Currently under construction at Redland City Marina, the Delos Explorer 53 is a one-of-a-kind aluminium catamaran designed specifically for long-range adventure. The project was commissioned by Brian and Kaz from the popular YouTube channel Sailing SV Delos, who have been documenting their sailing life for over 15 years and have travelled more than 85,000 nautical miles. Drawing on their vast ocean experience, they envisioned Delos 2.0 as a vessel that would prioritise safety, efficiency, and livability for global cruising.
Why a catamaran?
Brian and Kaz opted for a catamaran due to its generous space and stability – important qualities now that their daughter Sierra is onboard. Their search for the right builder led them to Stradbroke Yachts, a local company based at Redland City Marina and run by expert boatbuilder Dan Schofield. They were drawn to the Stradbroke 53, designed by David DeVilliers from New Zealand, which features a strong aluminium hull ideal for cold-weather sailing, a protected internal helm, and a sleek, modern design.
After first connecting online, Brian and Kaz made the trip to meet Dan and the Stradbroke Yachts team in person. They toured previous builds, talked through their ideas, and quickly felt at home. That visit sparked a genuine connection and gave them full confidence that Stradbroke Yachts was the perfect partner to bring Delos 2.0 to life.
Designed for the Sea with Innovation
Stradbroke Yachts is known for building premium, hand-crafted vessels. Delos 2.0 is being constructed with that same attention to detail. The catamaran incorporates:
- An internal helm for protected navigation
- High bridge deck clearance for improved seakeeping and comfort
- Collision and watertight bulkheads for added security
- A hybrid propulsion setup:
- One side: a Nanni N4.80 diesel engine plus a 25kW electric motor
- Other side: a second 25kW electric motor
- The system supports full-electric, hybrid, and diesel operation
- Regeneration while sailing and a clutch-enabled diesel generator mode
The design of Delos 2.0 favours ruggedness and usability. Instead of standard sail-drives and spade rudders, the boat uses shaft-driven props and rudder skegs that are ideal for beaching and for reducing damage from underwater hazards.
Other innovative features include:
- A roof-integrated rainwater collection system
- Forward lounging seats with panoramic views
- A sailing cockpit at the front for better line control during solo or short-handed sailing
- A fully insulated hull, 6mm plating below the waterline, and CE Class A safety rating
- An outdoor galley and generous aft deck for comfortable outdoor living
Charting a New Course
Set to launch in 2025, Delos 2.0 represents a heartfelt new beginning for Brian, Kaz, and their daughter Sierra—a vessel built not just for adventure, but as a floating home shaped by years of ocean experience and family dreams. Throughout the journey, they’ve been sharing the build on their YouTube channel, giving viewers a rare glimpse into the care, craftsmanship, and collaboration behind the scenes.
With the ongoing support of the experienced team at Redland City Marina, Delos 2.0 is coming to life in a vibrant boating hub right here in the heart of the Redlands. The marina offers a comprehensive range of services, from on-the-ground assistance to marine trade supplies, ensuring every stage of the build runs smoothly. Watching Brian and Kaz bring their dream to life with the skilled team at Stradbroke Yachts has been a true testament to what’s possible when passion meets craftsmanship – right here on the shores of Queensland.
Follow the build: youtube.com/@svdelos
Builder: stradbrokeyachts.com
Location: redlandcitymarina.com.au
