian shipyard Cantiere delle Marche has delivered “Haze²”, a new yacht of the Darwin Class.
Measuring 31 metres in length with a beam of 7.43 metres, “Haze²” has a displacement of 250 tons and a gross tonnage of 245 GT. Powered by twin Caterpillar C18 Acert engines (500 kW each) and equipped with fuel tanks holding 40,000 litres, the yacht offers a range of over 5,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 9 knots. Designed for both private use and charter, “Haze²” has been classified accordingly.
“We take great pride in the Darwin Class – it represents a core achievement of our shipyard. Sixteen Darwin Class vessels have been delivered so far, five of which are 102-foot models,” says Ennio Cecchini, co-founder and President of Cantiere delle Marche.
“When we introduced the Darwin Class in 2010, we combined the generous spaces and sophisticated design of a superyacht with the robust, ocean-crossing capability of an explorer yacht – all within a compact platform. The market response and the sustained popularity of this versatile range have exceeded even our most optimistic expectations.”
According to the shipyard, the owner of “Haze²” first encountered the Darwin line at the 2022 Cannes Yachting Festival, where he toured a Darwin 106. Impressed by the build quality and engineering, he noted that Darwin yachts feature much deeper and more voluminous hulls – significantly more substantial than many motor yachts of similar length. He also valued their large fuel and storage capacities, enabling long-range cruising and full-season autonomy without the need for frequent refuelling or resupply.
“All Darwin models share the same expedition-ready spirit, yet each yacht is individually crafted to suit its owner’s lifestyle,” adds Vasco Buonpensiere, co-founder and CEO. “Our ability to adapt and our consistent construction quality were key in earning the trust of this experienced British owner, assisted by Andrew Bond of Fraser Yachts. As a seasoned sailor with experience in both sailing and motor yachts, he knew exactly what he wanted from his next vessel.”
The owner worked closely with CdM to refine the yacht’s dimensions, external details, and layout. Custom features include a redesigned wheelhouse windscreen for improved visibility and a concealed tender crane on the aft section of the Sun Deck, similar to the RJ series. The yacht’s exterior styling, designed by Sergio Cutolo/Hydro Tec, continues the distinctive evolution of the Darwin line.
“Haze²” features a striking exterior that highlights the bold personality of the Darwin Class, accentuated by a metallic grey hull and blue superstructure. Inside, London-based studio Lawson Robb created a modern, tactile interior that accommodates the owners, ten guests, and a crew of five.
Based on the owner’s brief – tactile finishes, light tones, open-grain woods, brushed bronze, and mosaic details – the designers crafted an atmosphere of refined modernity. The interplay of veneers, metals, leather, and wall coverings creates depth and warmth, while clean lines and fluid transitions give the space an airy, structured feel. A neutral colour palette, complemented by occasional vibrant accents, maintains balance and serenity. Thoughtful lighting – from indirect LED ribbons tracing architectural curves to sculptural pendants – enhances the ambience, achieving a blend of comfort and understated luxury.
