Yacht Class n°17 (june-july-august 2019)

OCEAN DRIVE

Evolution of the 100-foot launched two years ago, the new A105 is characterized by an additional sundeck that reinforces the visual contact with the sea, a feature already present aboard her older sister. She also has multiple openings to the exterior, plus solar panels providing part of the energy onboard.

Written by Philippe Leblond – Photos : All rights reserved

The size is almost the same, the 105 being half a metre longer than the 100, while displaying the same beam. Her silhouette is also very similar, yet her aft section features a cantilever carrying a large sun lounge, overlooking the cockpit, that did not exist on the 100 foot. At about five metres in height, this spot is particularly pleasant, offering a panoramic view over nearly 300 degrees. This deck development can be excused for slightly thickening her profile…
It was then during the last Cannes Yachting Festival that the Neapolitan shipyard unveiled this yacht in line with its production and featuring two of its signature elements: arched superstructures covered with photovoltaic panels. To reduce the superstructure weights of its cruisers, Arcadia Yachts mixes aluminium with polyester, nonetheless it fitted the A105 with electro-hydraulic stabilisers, to minimise to the maximum the heel.

Three different spots for meals

In Cannes, the yard unveiled an anthracite and light grey version of this first 105 feet. Delivered to her owner two months earlier, she is the second largest unit of the Arcadia range, just behind the A115 (35 m). Our visit began in a conventional way, by boarding from the stern. From there, we reached a vast cockpit with teak slats and light joints, almost entirely sheltered by the upper deck. Its layout is unique, gathering a large lounge area, with multiple sofas around four coffee tables, and a dining area opening onto the sea, with a large table for eight guests. Behind the bay window, we discovered the large saloon, opening widely onto the sea thanks to immense lateral sliding windows, that can be enlarged thanks to two fold-out balconies. Around three beautiful sofas, the circulation is easy, leading to a port, fully-equipped galley and on starboard, to the playroom, which, when necessary, could be used as an additional dining area… Fitted with a central round table, this place is entirely glazed, like a greenhouse, and thus bathed with natural light while enjoying air conditioning. It features two large glass doors opening onto the passageways. The cabins are all grouped below decks and dispatched in two independent areas: forward are the crew quarters, with three cabins accommodating five berths. Amidships are the three guests (including two VIP) and the master, separated from the engine room by its bathroom and dressing room and fitted with large portholes. Of course, each cabin is en suite. Thus, if the math is correct, five crew members will take care of eight passengers.

A moderate speed, but a good range

Let’s get some altitude and enter the sky lounge. Another beautiful vantage point thanks to the glazed superstructures. A large window separates this relaxation area from the A105’s sole wheelhouse. This rather small place features two comfortable leather seats facing a three-screen dashboard, displaying the electronic charts and information on the boat’s smooth running. When the temperature cools off, it is nice to laze around in the vast lounge, sipping a cocktail or sharing a meal on the large opposite tables, which can potentially become a third dining area! The vast adjoining sun lounge, which has the same surface than the cockpit, is also a pleasant relaxation spot. There, the bar is always ready to serve some cold drinks to the passengers comfortably settled in the sun or under the canvas providing shade to the many sofas. The foredeck saloon, with its U-shaped settee and the bow in line of sight, should also delight sunbathing and sea breeze enthusiasts. A word on the contemporary interior decoration by Hot Lab. Far from minimalist, it actually exudes luxury and plays on both the effects of materials and the contrasts between dark or light lacquered, woods, numerous mirrors, bed headboards in suede caning, emphasizing reflection with indirect lighting.

A sun lounge by way of rooftop

With her semi-displacement hull, this three deck can cover about 1 500 miles without refuelling, which allows her, for example, to make a long loop in the Mediterranean without having to put in ports or marinas. She is powered by twin 1 000 hp MAN diesel engines and consumes about 150 litres per hour at a cruising speed of 16 knots. If time is running short, she can hit 18 knots. This speed, albeit modest, is perfectly in line with this Arcadia’s philosophy, a yacht where to enjoy spending time sailing. It should be noted that the solar panels, which “only” provide 4.5 kW per hour, do not contribute to the ship’s propulsion, but support the operation of some equipment.
In line with its production, the latest creation of the Neapolitan yard has emerged as one of the most audacious yachts as regards to the communication between interior and exterior, thanks to large openings and her fold-out bulwarks overlooking the waves. Compared to the A100, she gains a “roof top” sun lounge, which will undoubtedly become a popular spot, especially during stopovers.