M/Y 'Abely' – A French Steel Explorer Yacht With True Ocean Pedigree
A freshly refitted 33-metre OCEA explorer with a vertical bow, purposeful design, and Med-ready comfort
There’s something unmistakably serious about M/Y ‘Abely’. At 33 LOA metres, this steel-hulled explorer yacht from French commercial shipbuilder OCEA doesn’t rely on gimmicks or flair to prove her offshore capability. Her upright bow, workboat lines, and understated grey hull signal a capable vessel that is built for real voyaging. But step closer and you’ll notice the refinements that separate her from utility craft; thoughtful details that make her just as suited to a boutique Med charter as a bluewater passage.
Originally launched in 2004 and now fully refitted in 2024, Abely represents a rare proposition: proven global cruising credentials, recently modernised interiors, and all the hallmarks of a serious long-range vessel. She’s charter-ready, but not cut from the same mould as the typical charter fleet.
Let’s take a closer look.
Design and Exterior Form
At first glance, Abely’s beautifully formed hull tells a story of function first. The vertical bow and fine entry are immediately striking; not just stylistically sharp but seakeeping-oriented. That taper forward and subtle flare aft help shed green water, especially in quartering or beam-on seas. These sort of characteristics are born from commercial shipbuilding logic, not styling departments.
The profile is long and lean, with a strong sheerline running almost unbroken to the transom. The wheelhouse is set well aft of the bow, a deliberate, practical choice that improves ride comfort and visibility while allowing for the inclusion of a proper Portuguese bridge. It’s a feature that hints at purposeful passage planning, giving the crew a protected walkway around the pilothouse in rougher conditions.
Above it all sits the well-kitted-out radar mast, an exposed, classic truss-style arrangement that reinforces the yacht’s utilitarian roots. This setup leaves room for upgraded nav gear, including long-range radar, Starlink, and night-vision systems, all of which can be tailored for real passage making. If you’re looking to explore gear options like those seen aboard M/Y ‘Abely’, there’s a curated radar section available in my affiliate store for comparison.
Engineering and Performance
Abely cruises comfortably at around 10 knots, burning approximately 150 litres per hour. It’s not a lightweight coastal cruiser, and that fuel rate reflects the robust steel displacement hull and full liveaboard infrastructure. There’s mention of a top end near 14 knots, but make no mistake, this is an explorer yacht designed to settle into an efficient, low-stress cruise speed that prioritises comfort and range over flash.
With four crew aboard, including a dedicated captain and stewarding staff, she’s set up for hands-off cruising for up to eight guests. The stabilisers at anchor add another layer of comfort, ensuring her performance profile is matched by downtime ease, whether off a Corsican cove or on a longer leg down to the Aegean.
Interior Layout and Liveaboard Functionality
The 2024 refit brings her interiors into a clean, minimalist chapter. Cabins are light and contemporary, with soft textures and careful lighting — a notable contrast to the ruggedness of her exterior. There are four cabins onboard, offering flexible accommodation without crowding the layout. It’s a setup that feels more like a private residence than a chartered suite.
The main saloon takes advantage of her full beam and tall windows, with natural light pouring across understated, comfortable furnishings. There’s an easy sense of openness without ever tipping into sterility. Aft of the saloon, the dining and flybridge areas offer casual yet commanding outdoor spaces equally suited to quiet mornings underway or a full dinner service at anchor.
Helm Station and Operational Detail
Thanks to those upright windows, the pilothouse sits up high and offers near-360-degree visibility. For an owner-operator or charter captain alike, this bridge offers real clarity at sea and when manoeuvring in those tight Med harbours. The Portuguese bridge adds a serious layer of safety, both operationally and symbolically. It reminds you that this boat was built to be driven offshore, not dockside.
Access to machinery and working systems is pragmatic. The exterior walkways are clear and purposeful, and the radar mast has ample clearance for adding or maintaining marine tech without disrupting the vessel’s lines or function.
Conclusion
There’s a growing appetite in the market for explorer yachts that aren’t trying to be something they’re not. Abely fits that demand precisely. She’s a steel, ocean-capable yacht with the track record to prove it and thanks to her 2024 refit, she now balances that proven platform with contemporary comfort. She’s not a fantasy rendered in teak and fabric but a vessel you can genuinely go places on.
Whether you’re looking to charter a boat with real spirit and seakeeping assurance, or to own something beyond the usual fibreglass fare, Abely is worth serious consideration.
She is available for charter in the Western Med this season, starting at €38,000 per week in low season and €48,000 in high season, plus VAT and APA. If you’d like to find out more about chartering this yacht, just reply to this email and I’ll be happy to help.
Abely is also currently listed for sale with ATI Yachts, asking €3,850,000. If you’re interested in learning more about the brokerage listing or would like support navigating a purchase, get in touch.
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