Damen Yachting confirms its 77m Xplorer La Datcha has received the Blue Ocean Club Charter Yacht of the Year 2026 title and the 70m-plus category award.
Damen Yachting announced on 17 September 2026 that its 77-metre Xplorer La Datcha received the overall Charter Yacht of the Year 2026 award from Blue Ocean Club. The vessel also received the organiser's Best Charter Yacht 70m+ category award, with the selection drawn from 25 finalists across five yacht-size classes.
These are the conclusions of Blue Ocean Club's own editorial yacht awards, not an independent rating or a completed transaction. The organiser published the results online earlier in September, while Damen's subsequent announcement provides the builder's confirmation of the outcome.
La Datcha was delivered by Damen Yachting in 2020 and was designed for operation in both polar and tropical cruising regions. The builder describes Ice Class and IMO Polar Code compliance, reflecting the operating brief behind the yacht's expedition-oriented equipment and systems.
Her equipment includes helicopter facilities, a three-person submersible and diving systems intended to support activities well beyond conventional marina-to-marina cruising. The organisers highlighted that destination range and expedition capability in explaining their selection, though actual activities remain dependent on conditions, permissions and crew planning.
The yacht accommodates 12 guests across six suites, complemented by an observation lounge, spa, beach club and dedicated expedition spaces. Blue Ocean Club's published 2026 snapshot also lists 18 crew members, while charter rates and availability require confirmation for individual dates and itineraries.
For owners and charter clients, the announcement illustrates how an expedition yacht can combine specialist equipment with traditional guest facilities. An editorial award is not a substitute for checking the yacht's current specification, certification, operating area and contractual charter terms before booking.
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