Sherpa XL, the pocket super yacht

The second model in the Sherpa XL range, recently launched by Arcadia Yachts, does not just live up to the buzz created by its predecessor, it raises the stakes

by Claudia Giulia Ferrauto – photo by Alberto Cocchi

THE NEW SHERPA XL, CREATED BY HOT LAB, THE STUDIO THAT DESIGNED THE FIRST MODEL, has a highly impressive revamped layout, so good that the shipyard has already started building a third unit. It is 24m long and around 7m wide, with a profile and interplay of volumes that make it easily recognizable and identifiable as one of the Arcadia fleet.

With a fiberglass hull and superstructure, and two IPS 1350 engines, Sherpa XL can achieve a maximum speed of 23 knots and a range of 1,000 miles at 12 knots, or 1,400 miles at a cruising speed of 10 knots. Fuel consumption is around 6.5 l/mile at 12 knots, 30% lower than other 85-90 ft yachts in its category.

Sherpa XL
The main deck has an outdoor cockpit area for guests and an indoor living area that epitomizes the entire yacht. The distinctive glass structure around the high-tech patio provides heat insulation and is covered by a roof of solar panels, a trademark Arcadia feature that reduces the need for generators and so makes life onboard quieter, increases contact with nature, and optimizes energy savings.

There are various new features onboard designed to enhance the space, impress guests, make moving around easier and improve privacy. The use of space on each level has been studied carefully, and everything fits together magically, taking advantage of every last millimeter. A series of translucent or transparent bulkheads that make it feel like one large open area, innovative windows that open from the top downwards, demonstrating the Milan-based studio’s fascination with car design, and sophisticated timber choices – colonial oak parquet and ALPI light-grey oak furniture – together with get the most out of each space by enhancing the liveability and increasing the sensation of openness and lightness.

Direct contact with the sea stems not only from over 220 m² of outdoor space with views over the horizon – the decks, the well-sheltered walkways, and the comfortable aft beach area – but also from some well-planned design features. These include the long, horizontal windows at water level in all the guest cabins, and the characteristic solar panel roof on the main deck, a well-established stylistic trait of the Arcadia brand, which provides an almost interrupted view of the sea and sky. Also, there’s the option to explore nearby bays and coastlines thanks to the large tender, almost four meters long, housed in the spacious side garage towards the stern.

We asked Enrico Lumini, co-founder of the Hot Lab studio, about some of the new features on display in this new model, and especially the layout: «The changes compared to the first version are predominantly indoors, most notably the resized galley, which is closed but bigger, and even more efficiently divided up». But that’s not all:

Sherpa XL

 «We have also split up the wheelhouse area, albeit with glass panels, to separate it from the main lounge». Nor did the pursuit of perfection end there. Lumini adds: «We also made changes to the finishes and materials, with transparent surfaces that give a greater sense of openness, and glass and mirrors employed carefully to enhance the volumes in the saloon and space we took from the gallery», an area which is nevertheless an extremely pleasant place to be. «The layout of the exterior and the lower deck have remained almost unchanged, apart from the improvements and optimization that we incorporate into every project – these lead to enhancements in seemingly trivial areas that are very important, such as the stowage space, which is now more efficient, without having to make substantial changes to the structure».

Sherpa XL
The lower deck is dedicated exclusively to the owner and their guests, including the aft master suite, with large windows at water level, and a bathroom that blends seamlessly with the stylish interiors. On the same level, from the center of the boat forward, there are two guest cabins with twin beds and a VIP cabin. A classic layout that has been applied successfully on this boat, with a modern and highly sophisticated style.

Life onboard has therefore been made as comfortable as possible, and the interiors include a spacious and elegant owner’s suite on the lower deck, with large strip windows overlooking the sea and an impeccably designed bathroom with separate facilities.

On Sherpa XL, functionality and privacy go hand in hand, as the steering area is directly connected to the crew’s quarters, meaning there is no need for the crew to enter the sky lounge.

On the same deck, there is the VIP cabin and two guest cabins with twin beds, with equally stylish finishes. The crew quarters, comprising a double cabin with a private bathroom, are separate from the rest of the boat and are conveniently located at the bow next to the steering area, ensuring not only increased privacy but also a better service and improved monitoring of the equipment at any time of day. Another new feature in this area is an optional alternative layout, with two separate crew cabins designed for a three-person crew.

Sherpa XL
The fly deck is entirely dedicated to guests, relaxation, and sea views. Its customizable layout includes a bar area where you can stop for a while, sip a cocktail, chat and admire the sunset while listening to music.
Sherpa XL

The ideal place to relax on the Sherpa XL is the wide, stylish cockpit area in the sun lounge, sheltered by sliding doors and windows. This sea-facing patio, reminiscent of spaces found on much larger yachts, provides a dining area for ten people, two wine coolers, and plenty of storage thanks to the masterful use of space and some clever design.

The highly customizable upper level has a dedicated bar area, perfect for sipping a refreshing drink while taking in the breathtaking 360° view. As well as paying attention to privacy, usability and efficient use of space, the design also maximizes peace, using smart solutions such as the side garage, which not only insulates the master cabin from the engine room but also leaves the stern platform free for use as a beach area. Overall, this carefully designed and well-built boat offers incredible comfort and a subtle, sophisticated style.

«The Sherpa XL design, presented at Monaco Yacht Show 2019, has progressed to this second build, and a third has just been launched, despite a challenging year, particularly the first half of 2020. The fact the shipyard wants to continue construction work
Antonio Romano ed Enrico Lumini
speculatively, shows not only its solid financial footing but also its burgeoning relationship with the design studio and a sign of its trust in the designer – in this case us – we are being entrusted with their ideas and market analysis for trends over the next few years». Enrico Lumini
The design quality and impeccable stylistic choices for which Arcadia Yachts has always been known are once again visible in this dynamic, appealing, and highly engaging model, which grabs the attention as forcefully as a brand-new release.

ARCADIA YACHTS S.R.L.
Via Terragneta 90
I-80058 Torre Annunziata, Napoli, Italy
T. +39 081 8590701
[email protected]
www.arcadiayachts.it

PROJECT: Hot Lab Studio and Arcadia Yachts shipyard

HULL: LOA 23.98m Waterline length 21.13m Maximum beam 6.98m Draft at full load 1.45m Displacement at full load 71 t Fuel tank volume 7,250 l Water tank volume 1,650 l Grey water tank volume 600 l Waste water tank volume 600 l Owner and guest cabins 4 Crew cabins 1 or 2 according to the layout

MAIN PROPULSION: 2 Volvo Penta IPS 1050/1350 (Standard/Optional) Generators: 1x 28 kW – 50 Hz + 1x 25 kW – 50 Hz (1x 32 kW – 60 Hz + 1x 24 kW – 60 Hz) Energy from the solar panels ± 2,5 kW Bow thruster 15 kW Maximum speed 23 knots Cruising speed 20 knots Range of 1,000 miles cruising at 12 knots (1,400 miles/10kn)

CLASSIFICATION: RINA, EU declaration of conformity category B module B.

(Sherpa XL, the pocket super yacht – Barchemagazine.com – April 2021)