No wonder Ferrari red accents appear throughout Aria S. The first A100 from Arcadia Yachts belongs to a race-car driver. No wonder, too, that he liked the builder’s emphasis on smart performance. The A100 takes advantage of solar power to reduce emissions and fuel consumption.
Like the other Arcadia Yachts models, the A100 employs abundant solar panels. (See the checkerboard effect in the master suite, below). They cover nearly the entire superstructure of the 102-footer (31.06-meter). The panels are connected to a battery bank. The batteries, in turn, send electricity to various systems and creature comforts. In fact, Arcadia Yachts says lighting, air conditioning, and other necessities can run off solar power while the batteries recharge. Furthermore, the builder says each solar panel aboard Aria S produces nearly 5 kw of energy. That’s 40 percent more than the panels on previous deliveries.
Of course, solar power means less reliance on gensets. Related to this, it also means lower fuel consumption. Lightweight construction, including the mostly glass superstructure, reduces fuel burn as well. And, it also affords the A100 a more modest engine package. Twin 1,000-hp MANs are aboard, which still permit a reported 16-knot cruise. The shipyard says she consumes about 40 gph (150 lph) at 14 knots, quite efficient.
While the A100 offers four or five staterooms, Aria S has the five-cabin layout. This places the master on the main deck. If the owner opted for the four-stateroom design, a family room would take its place. Either way, the megayacht has an open-plan saloon and dining area. The full-height glass all around makes the space bright. Another benefit: sliding side doors leading out to balconies. Arcadia Yachts does not include these on its other models. (On an interesting side note, it constructs the balconies of aluminum. The rest of the yacht is fiberglass.) Complementing all of these is a 25-foot (7.75-meter) beam.
Very Important People will appreciate the VIP stateroom. The owner of Aria S wanted a true suite, with a lounge/ office, a TV area, plus two baths. Furthermore, the suite converts into two cabins thanks to a central sliding bulkhead. These same VIPs, and other guests, get to enjoy a convertible upper deck as well. Left open, it’s a typical open-air flying bridge, with a hardtop. Alternately, glass walls can surround it—similar to how car windows rise.
Fitting, for a Ferrari-inspired ride.
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