KM Yachtbuilders has completed the Pelagic 77 Amundsen sailing yacht. The Amundsen’s first goal is to reach the Falkland Islands before 2025.
This sailing yacht is a remarkable addition to KM Yachtbuilders‘ fleet. Following the impressive design of sister ship Vinson of Antarctica, Amundsen is the second in this series. The ship’s name is a tribute to the famous polar explorer Roald Amundsen.
Amundsen is an evolution of the previous Pelagic concept, conceived and designed by Skip Novak and Tony Castro.
Also read: KM Yachtbuilders launches second Pelagic 77 Amundsen
Exterior and interior
Amundsen is built with a robust aluminium hull and superstructure, designed according to Tony Castro’s cutting-edge naval architecture. The yacht is 6.2 metres wide and has an eye-catching red pilot house. The two carbon masts are carefully designed to evenly distribute the sail area, complemented by manually operated sail systems such as winches and furling genoas.
Inside, Amundsen features a dedicated pilot house, a spacious lounge and a well-equipped galley. The yacht comfortably accommodates up to eight guests, making it ideal for longer stays at sea.
Additional modifications include:
- More headroom in the wheelhouse.
- The centreboard has been removed from the fixed keel.
- The propellers are closer to the rudder blades to increase manoeuvrability when docking.
- Larger engine room.
- Bow thruster.
These modifications, among numerous other small details, contribute to Amundsen’s exceptional performance.
Also read: KM Yachtbuilders turns hull of second Pelagic 77
Contributing to education
Both Skip Novak, renowned ocean sailor and commercial director of Pelagic Expeditions, and owner Nicolás Ibáñez Scott, a Chilean entrepreneur and adventurer, were recently present during the launch.
Skip Novak explains the idea behind the second Pelagic 77 Amundsen: ‘The decision to build a sister ship to the Vinson of Antarctica is based on the success of this design concept. This provides valuable projects that contribute to education for schools in Chile and Spain. These include a north-south crossing of the Atlantic to the southern hemisphere, where the Vinson of Antarctica is now home to South America.’
Peter Wilson of MCM Newport supervised the construction of Vinson of Antarctica and Amundsen. Discussing the choice of aluminium for the hull and superstructure, Wilson notes: ‘Aluminium is very strong, easy to repair and lighter compared to steel. With Tony Castro’s design and Skip Novak’s racing background, good sailing performance is fundamental. A well-designed yacht is always more fun to sail.’
By the end of 2024, Amundsen will reach the Falkland Islands. In 2025, Pelagic Adventure Sailing will offer several practical training courses.
Pelagic 77 Amundsen specifications
- Overall length: 23.50 m
- Waterline length: 20.55 m
- Breadth: 6.20 m
- Draught: 2.15 m
- Material: aluminium
- Engines: 2x Volvo
- Mast: 2x Axxon, carbon
- Interior: Bamboo
- Capacity: 8 guests and 3 crew members
Picture: KM Yachtbuilders delivers Pelagic 77 Amundsen (photo KM Yachtbuilders).
Also read: KM Yachtbuilders turns hull of 23.5-metre aluminium yacht