Arcadia Sherpa XL on spec contraction has began the yacht where everything is

When the multiple award-winning SHERPA was launched in 2016, it immediately revolutionised the market. With SHERPA XL, the Italian shipyard evolves the concept of “pocket megayacht” onto a larger scale, further enhancing some of the design elements typical of the range and introducing new ones at the same time.

SHERPA XL is a 78-foot yacht that can offer the comfort and space you would expect in larger yachts (85-95 feet and over). Its engineering is now almost complete and the on spec construction of the first unit has already begun – ready for its international debut at the 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival.

“SHERPA XL retains all of ARCADIA’s fundamental brand values – comfort, performance, easy handling, eco-friendly technology and personalization options in terms of layout and décor,” says Ugo Pellegrino, the Sole Director of ARCADIA YACHTS. “This new project means a great deal to me, personally, because I spent a lot of time on SHERPA and fully appreciated its qualities. I would like this new model to be another step towards the creation of a new concept of yacht, which gives the green light to a new line and is not simply a SHERPA on a larger scale. The latter would have been a quicker and easier solution for us, but we fully intend to keep our role as innovators and to continue to push our industry further.”

SHERPA XL is 23.80 metres long, six metres longer than its entry-level cousin. With a beam wider than 6.9 metres – more than some 90-footers – this yacht offers an incredible 220 square metres of interior and exterior living space – 25% more than other yachts in the same class. More room and greater comfort give Owners more opportunities to enjoy a full-immersion experience with friends and family.

A TAILORED DESIGN

The innovative design of SHERPA XL was developed by the Milan-based Hot Lab design studio, with the aim of preserving the characteristic ARCADIA DNA.

“The concept of the SHERPA XL develops around the special layout of the decks,” explains Michele Dragoni, Exterior Chief Designer of Hot Lab, the Milanese design studio that has already worked with ARCADIA YACHTS on the A105 projects – with already 2 units sold in less one year. “The bow decks are split to develop a central flight of stairs with small differences in height. This particular ‘jigsaw’ layout, in addition to providing considerable space in what is actually not a great height, has allowed us to play with volumes and create an immediately recognisable profile.”

The large external areas – a distinguishing feature of the ARCADIA fleet – are expanded more than ever. The aft cockpit is directly connected to the control panel by a short scenic sequence of steps, which gracefully interlock between the narrow topsides and the low volume that supports the sundeck. Forward is a large living area with elegant sofas and even a table that can seat up to ten diners.

The narrow bulwarks surrounding the entire cockpit have openings that allow guests to enjoy the view and the closeness of the sea. The entire area is made even more comfortable by the lack of any visible handling equipment for launching the tender, which is stored just forward of the engine room and is launched through a side hatch, without bothering the guests.

On the upper deck, the generous sun lounge with bar and pantry facilities extends the open-air philosophy still further.  Unlike traditional fly deck arrangements with an exterior helm station, this area is dedicated entirely to guests. Direct contact with the sea and the surrounding environment can also be found in the sky lounge – the up & down windows allow guests to enjoy the sea breeze directly by simply touching a button.

ESSENTIAL CONTEMPORARY INTERIORS

The interior design is contemporary and essential. Owners can choose among many options in terms of materials and finishes. ARCADIA also offers the option of choosing furniture designed by a careful selection of the best Made-in-Italy design brands.

“With regard to interior design, our intent was to bring this project as close as possible to the requests of potential Owners – large spaces, great interaction with the surrounding environment and a contemporary, simple and essential style,” explains  Enrico Lumini, Interior Chief Designer of Hot Lab. “Simple geometries maximise volumes and if, on the one hand, this leads us to forgetting where we are, i.e. on an almost 24-metre yacht, on the other hand it allows to make the best use of the available space, providing guests with greater comfort while living on board.”

Different Owners have different needs, so SHERPA XL was designed with a four or three cabin layout. In the former, the galley is positioned in the sky lounge on the bridge deck, whereas in the three-cabin version it is in the lower deck. In both cases, great attention has been given to ensuring an efficient yet discreet on board service, by separating crew service areas from the areas reserved for guests.

The master suite is over 22 square metres in size and extends into the bathroom, with no partitions or division, which provides the Owner with an almost home-like layout – large, open and full of light. The VIP cabin in the bow follows the same principle, successfully broadening spatial perception in an almost theatrical manner.

HIGH PERFORMANCE, LOW CONSUMPTION

SHERPA XL also shines in terms of performance. Powered by twin Volvo Penta IPS 1050 main engines, the yacht can reach a top speed of approximately 22 knots. Preliminary studies also estimate that at a long range speed of 10-12 knots, the semi-displacement hull will be more than 30-35% more efficient than other yachts in its class. It has great autonomy – at 12 knots, SHERPA XL can sail for over 1,000 miles, which rise to over 1,500 if the speed is kept at 10 knots.

To minimise environmental impact with renewable energy sources, SHERPA XL is equipped with ARCADIA’s trademark solar panels, which provide up to 2kW of clean electricity (sufficient to power all the on board systems except for the air conditioning). Additionally, the yacht is fitted with low-consumption appliances and led lights.