The glasshouse fleet is growing

Arcadia Yachts is the name of the Italian shipyard based in Torre Annunziata near Naples, which has celebrated successes over the past five years with the construction of the 24-metre Arcadia 85 (issue 4/2010) and the 35-metre Arcadia 115 (4/2012). The Mediterranean, the US coasts and China are now among the core markets of the still young company, which builds yachts in modern halls covering 36,000 square metres. With their extremely unusual design, the Arcadia formats appeal to owners who want to get as much volume out of as little yacht length as possible. In contrast to the unusually angular and striking styling of the glass superstructures, the shipyard's own creative team opted for a maximally minimalist interior, which is predominantly furnished with Poltrona Frau furniture and always appears warm and inviting despite its straightforwardness.

The advantage of the glass superstructures, which are reminiscent of greenhouses, is obvious: the main and upper decks are flooded with natural light and the views from the sofa areas are unrivalled, and not just for this size of yacht. Most of the superstructure consists of several layers of laminated glass (clear glass, tinted glass and another double layer of clear glass), and the Arcadia engineers integrated photovoltaic systems from Schüco into the roof.

Arcadia Yachts is optimistic about the near future and is focussing on expansion. In addition to the two existing models, three further yacht sizes are to be added to the portfolio. The 31.06 metre long Arcadia 100 is intended to enrich the semi-planing market, while the 44.50 metre long Arcadia 145 and the 46 metre displacement Arcadia 150, which has so far only been presented as a concept, will be pure displacement yachts. In contrast to the GRP semi-gliders, the two large formats will be made of steel/aluminium and built in Viareggio. The main difference between the two large new models lies in their styling. While the Arcadia 150, which was presented just a few weeks ago, is clearly reminiscent of Explorer formats with its long, open aft deck and the superstructure moved to the front third of the yacht, the Arcadia 145 design blends in with the existing fleet. All three new models are the brainchild of Arcadia's chief designer Francesco Guida, who was also responsible for the lines and styling of the two models already afloat.

The preliminary specification of the Arcadia 150 is still very brief: The 46.72 metre long three-decker is expected to displace 400 tonnes, be approved for eleven passengers and travel at a maximum of 15 knots. Two CAT diesels, each with 1080 kilowatts of power, are to supply Reintjes or ZF propulsion nacelles. The Arcadia 145, which is just over one metre shorter, has very similar technical values. The designers have calculated the displacement of the four-deck aircraft at 400 tonnes, while the volume will be just below the 500 gross tonne limit for regulatory reasons. Two Caterpillar twelve-cylinder engines are also planned as propulsion units. Top speed: 16 knots. The latest generation of solar panels are integrated into the roofs of the upper and flybridge decks and deliver 6 kWh, 25 per cent more than the photovoltaic systems previously installed. The hull of the 31-metre-long Arcadia 100 is made of GRP according to RINA rules, while the superstructure is welded by the Italian yacht builders due to the large glass panes made of aluminium. Owners of the semi-custom semi-glider can choose from four engine options (MAN, MTU, CAT, Volvo Penta), which should be good for a top speed of 18 knots.

At 14 knots, the consumption of the 110-tonne vessel is just 160 litres per hour. Photovoltaic elements also charge the battery banks on board the Arcadia 100 on request and supply the small everyday appliances.