Arcadia Yachts is definitely a different yacht builder. Photo voltaic panels cover its superstructures, for one. Plus, its yachts are more angular and certainly look more rugged. In addition, they put more usable space at buyers’ disposal. All of this puts the Arcadia Sherpa XL, the newest series, into perspective. She’s a 78-footer (23.8-meter)
In fact, her name really comes from the Arcadia Sherpa, which launched in 2016. Measuring about 20 feet (6 meters) smaller, that Sherpa is no less made for owners to venture farther. She does so with great flexibility in interior design.
Sherpa XL picks up on that flexibility. But her real difference comes in how voluminous she looks and feels. For example, her beam pushes 23 feet. That’s more like some 100-footers. In addition, the Sherpa XL puts 2,368 square feet (220 square meters) of inside and outside relaxation space at your feet. Arcadia Yachts claims that’s 25 percent more than most 78-footers.
How you outfit that space is up to you. For ideas, learn from hull number one, currently under construction on spec. The elongated aft deck, Arcadia’s hallmark, offers sunning, seating, and dining areas. Two sets of teak-laid steps take you down to the swim platform. The transom does not house the tender garage, however. Arcadia Yachts and the Sherpa XL’s stylist, Hot Lab Yacht & Design, wanted to preserve the aft areas for enjoyment. So instead, the garage sits forward of the engine room, for side launching.
In terms of flexibility, the Arcadia Sherpa XL offers three or four staterooms. With the former layout, the galley goes below decks. In the latter, though, the galley goes on the upper deck, quite unusually. Both layouts still offer a 237-square-foot (22-square-meter) master stateroom. The sleeping area and en suite bath are open to one another, too (at top). The same is true in the VIP stateroom.
Whether you’re out on deck or lower the windows in the skylounge, the Sherpa XL wants cruising to be a breeze. Volvo Penta IPS propulsion offers good maneuverability and about a third lower fuel consumption. Arcadia Yachts expects a 22-knot max. It also expects upwards of 1,500 nautical miles at 10 knots. Naturally, solar panels can keep the hotel load, except the air conditioning, humming wherever you go.
Your first chance to step aboard the Sherpa XL comes at September’s Cannes Yachting Festival.
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