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In Hampshire, on the south coast of England, there is a shipyard that specializes in building the latest generation of motor catamarans, engineered to offer the best in performance and ensure impeccable bluewater qualities. It is Archipelago Expedition, a British brand specializing in the development of aluminum multihulls with high explorer qualities. In the range of powercats, which cover numbers from 40 to 80 feet, now comes a new cat, a “pocket-explorer” by 12 meters capable of speeds of up to 30 knots and strong hybrid propulsion, 2,000 nautical mile range, and sleeping accommodations for 4 (and up to 8) people: this is the new Archipelago 40 Expedition.
Newly born and already sold in at least one unit (delivery early 2025), Archipelago’s new 40-footer harkens back to the larger and already popular 47 Expedition, offering more usable dimensions for even the smallest marinas and landings, thanks to an LOA of just 12.5 meters and a 5.8-foot beam. But its real ace up its sleeve is to be found in the concept, which is made of aluminum and designed to be particularly customizable, thus being able to offer very specific layouts, capable of adapting both to cruiser use, all the way to the more drawn-out uses as a sport-boat or as an explorer proper. A quality that already characterizes its standard layout, strong with two double cabins and a workshop, but variable to accommodate 6 or 8 people as well.
Designed in collaboration with Chartwell Marine, the new Archipelago 40 features particularly “sharp” and sleek lines, designed to ensure maximum seaworthiness while simultaneously reducing friction and turbulence as much as possible, thus gaining both on the on-board comfort front and on that of fuel consumption and the resulting environmental impact, which has already been reduced through the diesel-electric hybrid engine and the extensive use of photovoltaic panels on the top. A combination of qualities that, starting right from the very top occupied by the panels, profoundly defines the lines of this small explorer, which presents itself as a boat with a clean, minimal and attractive appearance.
The high freeboard and the central glazed volume projected backward thus characterize the glance, which is balanced by the high glass windows at the broadside, a guarantee of illumination for the interior spaces of the two respective hulls. In terms of layouts, however, the details and furnishings turn out to be “tailor-made,” sewn to the specific needs of the owners, presenting a boat that, as standard, offers a large aft cockpit with convivial area and davits for the tender and dual access to the sea via the two aft sections of the hulls. Instead, the bow recalls a sailing catamaran inspiration, with a net-centered portion joining the two hulls at their forward ends.
As for interior spaces, which can also be customized, a standard version of the Archipelago 40 includes a living area with a sofa in the port section of the main deck, mirrored to starboard by an open-air galley. Toward the bow, on the other hand, there is a working area with a large table, followed by the command post located amidships, just behind the large dashboard.
Also in terms of standard layout, the two hulls offer, respectively, a port double cabin with en suite bathroom, mirrored in the starboard hull with a double bunk cabin, a workshop area and a second bathroom. From these 4 total beds, however, you can increase to 6 or 8 depending on your needs.
In terms of propulsion, Archipelago Expedition’s new 40-footer includes a V-drive diesel-electric hybrid engine assisted by a 1,500-liter fuel tank and 6kW solar panels on the top of the main deck. Instead, the maximum expected range is around 2,000 nautical miles. The maximum speed with standard preventive motorization 23 knots peak, potentially more than 30 knots is the maximum speed with different motorizations requested by the owner.
| Length Over All (LOA) | 12.5 m |
| Baglio Massimo (B.max) | 5.8 m |
| Vacuum immersion | 0.8 m |
| No-load displacement | 14 t |
| Full load displacement | 18 t |
| Standard motorization | Diesel-electric hybrid, v-drive shaft |
| Solar | 6kW |
| Standard maximum speed | 23 kn |
| Maximum speed (enhanced engine) | 30+ kn |
| Autonomy | 2000 mn |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 1500 lt. |
| Fresh Water Tank Capacity | 500 lt. |
| Standard cabins (customizable) | 2 doubles + workshop |
| Sleeping places | 4/6 |
| Contact | www.archipelago-yachts.co.uk |
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