High-End Archipelago Vessel A80, Driven by Multi-Source Energy, Currently Under Construction
Archipelago Yachts Commences Construction of Hybrid-Powered A80 Motorcat
British explorer yacht brand Archipelago Yachts has initiated the construction of its new hybrid-powered A80 motorcat. The all-aluminium 24m (79ft) vessel sports a plumb-bowed tri-deck design with a shallow draft, enabling it to access locations inaccessible by deeper-draft monohull craft.
This long-range explorer yacht boasts a parallel hybrid drivetrain consisting of twin 250kW electric motors, 150kWh of battery power, 20kW of solar panelling, a pair of 1,300hp MAN diesels, a 180kW generator, and a 20,000-litre fuel capacity. The hybrid system allows for silent, emissions-free cruising at slow speed without compromising range or performance, with a top speed estimated close to 30 knots and a range of up to 5,500nm.
Carrying capacity is another crucial aspect of the Archipelago A80. With a maximum beam of 33ft (11m) and a quoted payload of 16 tonnes, the vessel can accommodate a wide range of toys, tenders, and even a touch-and-go helipad. Archipelago CEO Dr Steve Weatherley revealed that the first boat would also feature a special long-reach aft crane, tie-down eyes for a 20ft container, another crane on the foredeck, and a spa-pool.
The main and upper decks feature wide walkaround side decks, with no side doors on either level on hull No1. The main deck saloon emphasizes lounge and dining areas, while a secondary helm station supplements the main bridge on the deck above. The upper deck houses a sky-lounge and bar.
Construction of the aluminium hull began in Vietnam. The vessel's naval architecture comes from British firm Chartwell Marine, with various cabin configurations possible in the hulls depending on owner requirements. The first boat will feature an ensuite owners' double amidships in the port hull, a forward crew cabin for up to four people and a crew mess/galley aft in the starboard hull, and two ensuite VIP doubles in the starboard hull, along with a captain's ensuite double.
The Archipelago A80's prices begin at around £5 million excluding taxes, with the first boat due to launch in spring next year. Although focused on sustainability and exploration, the motorcat still offers luxurious living quarters, a modern interior, and advanced navigation systems, ensuring an enjoyable voyage for its passengers.
- The A80 motorcat, a new venture by Archipelago Yachts, sports a tri-deck design with a shallow draft, accommodating locations not accessible by deeper-draft monohull craft.
- The vessel's hybrid power system, consisting of twin electric motors, solar panels, diesels, a generator, and a large fuel capacity, promises both environmental friendliness and high performance, with a top speed near 30 knots and a range of up to 5,500nm.
- The A80's carrying capacity is expansive, capable of accommodating various toys, tenders, and even a helipad, thanks to its considerable beam and substantial payload.
- The yacht's main and upper decks offer wide walkaround side decks with no side doors on either level on the first hull, prioritizing space for lounge and dining areas, a secondary helm station, a sky-lounge, and a bar.
- The construction of the aluminum hull commenced in Vietnam, meticulously designed by British firm Chartwell Marine, offering various cabin configurations depending on the owner's demands.
- The first boat of the A80 series will feature an ensuite owners' double amidships in the port hull, a forward crew cabin for up to four people, a crew mess/galley aft in the starboard hull, and two ensuite VIP doubles along with a captain's ensuite double in the starboard hull.
- With a price tag starting at around £5 million excluding taxes, the Archipelago A80 blends sustainability and exploration with luxury living quarters, a modern interior, and advanced navigation systems, serving up an enjoyable voyage for its passengers, embellishing their lifestyle on the high seas with sporty performance and cutting-edge technology.
