KM Yachtbuilders has once again taken up the construction of an expedition yacht. Interparus will tell you about the construction of the Pelagic 77 Amundsen – the second hull of the Pelagic series.
Pelagic's Second Corps
Not so long ago, literally in 2021, KM Yachtbuilders launched the aluminum expedition yacht Pelagic 77 Vinson of Antarctica. This boat was made in the best traditions of yachts for long-distance travel - a strong metal hull, two masts, three headsails, a protected steering post, which is located in a full-fledged wheelhouse.
Source: kmyachtbuilders.com
The yacht was intended for businessman Nicolas Ibanez, and designer Tony Castro and renowned navigator Skip Novak helped build the yacht. Ultimately, they managed to create one of the best expedition yachts of our time. Conceptually, the idea was so successful that KM Yachtbuilders decided to create another Pelagic 77 hull. The new "twin sister" was named after the legendary polar explorer Roald Amundsen.
Source: kmyachtbuilders.com
The new Pelagic 77 Amundsen was recently launched in the Netherlands and is scheduled to set sail on its first expedition to the Falkland Islands in 2025.
Features of the new Pelagic 77 Amundsen
The public learned about the boat in detail thanks to Cruising World. The owner of the yacht was represented by Peter Wilson of MCM Newport. According to Wilson, the reason for choosing aluminum as the main material for the hull was simple. This metal provides the greatest strength, wear resistance, ease of repair and a better weight ratio than the same steel.
The building is under construction. Source: kmyachtbuilders.com
Designer Tony Castro and Skip Novak helped to “give birth” to the second Pelagic 77. In general, from a purely visual point of view, the two Pelagics are not much different. However, there are changes.
The team worked on the Amundsen project for two years. During the time that has passed since the launch of Vinson of Antarctica, the shipyard has had the opportunity to study the boat's behavior under real-life conditions around Antarctica. Based on the results of the study, it was decided to make several major changes to the design of the new boat.
Aerial view of the exterior cockpit. Note the 8 winches on both sides. Source: kmyachtbuilders.com
Thus, the Pelagic 77 Amundsen received a new keel and propulsion system. The Amundsen no longer has a lifting centerboard, but instead has a conventional fixed fin keel with a bulb. The conventional engines have been replaced by more environmentally friendly Volvo Penta engines.
The idea of removing the centerboard and replacing it with a fixed keel is quite logical. In this way, the shipyard simultaneously increased safety by eliminating the possibility of a complex centerboard failure, and improved the yacht's responsiveness during control.
Interior of Pelagic 77 Amundsen
The interior has undergone minimal changes since the first Pelagic. The engine room has been enlarged to improve access to the engine. Another change that is noticeable is the increased height of the ceilings in the wheelhouse.
Source: kmyachtbuilders.com
Let us recall that, unlike modern cruise yachts, the Pelagic 77 Amundsen has a full-fledged wheelhouse, like on merchant ships. It fully protects the skipper and crew from harsh northern winds and allows the boat to be controlled without going out into the cold. Due to the large inspection hatches, the skipper has a 270° view.
Source: kmyachtbuilders.com
The yacht can accommodate up to eight guests. It also features a large, comfortable saloon, a separate dining room and a galley. The Pelagic 77 Amundsen is a classic expedition yacht.
Other changes
Peter Wilson also shared some interesting details about other changes on board Amundsen. According to the owner's representative, the autopilot and steering gear have been updated. The rigging, equipment and deck have also undergone changes, which are aimed at improving performance and reliability.
Source: kmyachtbuilders.com
The owner of the first Pelagic 77, Nicolas Ibáñez, also took part in the construction. It was thanks to his advice that many aspects of the Pelagic 77 Amundsen were improved. During its relatively short service life, the first Pelagic had already proven itself in the most difficult waters around Antarctica and the southern Indian Ocean. However, the Pelagic 77 is still a creation of human hands, which means that it can always be improved. This is how the ideas for upgrading some of the controls in the Amundsen came about.
Characteristics of Pelagic 77 Amundsen
Length | 23.52 m |
Width | 6.31 m |
Draft | 2.15 m |
Sailing Armament | ketch |
Keel type | fixed |
Displacement | 49,000 kg |
Case type | Custom |
Designer | Tony Castro Design |
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Yachting innovations are always cool. In a new video on the Interparus channel, Sasha Goron will talk about the yachting innovations that Le Grand Pavois 2024 brought to us. Enjoy watching❤️
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31.10.2024
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