Visible for the first time on the Isle of Wight, Arksen’s Project Pelagos still has a ways to go before cruising. However, she’s rapidly approaching her launch date. In fact, her construction team anticipates she’ll be in the water within the next several months.
Arksen dates back only a few years, specifically to 2019. It isn’t so much a yacht builder as it is an adventure and conservation company. “We set out to create a great company; one that could have a profound impact on the lives of the owners of our vessels and that could actively contribute to a better understanding of the oceans,” explains Jasper Smith, the founder. Therefore, while it builds true explorer yachts, it further has a non-profit supporting ocean research and preservation, plus an explorers’ club.
A customer signed a contract for this project September 2021. She’s the second Arksen 85, in build at Wight Shipyard Co. Recently, her bridge deck joined the rest of her structure. The construction team then transferred her into the interior fit-out shed. There, she’s sitting next to hull number one in the series, Project Ocean. That yacht started construction in late 2020.
Arksen’s Project Pelagos will have accommodations for 12 people in six staterooms. The owner is family-oriented, with all of the members possessing adventurous spirits. In fact, they intend to cruise high and low latitudes and undertake transoceanic voyages. Although specifics on the general arrangement and decor remain confidential, the owner is prioritizing sustainable materials.
Supporting their adventurous spirit, Arksen’s Project Pelagos should be capable of a 7,000-nautical-mile range between 9 and 11 knots. Humphreys Yacht Design has engineered her for hybrid propulsion and durability in tough conditions.
Arksen says both Project Pelagos and Project Ocean will be in the water late this year. Since Project Ocean started construction first, she’ll debut at the Düsseldorf Boat Show next January, too.
Arksen arksen.com
Humphreys Yacht Design humphreysdesign.com
Wight Shipyard Co. wightshipyard.com
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