Billionaires have a knack for identifying what works and what doesn’t. Pickleball is a hit, and many billionaires are jumping on the bandwagon. One American client of the Italian shipyard Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) even commissioned a 165-foot explorer yacht with a full-size pickleball court. It’s no secret that pickleball is America’s fastest-growing sport, often dubbed the new golf due to its affordability and the fact that it’s easier to learn than tennis.
At the owner’s insistence, the second Flexplorer 165 model from CdM was customized to accommodate this unique request, resulting in a truly distinctive explorer yacht. The 164-foot vessel boasts a volume of 499GT and will cater to a tycoon and his active family as they explore remote destinations in comfort. HydroTec is responsible for the exterior design, while Design Unlimited crafts the interiors.
Significant modifications were made to the yacht’s design to incorporate the pickleball court, including extending the overhang on the upper deck and equipping the court with a lightweight carbon-fiber structure and nets to prevent balls from going overboard. The luxury vessel also features viewing areas, ensuring that the sport is enjoyable for both players and guests.
But the Cantiere delle Marche’s FLEXPLORER 165 series masterpiece offers more than just a pickleball court. It boasts exceptional wellness facilities, each designed to provide a luxurious experience. The state-of-the-art gym on the upper deck, the massage area, and the heated pool on the main deck are all crafted with the utmost comfort in mind. The sun deck is home to a thermal therapy space, complete with an ice tub swimming pool that operates between 8 and 12 degrees Celsius, offering a unique and invigorating experience.
The fun never ends for this affluent family, as the yacht is packed with an arsenal of toys and tenders, including three Jet Skis, a seven-meter tender, a smaller tender, and various other toys for unmatched outdoor entertainment. For ease of access, the yacht features a helipad and can reach a top speed of 15 knots. The customized Flexplorer 165 is scheduled for delivery by the Italian yard in late 2027, per Burgess.
