Last week, KM Yachtbuilders launched the 23.5-metre sailing yacht Amundsen, built at its shipyard in Makkum, the Netherlands. Following in the footsteps of its sister ship, Vinson of Antarctica, Amundsen is the second hull in the series.
The name Amundsen is a tribute to the great Norwegian polar explorer Roald Amundsen. Constructed by KM Yachtbuilders with an aluminium hull and superstructure, it features naval architecture by Tony Castro.
Amundsen has a 6.2-metre beam and is equipped with two aluminium masts, accentuated by a distinctive red stripe near the waterline. Inside, it offers a spacious pilothouse and three double staterooms, accommodating up to six guests comfortably. Featuring two carbon masts meticulously designed to evenly distribute the sail area, the yacht is complemented by manually operable sail systems such as winches and jib rollers.
Also read: KM Yachtbuilders turns hull of second Pelagic 77
Modifications
Distinguished from the Vinson of Antarctica, Amundsen is an enhanced iteration with several modifications. Notably, its propulsion system sets it apart, boasting modern, eco-friendly engines aimed at minimising environmental impact.
Additional enhancements include:
- Increased standing height within the pilothouse
- Removal of the centreboard from the fixed keel
- Integration of two Volvo engines instead of Yanmar engines
- Expanded engine room capacity
These modifications, alongside numerous other minor details, contribute to Amundsen’s performance and environmental sustainability.
Both Skip Novak, the renowned ocean sailor and commercial director of Pelagic Expeditions, and owner Nicolás Ibáñez Scott, a Chilean entrepreneur and adventurer, were also present during the launch. Novak explains the idea behind the second Pelagic 77 Amundsen: ‘The decision to build a sister ship for the Vinson of Antarctica was based on the success of this design concept. This yields valuable projects that contribute to education for schools in Chile and Spain. These include a north-south crossing of the Atlantic Ocean to the southern hemisphere, where the Vinson now calls South America its home territory.’
Sailing area
The Amundsen will operate in the waters around the Arctic. In 2021, the Vinson of Antarctica set sail from the shipyard first to Spitsbergen to support a German geological team there. However, it swiftly became evident that further tasks awaited in the northern hemisphere, spanning climate research, film assistance, and journalistic endeavours.
The geographical scope is broader than in the southern sector, but with a shorter season. Now, the Amundsen is poised to undertake this crucial mission in the northern reaches.
Also read: KM Yachtbuilders turns hull of 23.5-metre aluminium yacht
Specifications
- Length overall (LoA): 23.50 m
- Waterline length (LwL): 20.55 m
- Beam: 6.20 m
- Draught: 2.15 – 4.30 m
- Material: Aluminium
- Engines: 2x Volvo
- Mast: 2x Axxon, carbon fiber
- Interior: Bamboo
- Capacity: 8 guests and 3 crew members
Photo by KM Yachtbuilders.
Also read: SWZ|Maritime’s September 2023 issue: Yacht building is versatile and innovative
