“The client was sold immediately,” says Ocean Vault Director Shaun Sutherland after an American buyer visited Hull #1 in Whangārei.
An American owner has commissioned the third Circa Marine 24m Explorer yacht after an international search led them to Whangārei, where a visit aboard Hull #1 confirmed the decision to build new.
“The client was sold immediately. He loved the look, the layout and the quality of the finish,” Sutherland says.
Hull #3 marks another milestone for Circa Marine, confirming increasing market confidence in the design as demand for long range explorer yachts continues to grow worldwide.
A different boat than the one he came looking for
The buyer initially enquired about the FPB64, an existing model, before the conversation shifted toward something built from scratch. Sutherland, who managed the project from initial enquiry through to contract as Ocean Vault’s exclusive sales representative for Circa Marine yachts, explains the shift:
“We first started talking with the buyer at the end of 2025 after he enquired on an FPB64 model. From there, it became clear that a new build, with the ability to customise the owner options, was a far better option.”
From there, the buyer travelled to New Zealand in person, and to Whangārei specifically, where he visited Hull #1. It was there that the decision was made.
Reputation and finish equally important
Build strength was one factor. Reputation was another. Sutherland says the buyer had “total confidence in the pedigree and quality of the build.” He adds that Circa Marine’s history building Steve Dashew’s FPB programme also carried weight, with the buyer confident “he was getting a fantastic product.”
Hull #3 moves into construction
With the keel now laid, construction on the new yacht is officially underway. More than 45 people are working the build, backed by a network of local and international suppliers, with completion, sea trials, and delivery expected over the next 18 months.
Built for owners who want to go further offshore
Circa Marine Operations Manager Deon Ogden sums up the shipyard’s underlying philosophy in five words: “confidence and safety at sea.”
That philosophy shapes who the vessel is built for, and who it is not. “We don’t compete with destination vessels that perform well at anchor but aren’t necessarily enjoyable offshore,” Ogden says. “We build for buyers who want to get out there, explore with a sense of adventure and discover remote locations, without losing the comfort of a premium yacht.”
The vessel has been developed as an owner operated explorer yacht that offers extensive autonomy at sea. It is also well suited to long range offshore cruising without the heavy maintenance or crew requirements typically associated with similar vessels.
Comfort is also important, according to Ogden, who calls it “critical for crossing oceans while remaining highly efficient, which the design achieves.”
Balancing advanced systems with what is practical at sea
A lesson carried forward from the shipyard’s earlier years building FPBs shapes Ogden’s thinking here:
“Since our earlier years building FPBs, we’ve learned the importance of balancing advanced systems with what’s practical and simple to operate under any and all conditions. We’ve focused on refining onboard systems to ensure they are usable for owners and easier to operate at sea without losing key redundancies.”
This owner has not shied away from using innovative products and systems as part of his build. Ogden says the team is looking forward to seeing “these systems integrated as the vessel takes shape over the coming months.”
Taking shape in Whangārei
With Hull #3 now taking shape in Whangārei, the build marks another step forward for a design built around long range, owner operated exploration, and another sign of growing demand for explorer yachts.
