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CdM Packs 5,500 Miles of Ocean Endurance Into a 115-Foot Gentleman’s Hull
A 115-Foot Shift in Offshore Expectations
Building a highly capable expedition yacht usually dictates massive scale. Cantiere delle Marche chose a different route with the launch of the Deep Blue 115 Octopus. Born from the success of the larger Acala project delivered three years prior, this 35-meter build was developed to satisfy owners who wanted serious offshore capabilities condensed into a more manageable footprint. Vasco Buonpensiere and the CdM team translated the proven Deep Blue DNA into a pocket superyacht that refuses to compromise on actual global reach.
Designing the Pocket Fortress
Horacio Bozzo approached the exterior lines not by simply shrinking a larger boat, but by reimagining the proportions specifically for a 299GT layout. The vessel features a flared bow with a distinct “beak look,” created by an intentional gap between the upper section and the main hull. Moving aft, the side windows on the main deck operate as the defining aesthetic feature. Framed by floating mullions that sit detached from the superstructure, the profile maintains a sleek, visually light presence that conceals the sheer volume of the hull beneath.
Heavy-Duty Endurance Under the Hull
True expedition vessels are defined by what happens in the engine room. Octopus runs on twin IMO Tier III Caterpillar C18 engines pushing 533 kW each. When paired with heavy-duty 45,000-liter fuel tanks, this 325-ton vessel commands a staggering 5,500-nautical-mile range at an economic 9 knots. The engineering setup, refined in collaboration with DÖHLE YACHTS, guarantees that this pocket gentleman’s yacht can cross oceans with the same efficiency and reliability as a commercial ship.
Breaking the Cautious Interior Mold
Medium-sized yachts often fall victim to highly conservative interior styling. Giorgio M. Cassetta deliberately discarded that approach for Octopus. The layout accommodates up to twelve guests across five suites, wrapping the living spaces in an eclectic homage to global voyaging. Utilizing organic shapes, highly exotic materials, and vibrant color palettes, Cassetta created a dynamic environment that contrasts sharply with the rugged, functional nature of the yacht’s exterior shell.
Aft Deck Integration and Launch Logistics
Operational functionality dictates the layout of the exterior living areas. The main deck cockpit serves as the primary outdoor hub, featuring a custom swimming pool and expansive seating that directly connects to the interior salon. A massive swim platform extends the beach area at the waterline, providing a massive footprint for water access. Launch logistics are handled smoothly via an aft tender garage equipped with a port-side opening hatch, keeping the primary decks clear of heavy equipment while underway.
The Expanding Horizon for Cantiere delle Marche
With the successful launch of Octopus and two additional 141-foot Deep Blue hulls slated for 2027 and 2028, CdM continues to dictate the pace of the luxury explorer market. By proving that extreme range and bespoke interior execution can fit comfortably into a 35-meter package, the Italian yard provides a definitive answer for owners who want unrestricted ocean access without the logistical burden of a 50-meter vessel.
