The British brand has signed the design contract for the second vessel in its 80-foot Explorer series. It is thus further developing its flagship range and introducing, for the first time, an interior designed entirely in-house. Bringing the design work in-house gives the shipyard greater creative control and allows for better integration with the vessel’s technical systems.
The catamaran is based on the same award-winning hull from Chartwell Marine as the first 80, whilst retaining the brand’s core principles: safety, ease of handling, plenty of space, speed and shallow-water capability. Detailed planning is underway, with construction scheduled to begin in early 2027.
Versatile Explorer
The second Archipelago 80 introduces several features that set the vessel apart from the first unit. A helipad with a high load-bearing capacity significantly expands the vessel’s operational capabilities. Also new on board is a gym with a sauna; the galley has been enlarged and optimised for long-haul voyages. Spacious dining and lounge areas, both indoors and outdoors, provide ample space for a comfortable life on board. The new 80 can accommodate up to 16 guests.
All layouts can be fully customised to the owner’s specifications. The hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system, the large payload capacity and the long-range capability further establish the 80 as the most versatile Explorer platform under 24 metres in length. Interview with the head of Archipelago
The new Archipelago shipyard is ready to go
“The signing of the design contract for our second Archipelago 80 is an exciting moment for the company and a clear reflection of the demand we are seeing for this platform,” explains Dr Stephen Weatherley, CEO of Archipelago Yachts. Bringing the interior design in-house allows us to push the boundaries further and create a vessel that is not only technically exceptional but also deeply personal to each owner.
With its recently opened and now fully operational shipyard on the Isle of Wight, Archipelago has the capacity, space and team to deliver the next 80 to an even higher standard. At the Newport site, the company can generate key manufacturing expertise in-house, accelerate research and development programmes and, above all, continue to grow. This also includes work on low-carbon and even zero-emission propulsion systems.
Uske Berndt
Editor News & Panorama
