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Sailcargo, sailtraining and wind-assisted ship propulsion

Windassist

Sailcargo, sailtraining and wind-assisted ship propulsion

Shipbuilding & Engineering

Expedition ship Pelagic 77 ‘Amundsen’ launched

KM Yachtbuilders is proud to announce the final delivery and departure of the Pelagic 77, ‘Amundsen’. The first goal of the ‘Amundsen’ is to reach the Falkland Islands before 2025.

This sailing yacht is a remarkable addition to the Makkum based shipyard’s fleet. Following the impressive design of her sister ship, ‘Vinson of Antarctica‘, ‘Amundsen’ is the second in this series. The ship’s name is a tribute to the famous polar explorer Roald Amundsen.

Exterior

‘Amundsen’ is built with a robust aluminium hull and superstructure, designed according to Tony Castro’s cutting-edge naval architecture. The yacht is 6.2 metres wide and has a striking red pilot house. The two carbon masts are carefully designed to evenly distribute the sail area, complemented by manually operated sail systems such as winches and furling jibs.

Interior

Inside, ‘Amundsen‘ features a dedicated pilot house, a spacious lounge and a well-equipped galley. The yacht comfortably accommodates up to eight guests, making it ideal for longer stays at sea.
Additional modifications include:

  • More headroom in the wheelhouse
  • The centreboard has been removed from the fixed keel
  • The propellers are closer to the rudder blades to increase manoeuvrability when docking.
  • Larger engine room
  • Bow thruster

These modifications, among numerous other small details, contribute to the exceptional performance of ‘Amundsen‘.

Team effort

This project is the result of the combined efforts of a fantastic team, brought together by a passion for adventure and a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Eeuwe Kooi, founder of KM Yachtbuilders: “It was great to work with this team again. The ‘Vinson of Antarctica’ and her sister ship ‘Amundsen’ are two polar expedition yachts we are very proud of!”
Both Skip Novak, renowned ocean sailor and commercial director of Pelagic Expeditions, and owner Nicolás Ibáñez Scott, a Chilean entrepreneur and adventurer, were recently present during the launch. Skip Novak explains the idea behind the second Pelagic 77 ‘Amundsen‘: “The decision to build a sister ship to the ‘Vinson of Antarctica’ is based on the success of this design concept. This provides valuable projects that contribute to education for schools in Chile and Spain.This includes a north-south crossing of the Atlantic to the southern hemisphere, where the ‘Vinson of Antarctica’ is now home to South America.”
Nicolás Ibáñez Scott adds to the vision and values for ‘Vinson of Antarctica’ and ‘Amundsen’: “At a time when much of the world has been mapped and explored, Amundsen’s voyages remind us that the true essence of adventure lies not only in discovering new places, but also in having the courage to dream, to dare and to embark on journeys that push our limits and expand our horizons.”
Peter Wilson of MCM Newport successfully supervised the construction of ‘Vinson of Antarctica’ and ‘Amundsen’. Discussing the choice of aluminium for the hull and superstructure, Wilson noted: “Aluminium is very strong, easy to repair and lighter compared to steel. With Tony Castro’s design and Skip Novak’s racing background, good sailing performance is fundamental. “A well-designed yacht is always more fun to sail,” he says.

Source: Nauticlink, and KM Yachtbuilders‘ site.
Photo: KM Yachtbuilders

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