'Class-Defining' Project Pelagos Delivered by Arksen

‘Having spent 35 years offshore cruising I have been searching for the perfect vessel with true exploration capabilities and scope for comfortable on-board living. Arksen has provided the ultimate solution…’, shared Project Pelagos’ owner: the perfect account of what Arksen has achieved with its brand new explorer vessel, as well as an honest testament to the yard’s exceptional build capabilities. 

Recognised as the premium adventure lifestyle brand designing a range of products including explorer yachts for, ‘life’s greatest journeys’, British shipyard Arksen has once again proven its popularity and expertise with the delivery of Project Pelagos. 

At 26.2m in length, the ‘class-defining’ explorer vessel is a perfect example of the yard’s market-leading design capabilities in the luxury marine market. She comes from the yard’s Adventure series, which was first introduced to the industry in 2022 in an effort to create versatile explorer vessels that excel in both leisure and oceanic research whilst promoting a sustainable and circular economy. 

Notable features of the yacht include her highly efficient long-range nature for remote cruising, research and adventure, perfectly curated through a capable hull design and three-deck formation. Impressively, and in cohesion with the yard's commitment to sustainability, Project Pelagos' hull and superstructure have been constructed from recycled aluminium that can be reused at the end of her life. Humphrey’s Yacht Design was responsible for her naval architecture. 

Onboard, Project Pelagos has a ‘free-flow’ layout for hassle-free family use, with her interiors custom-designed by Design Unlimited. According to the yard, she will mostly be used by her owner in warmer climates, so there was less of a requirement for interior space, and instead an emphasis on al-fresco living. To evidence her explorer background, the 26.2m vessel boasts a range of 7,000 miles at a cruising speed of 13 knots, and during sea trials she reached an impressive maximum speed of 20 knots, remaining stable underway and at anchor thanks to oversized fins. 

Collaborating closely with Arksen’s design and build team, the owner also shared personal insights into the 26.2m adventure vessel, her highly customised nature, functional design and unparalleled capabilities at sea despite her smaller size: ‘…Its competitive edge in terms of supreme design, economical energy management systems, and excellent construction…make this a vessel capable of going anywhere. This is a truly impressive example of a vessel which meets all the needs of demanding marine exploration. Arksen stands apart thanks to its innovation, its commitment to marine conservation and research projects, and its desire to create an adventure community…I’m convinced that the pioneering and refreshing path Arksen is forging will make them a driving force in the future of the explorer yacht industry.’

The delivery of Project Pelagos unsurprisingly comes alongside positive feedback from the market about the Arksen 85 model. According to the yard, it has gained traction in the dynamic and growing ocean adventure and lifestyle sector, notably through its unique ecosystem of vessels and products, each one aimed at enabling the potential of long-range adventure.

‘Arksen was created to meet the exacting needs of explorers wanting to go further and for longer,’ shared Jasper Smith, Founder and CEO of Arksen. ‘Our vessels are iconic and a statement of intent. Our commitment to groundbreaking design, uncompromising standards and sustainability are the pillars of a strategy set to deliver compelling growth and cement our position at the forefront of the next generation of adventure in the marine industry.  We are fortunate enough to have assembled some of the most forward thinking clients in the sector and an extraordinary team of professionals to bring our vision to life.’

CTO of Arksen, Jim Mair concluded: ‘The delivery and inaugural voyage of Project Pelagos mark a significant milestone, heralding a new era in explorer yacht excellence. As the vessel prepares for future expeditions, the Arksen team remains dedicated to propelling the industry forward with innovative designs and a profound commitment to our planet's oceans. Project Pelagos is proof that with the right tools, there are no limits to where we can explore.’

Despite this exciting delivery, the yard has announced that another Arksen 85, codenamed Project Ocean, is due to launch later this year and be available for public viewing.