Archipelago, a group of Islands forming a community, is an exemplary description of Archipelago Yachts. The company have formed a group of professionals in all aspects of the boat-building process to produce luxury catamarans. These vessels can take you anywhere in the world on amazing adventures like the great explorers of the past.
Dr Stephen Weatherley founded the adventurous company to offer a fresh perspective on luxury yachting. As a child, he was surrounded by boats and was passionate about designing and creating sustainable and go-anywhere yachts. Stephen embarked on a journey to redefine the marine market and is leading the marine industry through the company’s innovative and sustainable designs.
Archipelago Yachts has created a line of motor catamarans pushing boundaries of innovation by collaborating with the esteemed Chartwell Marine, known for their expertise and passion in naval architecture.
The vessels are built from aluminium, each offering luxury, sustainability, and versatility, providing an unparalleled cruising experience for enthusiasts and adventurers.
The Archipelago range currently consists of several varied luxury catamarans, each unique. The current range is the Archipelago 40, 47, 52 Flybridge, zero, 63 and 80.
I will highlight the Archipelago 40 and the latest yacht, the 80.
The Archipelago 40 expedition is the first yacht sold by the brand and is expected to be completed in 2025. It is an explorer catamaran powered by a hybrid diesel engine as standard. Its shallow draft will allow it to venture into areas other vessels could not tackle, and its silent running will not upset sealife or wildlife. The 40 is capable of an impressive 25 knots, and the aluminium construction cuts through the water delightfully.
The Archipelago 40 has been designed in collaboration with Chartwell Marine, and they have put Seakeeping, safety, and practicality at the heart of their vessels.
The Archipelago 40, designed by award-winning naval architects Chartwell Marine, embodies versatility, offering customisable cabin layouts and adaptability for diverse commercial and semi-commercial purposes. This explorer catamaran combines striking, environmentally conscious aluminium construction with exceptional stability, resulting in a smoother voyage and increased living space. With a remarkable range of over 2,000 nautical miles, the Archipelago 40 can reach some of the world’s most remote destinations, which is precisely what her new owner intends to do.
Equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and entertainment systems, the Archipelago 40 offers effortless control and entertainment at your fingertips, allowing those onboard to stay connected and entertained, even in the most remote locations.
Powered by advanced marine hybrid diesel-electric and solar-powered propulsion systems, the Archipelago 40 delivers a thrilling and efficient cruising experience. Whether you’re exploring coastal waters or embarking on long-distance journeys, this explorer is designed to perform admirably.
Every Archipelago 40 can be tailored to the owner’s unique preferences and lifestyle. From interior finishes to exterior colours and layout options, the Archipelago team of experts will work closely with owners to realise their precise vision.
Dr Stephen Weatherley,
“We are delighted to announce the sale of the first Archipelago 40 to a client who will be embarking on exciting adventures around the world – this is a pivotal moment for us! We have taken our iconic 47 and made it that little bit smaller. Smaller engines, lower emissions, easier to berth, but with all of the capability and force needed to get you home after a day, a week, or a month on the sea.”
He continues: “We want Seakeeping, safety, and practicality to be at the very heart of our vessels and the Archipelago 40 offers this all in a compact form. The vessel is hugely capable with a long range, high top speed, excellent fuel economy, and the ability to sleep six people.”
Designed for discerning yacht enthusiasts and adventure seekers, the Archipelago 40 combines cutting-edge technology, innovative features, and impeccable craftsmanship to provide an unparalleled yachting experience.
The latest yacht to be announced by Archipelago is the outstanding 80-foot explorer. It can host twelve people in luxury and carries all the brand’s attributes of safety, simplicity, space, and speed. It has an amazingly shallow draft of one metre, allowing it to reach places other large vessels could only hope to get to. The 80 is powered by a diesel-electric combination, which is standard with 20kW solar panelling.
You can choose your propulsion system from waterjets and variable pitch propellers tailored to specific requirements and customise the vessel to personalise it. A wide range of interiors are available, all crafted with attention to detail and precision.
The Archipelago 80 has been built upon an award-winning Chartwell Marine hull form utilised extensively in the offshore wind industry, created to be a go-anywhere, do-anything vessel, combined with the ability to be owner-operated.
The massive fuel capacity of up to 20,000 litres will allow the user to explore the oceans, and they will be safe in the knowledge of the quality of the construction. It can tackle all weather and sea conditions, and for your adventures, it can carry 16 tonnes of payload. The load could be tools or superyacht toys, but this vessel offers unparalleled capabilities for exploration and adventure. The Archipelago 80 additionally offers the optional amenity of a high-capacity helipad situated on the top deck, providing owners the luxury of travelling between the sea and shore with style.
Breaking the mould with its unique speed and agility, the Archipelago 80 can travel vast distances easily and comfortably, combined with a performance of up to 30 knots.
Dr Stephen Weatherley said,
“The Archipelago 80 represents ultimate versatility in a sub-24m owner-operator platform, and the embodiment of our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences on the water. The vessel was designed for a visionary owner who shares our passion for pushing the boundaries of boating. I am very excited to see this project come to life and welcome the customer onboard for some unforgettable journeys at sea.”
The cockpit of the Archipelago 80 boasts an expansive working area equipped with tie-down points, meticulously crafted to accommodate expedition gear or superyacht toys.
Its knuckle boom Palfinger crane and reinforced deck structure facilitate the transportation of a 20-foot ISO container, personal submersible, amphibious vehicle, or various heavy-duty equipment. Alternatively, the cockpit can be accessible for leisure activities like sunbathing, outdoor lounging, or game fishing.
High bulwarks envelop the sides for added safety, ensuring the well-being of guests and crew during navigation. Moving towards the bow, an optional davit-style crane stands ready to hoist RIBs, jet skis, or similar equipment.
The vessel offers the option of integrating a hot tub into its structure and deploying a paravane kite for decreased fuel consumption and redundancy. A Portuguese bridge provides additional security, while the boat’s significant roof area accommodates solar panels or extra storage facilitated by the knuckle boom crane.
Inside, the Archipelago 80 presents a spacious, open-plan salon with a bar and day galley, affording guests panoramic views while unwinding or dining onboard. Within the hulls, a customisable array of cabins caters to guests and crew, complemented by a main galley and a combined laundry or workspace, accessible from either the living quarters or the cockpit. The wheelhouse is an adaptable living space featuring a bar and entertaining area on its shaded balcony.
About Archipelago Yachts
Building and offering understated yachts that look and feel unlike anything else on the market yet perform in any condition was a lifelong ambition for the creator of Archipelago Yachts. Dr Stephen Weatherley, Founder and Managing Director of Archipelago, is the son of a British engineer and has spent his life around sailing boats, fishing vessels and pleasure craft. He inspired the birth of a company steeped in British engineering excellence, focusing meticulously on every detail of the yacht’s performance and design, interior outfit and overall look.
Stephen wanted more from boating: more adventure, more space, more exciting design, more sustainability, and more accessibility for those less able to access the traditional yachting market. He wanted to share all this with other adventurers, so Archipelago was born. With a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and luxury, the company designs and manufactures cutting-edge expedition vessels for adventurers and explorers. Archipelago Expedition Yachts is dedicated to pushing maritime technology’s boundaries while preserving our planet’s natural beauty.
About Chartwell Marine
Chartwell Marine is a trusted pioneer in next-generation vessel design, leading the way in sustainable maritime solutions. With a team of award-winning expert naval architects and engineers, the company specialises in designing high-performance, environmentally friendly vessels for offshore wind, leisure, commercial, and defence sectors. Chartwell Marine’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its innovative hybrid and electric vessel designs, reducing environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency. With a steadfast dedication to excellence and a deep understanding of industry challenges, Chartwell Marine is a trusted partner in shaping the future of maritime transportation.
For more information, visit https://www.archipelago-yachts.co.uk/
Written by Jeremy Webb @jemweb
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