New Arcadia Sherpa XL ready for world debut at 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival
by Alice Paniccia 28 Jun 2019 04:15 PDT
It has been ten years since the first A85 was presented to the public, marking the introduction of new concept of yacht. During these ten years, Arcadia Yachts has gained a starring role on the stage of international yachting, delivering about 30 vessels and always placing owners and their needs at the heart of every project.
Arcadia Yachts is therefore preparing to celebrate its tenth anniversary with the world debut of the new SHERPA XL at 2019 the Cannes Yachting Festival (10-15 September), confirming the innovative role of the Italian shipyard with features typical of the 85-90 feet segment.
From "Mysterious Item" to trend-setter in 10 years
From solar panels that allow to reduce generator use when at anchor to the large, thermally insulated windows and the high-efficiency semi-planing hull (which allows to considerably reduce fuel consumption), everything aboard Arcadia yachts is designed to provide a unique experience of life at sea in close contact with the surrounding environment. Arcadia Yachts is still continuing to invest in research and development so that it can always be a leader in the creation of yachts in which sustainability, design, conviviality, safety and ease-of-use are balanced to perfection.
The open areas on every Arcadia yacht allow to become fully part of the marine environment, while the larger than mainstream players aft-decks unite the yacht and the sea, as if the sea itself were a natural extension of the yacht. The full-height windows, the side openings and the innovative glass panels (which can be lowered and raised like car windows) generate spaces in which the threshold between inside and outside becomes imperceptible, while closed spaces dissolve and are absorbed by the surrounding natural environment.
In Arcadia yachts, the natural environment is more than just celebrated - it is also, and perhaps most importantly, respected. The large openings limit the use of air conditioning thanks to pleasant sea breezes that can freely blow through the yacht. The solar panels integrated in the top of the yacht reduce generator use, which also allows to better appreciate natural sounds when at anchor. The use of cutting-edge glass panels with considerable thermal insulation bears witness to the shipyard's commitment to maintaining its environmental principles.
Celebrating an anniversary with a great world debut
The SHERPA XL (the successor of SHERPA) is another step in the growth process of Arcadia philosophy, giving life to a new line of yachts next to the historical A line.
The spaces inside the new SHERPA XL efficiently use every inch of the vessel's 24-metre overall length and (especially) the approx. 7-metre beam, which is greater than the average 6.4 metre beam of yachts in the 85-90 feet category available on the market. This means that the overall living area is 220 square metres inside and outside thanks to the side garage solution.
The concept of the SHERPA XL, developed with the Milan-based Hot Lab design studio (which had previously worked with Arcadia Yachts on the interiors of the A105) develops around the arrangement of the decks. The bow decks are staggered, so there is one central staircase with reduced height differences. This unusual layout has permitted to achieve large spaces in a limited height, arranging volumes in unusual ways.
The direct relationship with the sea (which has always been one of the distinguishing traits of Arcadia philosophy) is enhanced in the cockpit, which is connected to the stern platform by a short set of scenic steps. These steps create an interlocking pattern between the narrow topside and the low volume that supports the sundeck. This large space, nearly 65 square metres in size, is unencumbered and can be enjoyed at any time of the day. The shipyard's ability to create, forward of the engine room, a side garage large enough to house a tender of 4 metres (or more) in length, means the platform is always clear. This is a considerable advantage in terms of elegance and comfort compared to the currently available items in the 85-90 feet segment.
The topsides along the cockpit have openings that allow guests to fully enjoy the view while relaxing on sofas or sitting at the table (which is large enough to seat eight to ten people in the optional version). The trait d'union between interiors and exteriors, which highlights the relationship with the sea and the surrounding environment, is definitely the skylounge (34 sq.m.), where, thanks to the fully up & down windows, simply touching a button is enough to directly enjoy the sea breeze - the best air conditioning you could wish for.
The 35 square metre sunlounge in the upper deck has a bar area that stresses the open-air philosophy of the SHERPA XL. This entire area (unlike traditional fly decks with wheelhouse) is dedicated entirely to guests, providing privacy. The regular shape of the sunlounge allows to have multiple solutions with items supplied loose.
Simple geometries at the service of volumes
The strong interaction with the surrounding environment can also be seen in the design of the interiors, which are characterised by sophisticated furniture set in a dry, essential style, with simple geometries that maximise volumes. The available space is used to its full extent and offers the greatest possible comfort when living aboard.
Different Owners have different needs, so the SHERPA XL has been designed in a three or four cabin version. In the first, an enclosed galley is in the skylounge, whereas in the three-cabin version it is in the lower deck. In both versions, great care has been given to ensuring an efficient onboard service that is also discreet, by separating the guest areas from the crew service quarters. There are special pathways reserved for the crew (up to three members), ensuring levels of privacy typically found on larger yachts.
The master cabin is over 22 square metres in size and merges seamlessly with the bathroom. There are no partitions, so Owners can enjoy a space with a domestic touch - large, open and full of light in particular thanks to panoramic windows in the hull. The VIP cabin in the bow follows the same principle and succeeds in expanding the perceived space in an almost theatrical manner.
Performance and fuel consumption
The main standard engines are a pair of Volvo Penta IPS 1050 (but more powerful engines can be installed, up to two IPS 1350, as in this first vessel currently under construction). The yacht can reach a top speed expected between 18 and 20 knots. It has a considerable estimated range - cruising at 12 knots, the yacht can go over 1,000 nautical miles, using approximately 30% less fuel compared to other vessels in this category and in the 85-90 segment. The estimated range rises to over 1,500 nautical miles at a speed of 10 knots.
To reduce its environmental impact to a minimum by using renewable energy, the SHERPA XL is equipped with solar panels (Arcadia's trademark) that ensure 3 kW of clean energy (enough to power the main hotellerie services on board). Because even minimal actions repeated many times can provide great benefits to the environment, SHERPA XL has low consumption devices and LED lighting.