Arcadia Yachts A80 Yacht Packs a Lot Into a Small Package

A yacht of 79 feet (23.98 meters) is mere inches shy of the long-accepted threshold for a superyacht. However, a yacht of that LOA with a main-deck master and an overall 2,691 square feet (250 square meters) of living space should qualify. The first of Arcadia Yachts’ A80 yacht series, already in build, will prove the possibilities. What’s more, the project’s reliance on solar panels, a hallmark of Arcadia Yachts, should appeal to cruisers seeking ways to reduce fuel consumption.

When the shipyard’s management team began planning this yacht, it considered the patchwork of regulations governing popular European cruising waters. Increasingly, countries and the European Union as a whole are restricting anchoring to protect the Posidonia oceanica seagrass species. However, private yachts beneath the 24-meter threshold can still anchor in these areas. Simultaneously, Arcadia Yachts wanted to provide customers with feature combinations typically not found in this LOA.

The already mentioned square footage includes a widebody main deck and a flying bridge, the latter boasting 861 square feet (80 square meters). According to Arcadia Yachts, this makes the A80 yacht flying bridge the largest in this size segment. In fact, a 132-foot (40-meter) semi-custom series from another Italian builder offers the same dimensions up top. Buyers can outfit the flying bridge as they so wish. Hull number one includes a helm along with a dining area that can convert to a TV lounge, all within the semi-enclosed section. Fully out in the open, meanwhile, loose seating and sun lounges await.

While many captains enjoy the elevated position afforded by the flying bridge, the A80 yacht additionally has a first for Arcadia Yachts, a raised pilothouse. This, too, was a strong topic of discussion between the in-house design and management teams. The functional and privacy conveniences of the area are unmistakable. The aesthetics in profile needed to honor Arcadia predecessors, like the Arcadia A96 yacht.

Arcadia Yachts A80 yacht raised pilothouse

The overall interior aesthetics follow closely what the shipyard did with the A96 as well. Warm tones and materials that lend a comforting feel are high on the list. Hull number one further shows off rounded shapes for a more relaxed ambience. Of course, clients can tailor the look to their tastes. They’ll especially appreciate what’s become a symbol of Arcadia Yachts’ projects, that being an opening wall of windows to one side. Slide open the aft glass doors, too, and turn off the air conditioning to enjoy the fresh breezes.

Speaking of air conditioning, Arcadia Yachts has incorporated fuel-saving systems for handling hotel loads since day one. The shipyard says the solar panel capacity aboard the A80 yacht is nearly double that of the A85 series, which debuted in 2010. Secondly, the project employs Volvo Penta’s IPS system, renown for its efficiency. Arcadia Yachts anticipates the A80 being 15 to 25 percent more fuel efficient compared to similar-size yachts with traditional diesels. Two IPS packages are available, the standard one offering an expected 19-knot top speed and 15-knot cruise. At that cruise, you can expect a 500-nautical-mile range. Slowed down to 10 knots, though, you can expect upwards of 800 nautical miles.

With four guest cabins below decks complementing the main-deck master suite, the A80 yacht can handle multiple family generations or groups of friends. Look for hull number one to debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September. Hull number two should start construction soon. Arcadia Yachts intends to limit production to three or four hulls per year as well.

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