British shipyard Archipelago Yachts has announced that it has signed the design contract for the second unit from its flagship Archipelago 80 explorer yacht series.
The new build will be constructed on the same Chartwell Marine hull form as the first 24-metre unit, which is currently under construction "for a visionary owner", though it is set to advance the capabilities of the original model, as well as introduce new onboard features and an "elevated approach" to interior design.
For the first time, the shipyard has designed the interiors in-house, thus allowing for greater creative control, improved integration with onboard engineering and a more seamless owner customisation process.
Described as a "next generation pocket superyacht", the second hull has been designed with several new features, including a high-capacity helipad, a dedicated gym and sauna, and an expanded kitchen/galley area for long-range cruising. Living spaces include generous indoor and outdoor dining areas, while accommodation is for 16 guests.
The yacht will be fitted with a hybrid diesel‑electric propulsion system and will offer expansive payload capacity and long‑range capability, which the yard states "position it as one of the most versatile sub‑24-metre explorer platforms on the market."
“Securing the design contract for our second Archipelago 80 is an exciting moment for the business and a clear reflection of the demand we’re seeing for this platform," said Dr Stephen Weatherley, CEO of Archipelago Yachts. "Bringing the interior design in‑house allows us to push the boundaries even further, creating a vessel that is not only technically exceptional but deeply personal to each owner.
Hull two from the Archipelago 80 series will be designed and engineered at Archipelago’s recently opened Isle of Wight shipyard - the yard's first completely controlled production facility, which was opened in February this year.
"With our new Isle of Wight shipyard now fully operational, we have the capability, the space and the team to deliver this next 80 to an even higher standard," Dr Weatherley continued. "It represents another step in our mission to redefine what a sub‑24-metre explorer yacht can be.”
The yacht is now entering the detailed design phase, with construction scheduled to begin in early 2027.
Read More/Archipelago Yachts opens dedicated production facility on the Isle of Wight