Arcadia new Sherpa XL takes shape
by Arcadia Yachts 21 Mar 2019 09:20 PDT
10-15 September 2019
Moving forward - Arcadia Sherpa XL © Arcadia Yachts
The construction of the first SHERPA XL is proceeding rapidly and is entirely on schedule. The new yacht of the Italian shipyard will be yet again an innovator and a turning heads model with features typical even of the world of 85-90 footers. Its international debut will be at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2019 (10-15 September).
"SHERPA XL retains all of ARCADIA's fundamental brand values - comfort, performance, easy handling, eco-friendly technology and customisation options in terms of layout and décor," says Ugo Pellegrino, the Sole Director of Arcadia Yachts. "This new model is another step towards the creation of a new concept of yacht, which gives the green light to a new line and is not simply a SHERPA on a larger scale. The latter would have been a quicker and easier solution for us, but we fully intend to keep our role as innovators and to continue to push our industry further."
Work in progress status as of March 2019
To date, the shipyard has completed all carpentry work on the new SHERPA XL, as well as finishing the work to connect the hull and deck. At the same time, as scheduled, the electric systems, the insulation layers and the hydraulic and mechanical systems are being installed.
Multiple solutions
The areas on board the new SHERPA XL yacht make the best use of the vessel's 24 metres of length and especially of the beam, which is nearly seven metres (compared to the average 6.3 metres of the 85-to-90-foot yachts on the market), offering an incredible 220 square metres of interior and exterior living space.
The concept of the SHERPA XL yacht, developed in collaboration with the Milan-based Hot Lab design company (which has already worked with Arcadia Yachts on the A105 projects), develops around the layout of the decks. The bow decks are split to develop a central flight of stairs with small differences in height. This particular 'jigsaw' layout provides considerable space in a relatively small height, which allows to obtain interesting results with volumes.
Direct contact with the sea and the surrounding environment, which has always been one the distinguishing traits of the ARCADIA philosophy, is highlighted in the aft cockpit. This area is directly connected to the stern control panel by a short scenic sequence of steps, which gracefully interlock between the narrow topsides and the low volume that supports the sundeck.
Here is a single, free space, nearly 65 square metres in size, available at any time of the day. The shipyard's ability to create, forward of the engine room, a transversal garage with a side hatch that can house a large tender (longer that four metres) allows to have the control area always clear. This is a great advantage in terms of elegance and comfort, which are unique to this yacht even among the vessels in the 85-to-90-foot segment.
The topsides along the whole cockpit have designer openings that allow guests sitting on the sofas or at the table (large enough to host between eight and ten people in the optional version) to fully enjoy the view.
The "trait d'union" between interiors and exteriors, which highlights the relationship with the sea
and the surrounding environment, is definitely the skylounge (34 m2), where the up&down windows allow guests to enjoy the sea breeze by simply touching a button.
On the upper deck, with a 35 square metre sunlounge, a bar area stresses the open-air philosophy of the SHERPA-XL. Unlike traditional fly deck arrangements with an exterior helm station, this area is dedicated entirely to guests and their privacy. The regular shape of the sunlounge means that multiple solutions are possible with "loose supplies".
Simple geometries at the service of volumes
The strong interaction with the surrounding environment is also reflected in the design of the interiors, characterised by essential and sophisticated furniture items, in which simple geometries emphasise volumes, making the best use of the available space and offering the greatest possible comfort when living aboard.
Different owners have different needs. For this reason, SHERPA XL was designed with a four or three cabin layout. In the former, the galley is positioned in the skylounge on the bridge deck, whereas in the three-cabin version it is in the lower deck. In both cases, great attention has been given to ensuring an efficient yet discreet on-board service, by separating the areas reserved for guests from the service areas for the crew (up to three members). The specific corridors and rooms for the crew provide guests with a level of privacy that is typical of larger yachts.
The master suite is over 22 square metres in size and extends into the bathroom, with no dividing partitions, which allows the owner to enjoy an almost home-like setting - large, open and full of light. The VIP cabin in the bow follows the same principle, successfully broadening spatial perception in an almost theatrical manner.
Performance and consumption
The standard engines are twin Volvo Penta IPS 1050 main engines (although it is possible to install two IPS 1350 engines, as in the first unit currently under construction). The yacht can reach a top speed of over 20 knots. It has great autonomy - at 12 knots, the SHERPA XL yacht can sail for over 1,000 miles, using up to 30% less fuel compared to other yachts in the same and 85-to-90foot class. If the speed is kept at 10 knots, the vessel's autonomy is over 1,500 miles.
To minimise environmental impact with renewable energy sources, SHERPA XL is equipped with ARCADIA's trademark solar panels, which provide up to 3kW of clean electricity (sufficient to power all on board systems except for the air conditioning). Additionally, the yacht is fitted with lowconsumption appliances and led lights.