Imagine a vessel tough enough to crush through Arctic ice, yet luxurious enough to boast a world-class spa and gourmet dining experiences. This is Legend — the 77.4-meter explorer yacht with an extraordinary history, available for charter with EYOS Expeditions.

  • A Legendary History

Legend’s incredible capabilities are rooted in her rich history. The yacht began her life as a Soviet icebreaking tug, built in 1974 to withstand the harshest polar conditions. She also saw commercial service conducting acoustic research. In 2002, she was first converted into the private yacht Giant after a 30-month refit that required rebuilding the yacht from scratch, thus beginning her chapter as a luxury yacht. 

Her later, second rebuild, meticulously led by Icon Yachts under the guidance of visionary Jan Verkerk, is a story in itself. In 2007, she caught fire, with extensive damage to the bridge and the owner’s suite. This required many parts of the ship to be stripped down to bare steel. She sat until 2013 when Verkerk and a crew of eight joined the vessel in Italy to prepare her for a voyage to shipyard in Holland. In what Verkerk described as “the equivalent of a 5-year survey,” he and the crew had to inspect and clean out all fuel tanks, drydock the vessel, overhaul the sea valve, and get inspected and approved to sail by the authorities. They then sailed the skeleton ship to Holland where work began reimagining the yacht. 

Fast forward to 2016, and she was reborn as a state-of-the-art expedition yacht. Building upon her sturdy design and functionality, the team added elegant interiors and modern expedition capabilities so that she now serves as the ultimate polar exploration vessel, offering unparalleled adventure to some of the world’s most remote destinations.

Photo: Justin Hofman
  • Unmatched Capabilities for Ultimate Exploration

Legend is built for the most challenging environments on Earth. Originally designed as a Class 1 icebreaker, she is equipped to venture deep into polar waters, safely navigating through thick ice and rough seas. Her hull is reinforced, and her powerful engines and stabilizers ensure smooth sailing even in the most unpredictable conditions.

But it’s not just about the technical capabilities. With EYOS, your journey on Legend includes an expedition crew of industry-leading expedition guides,  marine biologists, dive guides, and even a helicopter pilot — all ready to help you explore the world’s most remote corners. The yacht’s submarine, snowmobiles, and helicopters provide unparalleled access to landscapes and wildlife that few ever get to see.

Photo: Shelton DuPreez
  • Luxury at the Edge of the World

While Legend’s exterior is rugged, her interior is nothing short of lavish. Designed with exploration in mind, the yacht features 11 elegant cabins, each inspired by different global cities. Relax in the Balinese spa, enjoy a movie in the vintage-inspired cinema, or savor a drink in the whisky bar — complete with 2,500-year-old ice harvested from Antarctica.

Guests can work out in the yacht’s gym with panoramic ocean views or unwind in the 16-person spa pool while sailing between icebergs. Dining aboard Legend is an experience unto itself, with gourmet meals prepared by top chefs using the finest local ingredients.

Photo: Christopher Scholey
  • Chart Your Course with EYOS

Chartering Legend with EYOS means more than just a journey; it’s an expedition designed specifically for you. Want to wake up beside an emperor penguin colony in Antarctica? Or ski from summit to sea in Greenland with access to prime heli-ski terrain? EYOS creates personalized itineraries, ensuring every day aboard Legend is filled with unforgettable experiences.

EYOS’s decades of experience, deep knowledge of polar environments, and commitment to sustainability makes for a natural partner for your adventure. Seasoned expedition leaders and expert guides will lead you safely through the world’s most extreme and beautiful destinations, turning your journey into a story you’ll tell for years to come.

Photo: Justin Hofman
  • Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Few yachts are as equipped as Legend for exploring the farthest reaches of the globe — and even fewer partners as experienced as EYOS in delivering a truly exceptional expedition. Whether you dream of traversing the Antarctic ice, diving into the deep blue with a submersible, or simply enjoying the quiet luxury of an Arctic sunset, EYOS Expeditions and Legend are ready to take you there.

Don’t just visit the world’s last wild places — experience them with the experts. Contact us at [email protected] to charter Legend with EYOS Expeditions and embark on the adventure of a lifetime.