Pelorus Yachting has released details on a 70-metre expedition yacht known as Captain Arctic, currently under construction at Chantier Naval de l’Ocean Indien in Port Louis, Mauritius. She has been dubbed the "first truly sustainable polar expedition vessel on the [charter] market" and will operate in Norway, Svalbard and Greenland following her 2026 delivery.
Captain Arctic is designed with five rigid solar-patented sails, powering all on board requirements, and has the ability to run on vegetable oil if the wind and solar power lags. The yacht will reportedly "save 90 per cent CO2 compared to any ship of the region" and has an exterior that invites comparison to the Dyna-rigged Black Pearl and Maltese Falcon.
Leisure highlights will include a fitness room, sauna, polar plunge, 1920s-style bar, library and dedicated silent room for "taking in the view" in peaceful contemplation. There will also be an on board science lab focused on advancing discovery and environmental protection of the polar regions.
The yacht will be captained by Sophie Galvagnon, who has worked in the industry for over 17 years as a captain and an ice pilot. There will also be quarters for a team of five guides who will organise on-land and on-water expeditions for the guests.
Accommodation is for 30 guests across 16 cabins, one of which is wheelchair accessible.
Scheduled expeditions include a visit to the "cathedral-like" fjords in East Greenland, observing the Aurora Borealis in Northern Norway and experiencing the midnight sun in Svalbard, a natural phenomenon in which the sun remains above the horizon for 24 hours a day.