Pictures: Enigma XK: From fisheries patrol boat to luxury yacht

A former fisheries protection vessel has now found a new lease of life exploring the polar regions as the luxury expedition yacht, Enigma XK.

For more than a decade, the Enigma XK was used to protect the fishing grounds off Scotland. Originally called the Norna, the fisheries patrol vessel was built in 1987 by Richards Shipbuilders.

After years of service, the vessel was decommissioned in 2010 and has now been turned into a luxury expedition yacht available for charter.

See pictures of the Enigma XK below

With a study hull and a 5,000nm range, the Enigma XK offers luxury in some of the most inhospitable places in the world. It can be charted, through Eyos Expeditions, to far flung destinations such as the Northwest Passage and Antarctica.

The superyacht’s refit took around two-and-a-half years from the first preliminary design until completion.

The vessel’s exterior styling was done by Philippe Briand. It included the redesign of the profile with the addition of an owner’s suite forward, a helideck aft and a glass saloon in the middle.

Inside, the yacht’s luxurious interior has been designed by Vitruvius. Up to 12 guests can be accommodated in a master suite, four double cabins and one twin cabin.

The master suite is located just forward of the bridge, and boasts 180-degree views.

The Enigma XK also comes with a wellness room, a fitness room and a 360° glass main salon, allowing guests to view the scenery in comfort.

A small spa pool is located immediately aft of a protected alfresco dining area. Guests can be looked after by up to 19 crew onboard.

The yacht, which is equipped with fin stabilisers, has a cruising speed of 11 knots, a maximum speed of 18 knots.

It is available for charter for 275,000 Euros per week plus expenses.

Following the refit at the Atlantic Refit Center in La Rochelle in France, Enigma XK sailed down the west coast of Africa to Cape Town, before crossing the South Atlantic for a series of Antarctic expeditions.