BORN TO CHALLENGE, BUILT TO EXPLORE
ONBOARD MAGAZINE talks to Ömer Malaz, Chairman and Founder of Numarine about the yard’s innovation and his vision for the next generation of explorer yachts
In the world of luxury yachts – where elegance often drifts into excess – I’ve always believed there was a better way. When I founded Numarine more than two decades ago, it wasn’t
just to build boats. It was to answer a personal frustration, to create something different: vessels that combine strength with silence, autonomy with comfort, and adventure with refinement.
Like many yacht owners, I spent years on various motor yachts. And while they were beautiful, they didn’t offer what I was truly looking for. They were too cramped. Not seaworthy enough. Not designed for real autonomy or long-range exploration. I kept asking myself, could we really go wherever we wanted, whenever we wanted? Could we stay away longer without compromise? The answer was no. And that “no” became the beginning of Numarine.
From day one, I set out to build yachts that would exceed expectations across every category, not just in aesthetics, but in capability, innovation and experience. What we’ve created in our shipyard in Gebze, just outside Istanbul, is more than a manufacturing facility. It’s a laboratory for pushing boundaries – one that brings together Turkish craftsmanship, international design and advanced technology.
Our owners come to us not just seeking luxury, but freedom. Not just beauty, but boldness. They want vessels that reflect who they are and where they want to go. And that’s exactly what we give them.
THE EXPLORER EVOLUTION
Years ago, I recognised that the future of yachting wasn’t just about luxury, it was about exploration. We didn’t follow the trend toward explorer yachts. We anticipated it.
We saw early on that more owners wanted to break free from the marina-to-marina lifestyle. They were craving independence to sail further, stay longer and explore the remote corners of the world. And they wanted to do it without relying on constant support or sacrificing comfort. So we invested heavily in research and development. We created vessels that are not only robust and ocean-capable, but also quiet, spacious and elegant. Yachts like the 26XP and 37XP and the entire XP range are perfect examples of this ethos. They
combine the soul of a rugged expedition yacht with the style and serenity of a modern residence at sea.
SETTING A NEW STANDARD: 47MXP
In 2025, we’ve unveiled our most ambitious project yet: the 47MXP – a name that stands for Mediterranean Explorer. But for us, that’s not about geography. It’s about lifestyle, one that embraces freedom, leisure and effortless connection to the water.
We took the design of our 45XP model, stretched it to nearly 47 metres, and re-arranged the beach club to bring the water closer to our people on board. The result is a platform with 498 GT of volume and four generous decks, ideal for both remote voyages and relaxed coastal living.
What excites me most is the new beach club and aft area, designed to change how guests interact with the sea. It’s more than a lounge. It’s a floating resort. With fold-down balconies, two pools and expansive indoor-outdoor living spaces, it creates a seamless blend of yacht and private island. Panoramic views, a private owner’s terrace and interiors by our long-time partners from Milan, Hot Lab studio, part of the Viken Group, complete the experience. This is not just an explorer, it’s a new category altogether.
SILENT INNOVATION: THE 30XP
One of my proudest milestones is the 30XP, our first hybrid yacht featuring diesel- electric propulsion, a bold step towards a quieter, cleaner and more responsible future. Years ago, we began integrating solar panels on board to harness green energy, and with the 30XP, we’ve taken that even further.
At Numarine, we are fully committed to improving in every area of sustainability, not just through engineering, but in how we think about sustainability and innovation across the entire lifecycle of our yachts.
The 30XP reflects that commitment. We constructed it in high tech GRP for greater efficiency, and equipped it with a next-generation hybrid system that enables near-silent cruising, whether underway or at anchor. In fact, with sound levels as low as 23.8 dBa in the master suite, it is the quietest yacht in its class.
The hybrid propulsion helps lower the vessel’s overall environmental footprint. In total, it’s not just about being quieter – it’s about being smarter and more sustainable. Because for us, true luxury is about harmony – with the sea, with nature and with the future.
After the warm reception of the first 30XP, we’re launching the second hull this summer. Four units have already been sold off-plan, including several to existing owners. That’s the greatest compliment we can receive.
The 30XP fills an important gap in the market: a mid-size explorer that offers hybrid propulsion, smart layouts, expansive deck space and unmatched quiet. It’s proof that forward-thinking design can go hand- in-hand with environmental responsibility.
40MXP: WHERE EXPLORER MEETS ELEGANCE
This summer, we’ll launch the 40MXP, an evolution of our beloved 37XP. It adds two metres of length and a wave of new features, especially on the aft deck such as alfresco dining, a bar, a pool with a glass transom and a full-beam swim platform.
But don’t let the lifestyle fool you, it’s still a serious explorer, with a range of 6,000 nautical miles at 8 knots. Three units were sold before launch, which tells me we’re striking the right balance, between adventure and comfort.
OUR GROWING FLEET AND WHAT COMES NEXT
Today, our fleet includes 8 explorer models ranging from 22 to 47 metres: the 22XP, 26XP, 30XP, 32XP, 37XP, 40MXP, 45XP and 47MXP. And at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival, we’ll unveil our next project – one that pushes our philosophy even further.
At Numarine, we don’t build yachts to follow trends. We build them to challenge expectations. We are explorers at heart and we build vessels for those who share that spirit. Whether you’re crossing the ocean or anchored in a quiet bay, our yachts are designed to give you one thing above all: the freedom to go your own way.
