The Balearic Islands, the Côte d'Azur, Corsica and Capri are among the favourite destinations of many owners thanks to their beautiful bays and excellent infrastructure. However, due to new laws, boats with an overall length of over 23.99 metres are no longer allowed to anchor in areas close to land in some yachting hotspots in the Mediterranean. This was one reason for Arcadia to launch the A80new with a length of exactly 23.98 metres. "We want owners to be able to enjoy these coasts," says Sales Director Francesco Ansalone. With a draught of just 1.74 metres, the compact Italian can also reach shallower waters.
The A80new is the little sister of the A96
The A80new is the little sister of the A96 Admittedly, the A80new doesn't have any ground-breaking new features, but in principle the design team at the shipyard based on the Gulf of Sorrento has taken the concept from the A96 which Igor Lobanov had put his stamp on. Arcadia has also continued the "holistic well-being for an active but not hectic lifestyle" approach, taking up the "resort yacht" motto. What is unique about her length is above all the combination: a wide-body superstructure for an enormous volume of 131 gross tonnes and 250 square metres of living space, a raised wheelhouse (the first for Arcadia), five guest cabins for larger families or groups of friends as well as accommodation for four crew members with a small mess and two double cabins plus WC and shower in the foredeck.
With the position of the crew quarters and the galley, developed together with Valcucine and directly accessible from there, this layout offers plenty of privacy on both sides and a high level of service. The list of outstanding points in the overall package is rounded off by an above-average fly of 80 square metres. "No competitor currently has a yacht like this in its range," summarises Ansalone.
Why have air conditioning when the sea breeze cools you down?
In keeping with Arcadia's DNA, the designers had to look after the environment wherever possible: The A80new is equipped with solar panels (4.5 kWh output) that deliver a 98 per cent increase in efficiency per square metre compared to the brand's early years. It wasn't just the shorter length that made the new A80, and thus the shipyard, march further in the direction of green yachting, Arcadia's repeatedly invoked green philosophy, which embraces life in harmony with air, sun and water. Energy-efficient systems on board generally fall under this heading. "When large windows are opened on both sides, the sea breeze cools the rooms down," says Ansalone. Air conditioning is then often not necessary.
The drive is also economical. The 78-tonner with two Volvo IPS packages delivers the usual performance in this category, with top speeds of up to 21 knots possible depending on the engine option. Fuel consumption at slow speeds (10 to 17 knots) is between 20 and 40 per cent below the market average, according to the shipyard. Francesco Ansalone announced further figures at the presentation of the new product: "50 litres of diesel per hour at 10 knots and a consumption of 89 litres at 12 knots." These slow speeds are best suited to the shipyard's mobility concept and simply fit in with the idea of a relaxed lifestyle on the water.
Arcadia opted for the IPS system back in 2015, with the benefits including a larger volume in the guest area thanks to its compact dimensions and increased comfort on board. As there is no shaft, there are also fewer vibrations than with other drives. A stabilisation system with electric fins from CMC Marine is installed as standard. Thanks to its massive wide-body hull, the A80new maximises the volume of the master suite. This space on the forward main deck utilises the hull width almost completely. The remaining four suites are distributed symmetrically on the lower deck, two of which have a double bed and could be merged into one suite if desired, "for a family flat", explains Ansalone.
Everything disappears into the integrated storage compartments
As is usual with Arcadia, the main deck is an open space that seamlessly connects the interior and exterior areas and pushes nature in front of the lenses in the highest resolution. This effect is emphasised by the large, wide-opening windows at the stern and on the port side. This allows guests to enjoy the fresh sea breeze and daylight. Mirrors further widen the space, which is inviting thanks to the warm colours and rounded corners. As in the lobby, huge storage spaces, invisibly integrated into the furniture from the outside, swallow up large quantities of utensils. Steps lead up to the compact bridge.
According to the shipyard, the outer decks appear as inviting outdoor salons. The cockpit lounge is well protected from the sun, from here guests can reach the beach club via a few steps. An up & down platform makes it easy to get into the water. Fold-down bulwarks - available as an option - significantly increase the usable area. Nevertheless, there is still enough space for the multifunctional garage, which accommodates a 3.95 metre tender and various sports equipment and, according to Arcadia, is also unrivalled in size.
"The most private area on board" of the Arcadia A80new
Another terrace is located on the aft upper deck. Sunbathing or dancing: here the crew can adapt the free-standing furniture to any situation. The sofa area under the protective hardtop is also flexible and can be transformed into a cinema couch in a few simple steps if required. The screen for this hums out of the sideboard opposite. Those looking for peace and quiet, on the other hand, can sit in the bow lounge, which Ansalone describes as "the most private area on board". Here, a mobile bimini provides protection from the sun, while the sunbathing area transforms into a seating area with a retractable table.
The first A80new was launched in the late summer of 2025 and made its debut at the Yachting Festival in Cannes. At this point, number two and three had already been sold - the latter to customers who already belong to the Arcadia family. Both will be launched this year. "We don't build more than three to four yachts a year," notes Francesco Ansalone, "we want to maintain the boutique character of our shipyard."
Technical data
- Length over everything: 23,98 m
- Length (waterline): 22,27 m
- Width: 6,95 m
- Depth: 1,74 m
- Displacement (empty): 78 t
- Material: GRP
- Hull: Semi-glider
- Motors: 2 x Volvo Penta IPS 1200/1350
- Engine power: 882/993 kW
- Speed (max.): 19-21 kn
- Speed (travelling): 16-18 kn
- Generators: 2 x 28 kW/2 x 32 kW
- Fuel: 8,100 litres of water: 2,000 litres
- Stabilisers: CMC Marina
- Construction: Arcadia Yachts
- Exterior design: Arcadia Yachts
- Interior design: Arcadia Yachts
- Class: CE-A RINA
- Shipyard: Arcadia Yachts, 2025
- Starting price: approx. 6.2 million euros
Uske Berndt
Editor News & Panorama
