Arcadia A96 Yacht Is Solar Powered, Silent in Operation: Photo Gallery

When Arcadia Yachts arrived on the yachting scene, its solar-panel-equipped yachts took many by surprise. Today, they don’t surprise anymore. In fact, other builders are adopting the same technology for the same reason: to power typical “hotel loads.” With the Arcadia A96 yacht as its latest delivery, Arcadia Yachts also continues to attract buyers seeking alternate power methods and better modes of operation.

At 95 feet (29 meters), this megayacht is much like a glass box, with light-filled saloons and other leisure areas on multiple levels. Even the roof over the upper deck brings in light, via solar-cell-equipped glass panels. (The solar cells don’t impede the view of the sky, nor the sun’s ability to brighten the ambience.) Sliding glass doors on the main and upper decks, meanwhile, open up the lounges figuratively and literally. Collectively, 4,306 square feet (400 square meters) of living areas are at owners’ and guests’ feet. The arrangements play into the all-important “blue mind” that makes owners and guests feel serene while at sea.

the Arcadia A96 yacht — ALL PHOTOS: ALBERTO COCCHI

Complementing the feeling, Arcadia Yachts requested that Igor Lobanov of Lobanov Design create a neutral interior backdrop prioritizing natural, eco-friendly materials. Soft curves and rich-lacquered surfaces greet the eyes and hands, with nods to an Art Deco setting. Dark or metallic accents add a bit of pop. The Arcadia A96 yacht presents a setting in which owners and their multi-generational families can make memories together. Just as easily, owners can host important clients should the need or desire arise.

Regardless of who they’re cruising with, owners appreciate the technological advances from Arcadia Yachts and its partners. The already-mentioned solar cells mean less reliance on gensets, for example. They feed the Silent Mode of eight to nine hours of modest electrical use and quiet, even air conditioning. Yet another important consideration, the shipyard selected Volvo Penta’s IPS system for propulsion. For more than a decade, it has proven to consume 30 percent less fuel than traditional diesels. It’s further proven to make yachts more maneuverable. But even that maneuverability wasn’t enough for Arcadia Yachts. It installed Volvo Penta’s heralded Assisted Docking system onboard. Briefly, this is a mix of automated and manual docking, making maneuvering in tight spaces and in various conditions simpler. Docking therefore becomes safer, too.

Additionally, Arcadia Yachts partnered with Garmin to create another technological advantage. It’s a 360-degree camera system using six hull cameras to show everything in the water around you. Simultaneously, it shows how far (or close) obstacles are, calls attention to moving objects, and provides virtual maneuvering guidance.

Peace of mind for captains means peace of mind for owners. From top speeds approaching 24 knots to serene social spaces, the Arcadia A96 yacht aims to deliver that and more.

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