Pelorus Yachting has announced that the hull of the 70-metre expedition vessel known as Captain Arctic, currently under construction at Chantier Naval de l’Ocean Indien in Port Louis, Mauritius, is now complete. Construction on the new build began in 2024, with her launch scheduled for later this year.
Dubbed the "first truly sustainable polar expedition vessel on the [charter] market", Captain Arctic will operate in Norway, Svalbard and Greenland following her delivery in 2027.
Following her construction milestone, Pelorus Yachting also unveiled Captain Arctic's new hull colour. Renderings now reveal a navy blue hull (a change from the previous white), which is said to be inspired by the "polar sky, shifting ice and the deep ocean".
A spokesperson for the brand explained to BOAT International that the blue paintwork "captures the full Arctic spectrum and expresses her [Captain Arctic's] exploration ethos that prioritises blending into the environment with quiet, focused intent." Her exterior invites comparison to the Dyna-rigged Black Pearl and Maltese Falcon.
The explorer is designed with an ice-strengthened hull, reinforced with an inox bow, and features five rigid solar-patented sails, powering all on board requirements with renewable energy. The yacht will reportedly have a "90 per cent reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional yachts", delivering silent, vibration-free cruising with no fuel smells or compromise to the environment.
The vessel will be captained by Sophie Galvagnon, who has worked in the industry for over 17 years as a captain and an ice pilot, and is the first female to captain in the Arctic. There will also be quarters for a team of five guides who will organise on-land and on-water expeditions for the guests.
Leisure highlights of the 2,200GT vessel will include an outdoor upper-deck spa with a sauna and Norwegian cold bath, a fitness room, a 1920s-style bar, an "Arctic" library and two panoramic lounges. There will also be an onboard science lab focused on advancing discovery and environmental protection of the polar regions, as well as an expedition toy chest with specialised equipment for cold-water cruising.