People with a real wanderlust (and deep-enough pockets) have access to some of the most capable and rugged personal explorers ever built – these awesome vessels blur the line between commercial ships and luxury private yachts, and are meant to give their owners a real taste of adventure. One of the finest examples is currently up for grabs, fresh out of a comprehensive refit that has upgraded its looks while keeping the rugged capabilities it was built for.
During the world health pandemic that began in 2020, some ultra-rich yacht owners made waves after enjoying the privilege of sailing off and remaining privately isolated onboard their stunning floating mansions. Beyond the controversy, what stays notable is that certain private yachts, which weren’t even available a few decades ago, have such an impressive autonomy combined with premium comfort that they become off-grid private sanctuaries in their own right.
Avalon is one of the best examples. Launched as part of a transoceanic explorer range, Avalon is both a superb luxury yacht and a rugged vessel built to travel to the most remote places on earth and withstand extensive periods of time on the water with no access to refueling infrastructure and supplies. This is the type of new-generation boat that modern nomads love – it’s like a personal expedition ship with the uncompromising comfort of a luxury yacht.
Originally launched as Mazu (the Chinese deity that patrons over fishermen and sailors), this 2012 explorer was the second hull in the TransOcean explorer range developed by the Shanghai-based Cheoy Lee shipbuilder. The first unit was the 2007 Marco Polo, sporting a striking dark green hull. Mazu was just as striking, with its red hull. Both yachts were designed by the acclaimed Ron Holland, who was commissioned by Roland Sturm.
Photo: Drettmann Yachts
Sturm, a German real estate developer, had worked previously with Holland on an Abeking &Rasmussen sailing yacht. When he decided to upgrade to a motor yacht that could explore the world, he commissioned Holland to design it and Cheoy Lee to build it. The family-operated Cheoy Lee was one of the oldest shipyards in China, with a massive experience in commercial ships of various kinds, and that would eventually include luxury yachts as well.
Marco Polo was the first motor yacht designed and built for Roland Sturm, and it quickly became a proven world cruiser, with more than 30,000 nautical miles under its belt just in the first two years. Mazu was intended to be the upgraded version, with more than one meter added to its length, and tankage of more than 65,000 liters. Sturm eventually left the project before it was completed, but Mazu came to life anyway and was quickly sold and renamed Qing.
This 46-meter (150.9 feet) explorer is built for a 6,600-nautical mile range, and it was proven to withstand six to eight months of continuous travel, basically operating as a self-sufficient home away from home. In more than a decade, it has cruised in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Australia, Alaska, the Atlantic, and many parts of the Pacific, gaining the status of a proven world traveler.
In addition to the rugged build, these capabilities are owed to the unique propulsion system developed by the legendary Ron Holland. The system combines a single Caterpillar 3512B engine with an integrated Schottel drive and separate fuel cells that are housed in a second, dedicated machinery space located forward.
Photo: Drettmann Yachts
This second system ensures a unique level of redundancy, meaning that it can produce up to six knots of speed alone, even in the event of a main engine malfunction. Because the retractable Schottel thruster is located separately, it remains safe in the case of any main engine room deficiency, and it’s powerful enough to propel the entire ship back home. Plus, it also improves maneuverability during docking.
The single-engine plus the Schottel drive system was inspired from the world of commercial shipping, where the Cheoy Lee shipyard has used it intensively. Other modifications to improve fuel efficiency were also derived from commercial shipbuilding. Huge storage capacities, as well as a 2.5-ton crane on the foredeck for handling heavy water-toy equipment are also part of Avalon’s mandatory explorer capabilities.
During the original build and testing, it was confirmed that at 12 knots, the explorer burned only 155 liters per hour, which was approximately 35 percent less than a two-engine yacht with a similar displacement volume. In addition to being highly fuel-efficient, the yacht was also equipped with fuel tank capabilities of up to 65,000 liters (17,170 gallons), enough to support its monster range of more than 6,500 nautical miles.
After it changed hands in 2024 and renamed Avalon, the Chinese-built explorer underwent a comprehensive refit that transformed its look. The new owners pumped more than €3 million into the 2025/2026 refit that justifies a current price tag of €16,9 million ($19 million). The most obvious is the hull transformation, which changed from the original red paint to a deep navy blue color with a red boot stripe and white superstructure.
Photo: Drettmann Yachts
Some of the biggest upgrades include a rebuilt galley, a rebuilt swim platform, a new awning system, and the overhaul of all three generators. In terms of interior style, the original design was refreshed and modernized with a neutral color palette, but still keeping some of the original Asian-inspired accents.
The original layout was influenced by the technical requirements, which is why is differs from that of a typical motor yacht. The full-beam owner’s suite is located on the aft bridge deck, and the four guest cabins on the lower deck, accommodating up to 11 guests. One of the cabins has a flexible, convertible design that can switch from a gaming room to a nanny cabin. A dedicated cinema and a gym were also added to a multi-functional main salon.
Judging by the elegant color palette and contemporary aesthetic with precious materials such as Macassar ebony veneer and walnut flooring, it would be hard to view this is a rugged world explorer. Still, this is one of the main triumphs of new-generation, purpose-built private explorers: they are every bit as luxurious as conventional pleasure craft, but fully capable of autonomous cruising to remote locations at the same time.
Photo: Drettmann Yachts
The nine-month refit, which was the most comprehensive one yet for this 2012 yacht, was finalized this past summer. Avalon emerged from its looking sharp and ready for at least another decade of bold expeditions around the world. The owners who invested heavily in its upgrade are now ready to sell it, asking for $19 million – a hefty sum, but entirely worthy of a self-sufficient home on the water and go-anywhere expedition vessel.
