Pelagic 77 expedition sailing yacht Vinson of Antarctica spotted on sea trials

The 23.5 metre Pelagic 77 expedition sailing yacht Vinson of Antarctica has been spotted undertaking sea trials on the North Sea. 

It comes after the yacht, which is named after the highest mountain in Antarctica, hit the water for the first time in February at the Makkum-based shipyard of KM YachtBuilders.

With a robust fixed keel and a reinforced hull and deck structure reinforced to withstand ice, the Pelagic 77 was built for sailing in high latitudes, according to owner's representative MCM.

The yacht is designed by Tony Castro Design and is penned as an evolution of the 22.5 metre Pelagic Australis, which was the result of adventurer Skip Novak's first 14 years of high latitude sailing.

Speaking about the design, MCM founder Peter Wilson said: "An expedition sailing yacht has to be designed and built to specific criteria, including enhanced autonomy, ease of handling, a simple sail plan and reliable onboard systems – and robust. The Pelagic 77 has been conceived with all these factors in mind.”

Vinson of Antarctica features two carbon masts so that the sail area is distributed and all sail systems, such as winches and jib rollers, can still be operated by hand. Elsewhere, the yacht features twin engines with well-protected propellers, a workshop forward to allow running repairs at sea and a diesel stove in the aft saloon.

The yacht, which has a beam of 6.2 metres, has an interior design populated with bamboo furniture. It features a large pilothouse with a comfortable living area and galley aft, which makes up the majority of the guest areas. The accommodation quarters meanwhile consists of six double cabins forward of the pilothouse.

Following sea trials, Vinson of Antarctica will  be used for charter trips based out of Puerto Williams in South Chile as well as for private use by her experienced Chilean owner.

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