This is the last edition of the CDM Experience for the year, and a particularly meaningful one, as it stands as a tangible testament to what we are capable of achieving together.

As 2025 draws to a close, it is clear that this has been a true turning point for Cantiere delle Marche. It has been a year of consolidation and growth, marked by significant achievements, a steadily strengthening global reputation, and important challenges, each met with the same straightforward attitude and determination that have defined us since the shipyard was founded 15 years ago. Without indulging in self-celebration, it is fair to acknowledge that the past 15 years have been truly extraordinary for everyone involved.

By now, it is widely recognised that all explorer yachts built by Cantiere delle Marche are conceived for genuine exploration, designed to reach the most remote areas of the world and to perform exactly as intended, wherever they operate. Many of them have already completed extraordinary voyages, including ocean crossings, circumnavigations and expeditions to the 'forgotten' corners of our planet. No issues have ever been reported, and we have consistently received enthusiastic feedback from both Owners and Captains. We are proud of their achievements… and of ours.

Today we are glad to share with you the Flexplorer 146 Maverick's journey at the highest latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere.

Maverick, more precisely Lt. Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, left the shipyard in Ancona in spring 2024 for a seven-year journey. After spending her first summer cruising the Mediterranean, she transited the Suez Canal and wintered between Egypt and Saudi Arabia. In early March 2025, Maverick returned to the Mediterranean and, after passing through the Strait of Gibraltar, both metaphorically and physically ventured beyond the Pillars of Hercules, heading north. The objective was to reach the highest latitudes, spending months surrounded by sea, sky and ice.
They did it.

As you will read in the following articles, this voyage became a journey of discovery in every sense. The Schröders, Tom, Jeannine and their four sons, 3 of them in their early twenties accompanied by their partners, and the crew, tested their resilience while living in what are considered (alongside a few deserts) the harshest and most hostile environments on Earth. They discovered the magic of the North, found poetry in its pristine landscapes, and achieved a precious balance as a family and as a group of people living closely together for weeks.

"Maverick has navigated safely through treacherous waters, moving with strength and grace across icy seas, floes and in close proximity to imposing icebergs."

Maverick has navigated safely through treacherous waters, moving with strength and grace across icy seas, floes and in close proximity to imposing icebergs. She has proven what we already knew: she is a true, robust explorer yacht, equipped with all the features required to ensure safe passages in sub-polar and polar regions.

We could not be prouder of what Maverick has achieved to date. Her performance stands as the strongest possible testament to the quality, engineering excellence and uncompromising spirit that define Cantiere delle Marche explorer yachts: vessels conceived, built and proven to go further, safely and confidently, wherever true exploration demands.

Take your time to read the interviews with those at the heart of this journey and lose yourself in the white wilderness through the hauntingly beautiful photographs and videos by Tom van Oossanen.

Best wishes