Archipelago just announced that it’s building a new 80-foot explorer yacht that’s designed to go anywhere in the world. The diesel-electric hybrid catamaran has an optional helipad on the roof and room for a 20-foot submarine in the garage.
The new 80 will be the British company’s flagship when it’s completed at the Chartwell yard. The hull is based on Chartwell’s line of ships built for the commercial offshore wind industry.
Dr. Stephen Weatherley, Archipelago’s founder, said the first hull is being built for “a visionary owner” who shares the company’s “passion for pursuing the boundaries of boating.”
The new 80 will carry 5,293 gallons of fuel and is designed to serve as a go-anywhere, do-anything vessel, according to the company. Diesel-electric power is standard, with 20kW solar panels. It will have two e-Motion hybrid diesel-electric systems, with two 1,300-hp MAN diesels, two 250kW electric motors, and 150kWh batteries. If that’s not enough, a paravane kit is optional for more fuel efficiency. Top speed is 30 knots.
The new Archipelago has a Portuguese bridge for security and high bulwarks. The company will customize each yacht, but the first one has an open-plan salon with a bar and day galley and panoramic views. The wheelhouse serves as the cruising headquarters, with another bar and entertaining area; there’s a hot tub aft on the wheelhouse balcony There are cabins for up to 12 guests in the lower accommodations deck.
For adventures, the yacht can carry 16 tons, so there’s room for a variety of RIBs and small boats and expedition gear. The aft deck can be set up for sport fishing, superyacht toys, or simply sun bathing and relaxing.
The Archipelago’s beam is 36 feet and it has a draft of just over 3 feet so it can explore shallow waters around the world.
Read more at http://archipelago-yachts.co.uk
