December 4th, in the early morning, KM Yachtbuilders employees were out and about, the street was cordoned off, the cranes prepared, and it promised to be a beautiful Monday morning in Makkum. This was a milestone in the construction of the second Pelagic 77: the aluminum hull was turned exactly three years after the first Pelagic.
Following the success of the first Pelagic 77 ‘Vinson of Antarctica’, it was decided to have a sister ship built this year. Construction started in March. The sister ship will be almost identical to the first one. The difference is found mainly in the engines: the second will feature more modern and environmentally friendly engines.
The first has found its home in South America and will focus mainly on sailing in the southern hemisphere with charter guests, educational programmes, training courses and the occasional scientific group, whereas the second Pelagic will remain in the northern hemisphere. This sister ship will be used for groups of scientists/biologists, film and video crews, and ecological purposes.
Like many KM Yachtbuilders vessels, the Pelagics are designed for high-latitude expeditions. Self-sufficiency, practical convenience while sailing, and simple, low-maintenance systems are critical, especially in remote areas without specialist help. The second Pelagic also features all the mod cons. The yacht will have two carbon masts to evenly distribute the sail area, and all sail systems, such as winches and jib rollers, can still be operated manually. Inside too, you will find everything a crew could desire. A large pilothouse provides a comfortable living area, and the six double cabins offer plenty of space to rest or step back.
The creator of the concept, Skip Novak, and the project manager for both ships, Jordy Griso, were of course present to witness the event. The second Pelagic is scheduled for completion in early 2024.
The following parties are involved with this project:
KM Yachtbuilders Builder www.kmy.nl
Skip Novak Pelagic Expeditions www.pelagic.co.uk
Tony Castro Naval Architect www.tonycastroyachts.com
Peter Wilson MCM Newport www.mcmnewport.com
Nicolas Ibañez Scott Promoter/Owner
Jordi Griso Owner representative
17 March 2022
Second Pelagic 77 to be built by KM Yachtbuilders
This week the contracts were signed for the construction of a second Pelagic 77 sail yacht, after the successful launch of the first one in 2021 by KM Yachtbuilders in the Netherlands.
KM Yachtbuilders is tasked with building almost an exact copy of the first Pelagic 77. The construction of the aluminium hull will commence this month and delivery is set for early 2024 with the construction supervision by Peter Wilson, co-founder of MCM Newport.
“Everyone at the yard is thrilled with this news. We have had repeat customers before, but to build a second unit of such a custom project is a big compliment to receive,” says Jildou Huisman, sales & marketing manager.
Eeuwe Kooi, founder of KM Yachtbuilders adds: “It was great working with the team from the owner’s side for the first time and I’m confident it will be the same for the second yacht too. The Vinson of Antarctica is a yacht we are very proud of and even prouder to build the second one.”
Skip Novak, the commercial director of Pelagic Expeditions, explains why a second yacht will be built:
“The decision to build a sistership to the Vinson of Antarctica was based on the success of this design concept which over the first year of her life has supported four worthwhile projects, their content contributing to our educational arm for schools in Chile and Spain. This included a north-south traverse of the Atlantic Ocean into the southern hemisphere of operation where Vinson will now be based in the southern South American sector.
In the aftermath of our first project right out of the builder’s yard, supporting a German geological team on Svalbard in July of 2021, it was clear there is more work to be done in the northern hemisphere. Climate change science, film support and reportage need a vessel like Vinson and in fact the geographical scope is wider than in the southern sector, although with a shorter season. The countries that border the arctic basin have interests in the prognoses of climate change which not only impact the flora and fauna of those regions but also the livelihoods of the local communities. Not least of all commercial interests are at stake with ice free shipping lanes opening up. Questions and resolutions of disputed territories will also inform issues surrounding mineral extraction. Hence, the arctic is a grand theatre of geopolitics. These events as they unfold and evolve need to be monitored and told to the global audience. A platform of our Pelagic 77 concept is a perfect tool to achieve these endeavours.
Embarking on such an ambitious two boat campaign operating sometimes simultaneously at the opposite ends of the earth, is not taken lightly. However, our project team of designers, builders, crew and educators are up to the task and we welcome the challenges ahead.”
Nicolas Ibañez Scott is the Chairman of Drake Foundation and the promoter and main backer of this social enterprise.
“Our satisfaction with the Vinson of Antarctica, and her first expeditions in the Southern Hemisphere, leads us to make the decision of building a second unit: A sister ship that will focus her area of operations in the Arctic zone.
The brilliant team assembled for the project was yet another reason to accept this new challenge. Skip’s experience, together with Tony Castro’s talent and the good work of KM Yachtbuilders, resulted in a great boat that perfectly fulfills her purpose.“
Naval Architect Tony Castro adds: “It is very rare that an owner of a custom yacht decides to build a sistership for himself. Needless to say, we are extremely pleased that he likes the design so much that he is happy to have a second one, albeit to operate in a different part of the world.”
Pelagic 77 specs
| LoA | 23.50 m |
| LwL | 20.55 m |
| Beam | 6.20 m |
| Draft | 2.15 m |
| Material | Aluminium |
| Displ. | 49 T |
| Engines | 2x Volvo Penta D4 |
| Accommodation | 4 cabins (sleeps 10-12) + 2 wet cells |
| Rig | 2x aluminium masts |