Archipelago, the relatively new British builder of expedition-class power catamarans, just announced that they’ve sold the first hull of their new 40 with hybrid diesel/electric/solar power.
The new 40, based on the company’s first boat, a 47, will be launched in early 2025. Dr. Stephen Weatherley, an experienced sailor with a PhD in astrophysics who founded the company two years ago, says the new 40 has taken everything in the 47 and made it a bit smaller: “Smaller engines, lower emissions, easier to berth, with all the capability and force needed to get you home after a day, a week, or a month at sea.”
We don’t have details on the power yet, but the company says the new 40 will have a top speed of 25 knots and a range of more than 2,000 nm at displacement speeds using a combination of diesel, electric and solar power with a V-drift shaft. The boat is built with aluminum construction to keep the weight down and because aluminum can be repaired anywhere in the world.
Like the 47, the new 40 has an understated look; its raked lines and inverted windshield give it an almost military appearance.
The 40 is highly customizable, but the standard layout has a master cabin and a VIP cabin with double beds, and a workshop. With a convertible sofa in the salon, it can sleep six people.
Weatherley founded Archipelago in Southampton when he couldn’t find the long-range cruising powerboat he wanted after a lifetime of sailing. He wanted a boat that would go anywhere in the world, and that also was accessible for less-able people. The boats are designed by naval architects at Chartwell Marine and built at the Chartwell yard in the Isle of Wight.
Specs.: LOA: 41′; Beam; 19’; Draft: 2’8”; Disp.: 30,900 lbs.; Fuel: 400 gals.; Water: 132 gals.; Power: diesel/electric/solar.
Read more: http://archipelago-yachts.co.uk
