AWAHA 160 is a 56.73 m (186 ft), five-deck explorer superyacht project by Arch. Franco Gnessi and his studio DYD, presented as a "true modern explorer" and a "pure expression of Italian style" (BOAT International). Classed Polar Class 7 and powered by a diesel-electric drive train, she is drawn to go a long way from port while keeping every comfort of a luxury yacht on board.
"The interiors are conceived as emotional microcosms, spaces that combine flexibility, elegance and immersion." – Franco Gnessi (BOAT International)
The vision
Italian press called AWAHA 160 a "Smooth Explorer": a yacht that "combines extreme navigation with Italian luxury" (Superyacht24). The idea is to bring the toughness of a working explorer to owners who want to cruise high latitudes and remote coastlines, without giving up the light, space and finish of a Mediterranean superyacht.
History of the project
The general arrangement in the designer's files is dated 13 July 2025. The studio unveiled the concept publicly in October 2025, when it was covered by BOAT International and Superyacht24. It is one of Franco Gnessi's explorer projects, alongside the BULLET 200, NAUTILUS 650, TALASSEA 145 and TE UIRA 135 designs also listed with us.
The concept
Gnessi describes the design as a contrast between "rugged, powerful" naval architecture and "comfortable and luxurious" interiors (BOAT International). The Polar Class 7 notation gives her the robustness needed "for demanding, but not extreme, waters", and the diesel-electric propulsion lets her reach protected marine areas (Superyacht24). Outside, a steel hull with a vertical, plumb bow carries stepped aluminium decks, a long row of hull portholes and a tall mast with radar domes.
Design philosophy
-
Self-sufficiency: fully redundant onboard systems, large fuel and water reserves and an operating room for emergency procedures, for safety in remote areas (Superyacht24).
-
Efficient power: two Volvo IPS40 Full Electric Double Engines of 1,000 kW each, fed by three Volvo D13 generators of 500 kW each that run alternately to maximise efficiency (designer's data sheet; Superyacht24).
-
Privacy and flow: a central staircase and elevator, with a dumbwaiter up to the flybridge, separate guest and crew circulation; crew quarters have private access and an independent mess (BOAT International).
-
Calm interiors: the renders show white lacquer, light marble and soft grey textiles, with integrated linear lighting and full-height windows to the sea.
Life aboard
- Up to eight guests in five cabins, as drawn: a 67 m² owner's cabin forward on the main deck with walk-in closet, dinette and owner's bathroom with steam shower; two VIP cabins and two twin guest cabins on the lower deck
- Main deck: lower lounge and bar, an aft pool and sun deck
- Deck +1: dining saloon with sky galley, wheelhouse and ship's office
- Upper deck: panoramic gym; flybridge planned as an "open-air living room" with pool, bar and dining (BOAT International)
- Crew of 12, with captain's and first officer's cabins and four crew twin cabins
Toys and equipment
The designer's data sheet lists an inflatable boat, two jet skis, a U-Boat Worx Nemo submarine, two Polaris Sportsman quads, a four-seat Can-Am, an off-road vehicle, eight windsurf and paddle boards, four canoes, four bikes, ski storage, an 8.9 m² dive and scuba room and an 18.5 m² operating and emergency room. Press coverage also mentions a 7.5 m tender and two snowmobiles in the garage (BOAT International).
Specifications
Designer's data sheet: Polar Class 7 (PC7), Lloyd's Register / RINA. Length overall 56.73 m (186 ft), waterline length 56.10 m. Beam 10.61 m (35 ft), depth 4.55 m, draft 2.16 m (7.1 ft), 921 GT, displacement 700 t. Steel hull and aluminium superstructure. Cruising speed 12 knots, maximum design speed 17 knots, range 5,000 nm at 12 knots. Two Volvo IPS40 Full Electric Double Engines (1,000 kW each) and three Volvo D13 generators (500 kW each). Fuel 100 m³ for navigation (240 l/h at 12 knots) plus 33 m³ for ship services (50 l/h), fresh water 34 m³, watermakers 2 × 500 l/h, grey water 26 m³, waste 8 m³. Eight guests, 12 crew.
Project status
AWAHA 160 is a design project: shipyard to be determined and build to be confirmed. Layout, specification and finishes can still be developed around the owner's brief. Ask us for the full general arrangement and an indicative build budget.
