The Pelagic Yachts 77 is a remarkable vessel that represents the evolution of the Pelagic Australis concept. It owes its origin to Skip Novak, a high – latitude sailing pioneer. Novak spent 14 challenging yet thrilling years in some of the world’s most difficult waters, which inspired the Pelagic Australis. Launched in 2003, the Pelagic Australis had a 15 – year journey as an expedition charter ship, braving the Arctic and Antarctic waters and even attempting the NW Passage.
Design and Features for Extreme Sailing
The Pelagic 77 is crafted for high – latitude sailing, a world of extremes. It’s not just about strength; its smart design offers enhanced autonomy, allowing it to operate in remote areas. Handling sail areas is easy for the crew, whether in strong Arctic winds or gentle Antarctic breezes. The vessel’s systems are simple but effective, and can be serviced by the crew without specialized help, emphasizing self – sufficiency and reliability.
Measuring 23.52 meters in LOA and with a LWL of 20.40 meters, it has a substantial presence. A 6.31 – meter maximum beam provides stability, and the draught can vary from 4.30 meters to 2.15 meters, enabling navigation in different water depths. With 8124 liters of fuel, 3137 liters of fresh water, and other necessary tankage, it’s well – equipped for long – distance expeditions.
The Building Process at KM Yachtbuilders
This incredible vessel was built at KM Yachtbuilders in Makkum, The Netherlands. The hull was turned on 1 November 2019, and sea trials began in April 2021. The construction process was meticulous, with each step carefully documented, from hull turning to transfer to the fitout shed.
The Philosophy Behind Pelagic Yachts
Pelagic Yachts’ designs are the result of Skip Novak’s experiences since 1987, combined with Tony Castro’s expertise. The iconic Pelagic Australis, launched in 2003, was born from Novak’s early voyages. Since then, it has been a reliable workhorse in the expedition world, sailing through challenging waters without major issues.
The philosophy of Pelagic Yachts has remained consistent for over two decades. Reliability is the core of every design, with components built to withstand harsh ocean conditions. Robustness in all aspects, strong motoring capabilities, adequate fuel capacity, and simple systems are key. These vessels are customizable, with 55 – foot, 74 – foot, and 82 – foot models available to meet different owners’ needs.
The Art of Expedition Sailing
For sailors looking to move beyond marina – based cruising, a different approach is needed. They should focus on simple, sturdy, and functional yacht systems. A simpler vessel often leads to a better – quality cruising experience, with more time at sea and less time dealing with breakdowns. This is especially appealing to adventurous ocean voyagers.
Before a long – term voyage, sailors should consider their purpose. If they’re more interested in tinkering with a complex boat, they should stay near marine service centers. However, if they view their yachts as tools for reaching remote destinations, aspects like style for style’s sake become less important.
Pelagic Yachts is working to change the trend in the sailing market. By promoting robust simplicity and accepting a small sacrifice in performance, they create vessels that are reliable and true to the spirit of expedition sailing.
All Pelagic Yachts models
