Archipelago Yachts 80 Yacht Series Pushing New Design Boundaries

With a focus on bluewater cruising and the advantages of twin hulls, UK-based Archipelago Yachts is doing something else that sets it apart from other yacht builders. With the recent signing of hull number two in the Archipelago 80 yacht series, it’s incorporating even more features and amenities than you’d expect in this size range.

The series represents the first superyacht from Archipelago Yachts. The builder’s founder, Stephen Weatherley, established it in 2021, unable to find a yacht suiting his preferences. He wanted to enjoy day tripping and fishing, which each require some speed. Simultaneously, he wanted a stable platform in case of encountering sloppy seas. In meeting Chartwell Marine, a naval-architecture studio in Southampton, England, Weatherley learned more about catamarans. Together, they created and launched Archipelago Yachts’ first model, the Archipelago 47.

Archipelago 80 yacht master design details

Using a proven hull form from the offshore wind industry, the Archipelago 80 yacht further has a shallow draft. It’s just 3’3” (1 meter), making it more versatile for owners who anchor in skinny bays. Additionally, the hybrid propulsion package—waterjets are another option—top speed can hit 30 knots.

Hull number two is still in the design stages, although construction should start early next year. Notably, design, engineering, and construction is taking place at a new shipyard on the Isle of Wight fully under Archipelago Yachts’ control. Previously, the company subbed construction to other shipyards. Now, all R&D, particularly for low- and zero-carbon emissions, plus design and manufacturing takes place under its own roof. Additionally, “Bringing the interior design in house allows us to push the boundaries even further,” notes Weatherley. Those boundaries are for both the amenities clients can enjoy plus the technical engineering, he says.

For example, with the new Archipelago 80 yacht, a higher-capacity helipad atop the wheelhouse is possible. Chartwell Marine has calculated that possibility, plus amphibious vehicles and personal subs stowing aboard, too. A hefty crane takes care of launching and retrieving these, along with other watertoys. For the interior, meanwhile, owners can still tailor spaces as they see fit. But to show the possibilities, Archipelago Yachts has several suggestions. Owners who want to put the long range (up to 5,500 nautical miles) to strong use, for instance, will like the much larger galley option. If they have big families or large groups of friends, a passenger capacity of 16 is possible, too. Wellness enthusiasts can request a gym and/or a sauna as well.

“Securing the design contract for our second Archipelago 80 is an exciting moment for the business and a clear reflection of the demand we’re seeing for this platform,” Weatherley says. “It represents another step in our mission to redefine what a sub-24m explorer yacht can be.”

Archipelago Yachts archipelago-yachts.co.uk

Chartwell Marine chartwellmarine.com