Built for the long haul: Bering’s BC60 aluminium explorer takes shape

Bering Yachts has presented the first hull of its BC60 aluminium explorer catamaran, marking the shipyard’s move to a twin-hull platform while retaining the long-range capability and structural robustness associated with its established explorer vessels. The 18.9-metre vessel has already been delivered and is afloat, with founder and CEO Alexei Mikhailov providing a detailed walkthrough of its design and onboard systems.

Measuring 18.9 metres (60 feet) in length overall, with an 8.6-metre beam, the BC60 is designed as a displacement explorer rather than a high-speed production catamaran. Its all-aluminium construction, shallow draft and substantial fuel capacity are intended to support extended passages and greater autonomy at sea.

The vessel has a draft of 1.58 metres and carries more than 13,500 litres of fuel, enabling a range of over 3,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 8 knots. Fresh-water capacity is approximately three cubic metres, while the grey-water and black-water tanks each hold 1,500 litres.

“We took the DNA we already proved on the B72 and B88 - range, reliability, quiet running and the ability to stay self-sufficient for extended periods — and applied it to a catamaran platform,” Mikhailov explained during the walkthrough. “This is not a leisure cat, it is a displacement exploration machine.”

Aluminium construction underpins expedition design

The BC60 applies Bering’s established explorer philosophy to a twin-hull configuration, with the vessel’s layout designed to accommodate the equipment and storage required for extended journeys.

Its unusually deep sponsons house a two-level engine-room arrangement, providing accessible space for generators, watermakers, sewage-treatment equipment and other onboard systems. The configuration also helps isolate noise and vibration from the living spaces, supporting comfort during longer passages.

Protected running gear and attention to structural integrity further reflect the vessel’s safety-oriented design approach. The aluminium construction and resulting weight distribution also allow the BC60 to accommodate a fully enclosed flybridge that functions as a second salon.

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Spacious accommodation and an enclosed flybridge

The main deck features a spacious salon with a full helm station offering 360-degree visibility. A professional galley is arranged on both sides of the space and equipped for practical onboard use.

One spacious chamber accommodates the master room, which features space to walk around the bed, panoramic windows, a walk-in wardrobe and an en-suite bathroom with a full shower. The opposite sponson contains two guest cabins, each with its own bathroom.

The layout also includes a dedicated crew cabin, laundry and pantry areas, additional refrigeration capacity and extensive storage throughout the vessel. These features are intended to support extended stays aboard, whether the catamaran is owner-operated or managed by a small professional crew.

Above, the enclosed flybridge includes a bar, refrigeration, a day bathroom and 360-degree visibility. The space can be configured as a lounge, gym or office, giving the vessel additional flexibility for life and work at sea.

Designed for extended time at sea

Onboard comfort is a key part of the BC60’s expedition-focused design. Mikhailov highlighted low sound and vibration levels at cruising speed, alongside the storage capacity and onboard systems intended to support self-sufficiency during long passages.

With its 3,500-nautical-mile-plus range, shallow draft and all-aluminium construction, the BC60 brings together the practical requirements of a long-range explorer and the additional space offered by a catamaran platform.

The first hull’s delivery and launch mark the practical realisation of Bering Yachts’ approach to a twin-hull explorer, extending the design principles established in its B72 and B88 models to a new vessel format.

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