Archipelago Yachts signed the design contract for its second Archipelago 80, featuring in-house interior design and advanced hybrid propulsion.
The British boat builder, Archipelago Yachts, has confirmed that it has signed the design contract for its second Archipelago 80, further advancing the evolution of its flagship explorer yacht series. The second 80 will further advance the capabilities of the original model, while introducing a series of new onboard features and an elevated approach to interior design. For the first time, Archipelago has brought its interior design work fully in‑house, enabling greater creative control, improved integration with the vessel’s engineering, and a more seamless customisation process for owners.
As well as benefitting from Archipelago’s high‑quality in‑house design, the next generation pocket superyacht introduces a number of new features. Among them are a high‑capacity helipad for enhanced operational flexibility, a dedicated gym and sauna offering a private onboard wellness space, and a significantly expanded kitchen/galley area optimised for long‑range cruising. Additionally, the vessel will feature generous indoor and outdoor dining areas for comfortable living and entertaining, accommodation for up to 16 guests, and layouts fully customisable to the owner’s requirements.
Built on the same award‑winning Chartwell Marine hull form as the first 80, the new vessel will retain the core Archipelago principles of safety, simplicity, space, speed and shallow‑draft operation. The 80’s hybrid diesel‑electric propulsion system, expansive payload capacity and long‑range capability continue to position it as one of the most versatile sub‑24m explorer platforms on the market.
Dr Stephen Weatherley, CEO of Archipelago Yachts, commented, “Securing the design contract for our second Archipelago 80 is an exciting moment for the business and a clear reflection of the demand we’re seeing for this platform. Bringing the interior design in‑house allows us to push the boundaries even further, creating a vessel that is not only technically exceptional but deeply personal to each owner.
With our new Isle of Wight shipyard now fully operational, we have the capability, the space and the team to deliver this next 80 to an even higher standard. It represents another step in our mission to redefine what a sub‑24m explorer yacht can be.”
The new yacht will be designed and engineered at Archipelago’s recently opened Isle of Wight shipyard, the company’s first wholly controlled production facility. The Newport site enables Archipelago to bring key manufacturing capabilities in‑house, accelerate R&D programmes and support the next phase of its growth, including advanced work in low and zero‑carbon marine technology. The second Archipelago 80 is now entering the detailed design phase, with construction scheduled to begin in early 2027.
