“I love experiencing wilderness in comfort, and Latitude has been the perfect vessel for that,” says owner Anil Thadani.
The 45-metre Vripack-designed yacht has carried him across some of the world’s harshest environments since he purchased her in 2013.
Thadani, a passionate photographer, originally sought to capture a polar bear in the wild. He succeeded and kept returning north.
Latitude became the third yacht ever to cross the Northwest Passage wilderness in both directions in consecutive years.
She also circumnavigated the Svalbard Archipelago, coming within 500 miles of the North Pole, cementing her place in yachting history.
Choosing the Right Vessel
Thadani inspected 27 boats before choosing Latitude. He wanted a strong, reliable design without needing full ice-class certification.
“When I saw her build quality, I was impressed,” he recalls. “The name was perfect, too.”
Latitude offered a 60-metre interior feel within 45 metres, just under 500 GT. For Thadani, it was ideal.
“She blends practical crew access with great social spaces and privacy,” he says. “Her sundeck is still the best around.”
Proven Performance
Captain Sean Meagher commanded Latitude for five years. He highlights the crew’s loyalty and the yacht’s ability in extreme conditions.
“On our first 126-day trip, the crew was untested. Latitude still proved exceptional time after time,” he explains.
Even when surrounded by Arctic ice, Meagher trusted her capabilities fully. “I never felt beyond the boat’s limits.”
Beyond the Arctic
Latitude was not conceived as an expedition yacht. Timmerman Yachts built her in 2008 with Vripack’s design and naval architecture.
However, she surpassed expectations worldwide. After the Arctic voyages, she logged 175,000 nautical miles through the Pacific, New Zealand, and Europe.
She cruised Indonesia six times, exploring Papua and the Solomon Islands to satisfy Thadani’s passion for diving.
Designed for Adventure
Thadani replaced her sauna with a $250,000 dive room featuring nitrox compressors and a direct swim platform setup.
“I’ve logged over 1,100 dives from Latitude,” he says. “We fill six tanks in ten minutes.”
Other upgrades included a forward jacuzzi, a large al fresco dining area, and a master suite cinema.
In 2025, Latitude received a full technical refit, including new drive shafts and all-new electrical wiring.
A Yacht That Changed a Life
“My plan was five years of wilderness adventures, then a sale,” Thadani admits. “Thirteen years later, I still can’t let go.”
For him, Latitude represents freedom. “My happiest days have been with her. Selling her will be my saddest.”
His wildlife portfolio now includes polar bears, narwhals, orcas, walruses, Arctic foxes, musk ox, falcons, and puffins.
Vripack’s Design Philosophy
Vripack, founded in 1961, has delivered over 8,000 designs. The Dutch studio blends beauty with functionality through naval expertise.
Their holistic approach challenges convention, guided by close client collaboration and open knowledge sharing.
“Every Vripack design is an opportunity for something extraordinary,” says Meagher.
Latitude stands as proof.