Build for adventure

Then there’s the crew. ‘Out there, you don’t have backup, only each other,’ says Captain Feite-Jurre de Vries. ‘In truly remote regions, no tool matters more than a well-trained, adaptable team. A yacht can be built for the ends of the earth, but it’s the crew who get it there.’ From dive masters and guides to pilots and engineers, an adaptable, cross-trained team is the real key to going further.

Beyond propulsion, on board waste management is vital. In regions with limited shore-side facilities, advanced water treatment systems and incinerators ensure waste is processed responsibly and stored on board, helping preserve the remote environments you’ve come to see. And in terms of energy efficiency, solar panels, battery storage, and other renewables can supplement or replace traditional generators, reducing fuel use and enabling quieter, cleaner power for life on board.

By integrating these innovations, your explorer yacht can push the boundaries of discovery while minimising its footprint on the planet.

But refitting isn’t always the easy way. They demand clarity. Cost and time are big factors, too. While a refit might seem quicker than a new build, surprises can pop up along the way, adding delays and expenses.

On the flip side, starting fresh means complete customisation, with everything designed for purpose from day one. In the end, it’s about choosing what suits your vision – breathing new life into a battle-tested workhorse or building an explorer yacht entirely your own.

What are some popular remote destinations?

'Off the beaten track can mean different things to different people. For some, Croatia and Montenegro are quite adventurous enough, for others, it means a full expedition to Antarctica or the remote South Pacific. French Polynesia, Norway, and the Galapagos are always popular; there are so many things to do, and each provides a range of interesting experiences to suit the interests of the clients.'

What would you say to someone thinking about swapping the well-sailed paths of destinations like the Med, for somewhere further afield?

'Cruising away from the well-worn charter circuit is my entire raison d'être! When you have access to the freedom a yacht provides, I really believe you should take advantage of it – there is a big wide world to experience, and sharing these things with your family or friends is extraordinary.'

'Exploration yachting requires forethought – it’s a much more involved operation than a ‘standard’ charter. From airstrip access to seasonal wildlife timings, we make sure the experience is seamless, authentic, and safe.

'Often these locations offer incredible local experiences, so we like to plan your visit to coincide with the best time to be there. Communication is key and we put in a lot of time on each trip to ensure your experience is authentic and matches your desires.'

Thinking of building an explorer yacht?

Building for adventure means building differently. From hull integrity to helicopter ops, the Burgess New Build team brings technical precision and operational foresight to every decision so you can go further, safer, and with total confidence.

Our Burgess in-house technical team has led the creation of some of the most capable yachts in the world, driving every stage of the build and supporting their owners throughout the journey. From concept to delivery, we coordinate directly with designers and specialists to ensure every detail is not just seaworthy, but purpose worthy. Ice-class certification, arctic tender deployment strategy, yacht specific eco and hybrid philosophy – we manage the complexity, so you can focus on the experience ahead.

Let’s build the yacht that gets you there with purpose, precision, and every mile ahead considered.

Get in touch to find out more and start discussing your options.