“My voyage was born out of passion to surf the world and find a way to live lighter on the planet. And this film was created thanks to collaboration and support from loving friends and companies. I hope it inspires you to hear the callings of your heart.”

Liz Clark

About Liz Clark… in her own words

I learned to sail at seven years old in San Diego, California on a little red sailing dinghy. At ten, I completed a 5,000-mile, 6-month cruise in Mexico with my family on our sailboat, The Endless Summer, experiencing a different culture, the freedom and beauty of sea travel, and opening my mind to horizons beyond my hometown reality. I credit the origin of my environmental concern to my exposure to the contrasting landscapes of grave pollution and radical natural beauty in Mexico.

Albeit very young, this trip profoundly impacted me. Two things were clear when we returned to San Diego in 1990: I wanted to protect the natural world from human destruction and, one day, I wanted to be the captain of my own sailboat.

At fifteen, my love of the ocean and natural athletic inclination led me to try surfing. Soon after, it was all I wanted to do. Determined to excel in the sport, I spent all my free time in the water and eventually started competing. I surfed in private contests and for the UCSB surf team while studying at UC Santa Barbara. My competitive career culminated in a win at the NSSA Nationals, making me the 2002 College Women’s National Champion. Although I enjoyed pushing my level of surfing through competition, I was more inclined to chasing nature saturated, exploratory surf experiences. I enjoyed surfing most for the adventures leading to remote breaks, the connection with the elements, and the opportunities for self-discovery. I was full of bigger questions that needed answers.

I began taking surf trips during summers and school breaks to Barbados, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Hawaii, Mexico, Nicaragua, and a ‘study abroad’ trip Australia. As I finished up my degree in Environmental Studies, I remember feeling frustrated by the direction the world seemed headed. Our distance and apathy for the natural world and failure as a country to seek and promote environmentally sustainable living left me disappointed and frustrated. I clung to my dream as a ‘way out’.

My surfing obsession further fueled this fire. The pressures of increasing crowds and urban pollution made the idea of a free-ranging life on the sea seem even more appealing. After graduation, I crewed on different boats to gain experience for about a year, and then spontaneously came upon the chance to become the captain of my own sailboat. Thanks to the generosity of my friend and mentor, Barry Schuyler, along with support from my family, Swell and I were united.

Through this stroke of serendipity, my intense determination, and the generosity and advice of innumerable people in Santa Barbara and beyond, Swell was converted into an ocean-worthy vessel. For almost three years, I worked with local professionals–mechanical, rigging, sail repair, radio, fiberglassing, and others, learning and overhauling each of Swell’s vital systems in order to prepare myself and my ship for sea. Only having sailed the boat a handful of times during this busy preparation period, I honestly didn’t know whether I would be capable of a captain’s tasks and responsibility. Although the uncertainties ahead petrified me, the alternative of not going seemed even more unthinkable. And so in October of 2005, I pointed Swell’s bow south from the Santa Barbara harbor.

Over the 20,000 nautical miles of ocean I’ve sailed since, I’ve discovered that the most important sort of exploration happens within. The enormous sense of fulfillment I’ve gained from following my dream, delving into self-awareness, and living a simple life close to nature motivates me to continue sharing my experiences in hopes of the same for others.

A few powerful lessons I’ve learned along the way:

• We really do have immense inner power to create the life we desire and manifest our dreams.
• By using the challenges and adversities in life as opportunities to grow and learn, something positive can come out of almost any difficult situation.
• We’re all just doing our best, so instead of pointing fingers or placing blame, it’s always more useful to look within for solutions.
• Practicing relentless positivity and loving-kindness has the power to completely change one’s reality.
• WE ARE ONE! Nature, humanity, and all life on Earth are inextricably and fantastically connected. Seeking to understand and participate in this Greatness is not only a path to immense personal fulfillment, but also to healthy, peaceful planet and a populace that could exist in harmony with nature!

The post Steer With your Heart: A film from the Voyage of Swell appeared first on Sail Universe.

Introduce your pet to the boat gradually

Introduce your pet to the boat gradually, starting with short trips and gradually increasing the duration of the trips. This will help your pet become accustomed to the motion of the boat. Familiarize your pet with the various sounds and smells of the boat. This can help reduce anxiety and stress during the trip.

Before you leave

Travel regulations for animals vary from country to country so make sure to inform yourself ahead of time about the necessary documentation as well as the regulations about animal quarantine in your chosen travel destination. It’s best to contact the local authorities for this information. With as many people opting for the different profiles of veterinary jobs available, you can get in touch with any one of them, and clear all your doubts, before you set to set to sail with your pet.

If you’re traveling in Europe, for example, you will need a pet passport which needs to be signed by an officially approved veterinary surgeon.

You should also make sure that your pet is microchipped, as this is a requirement in almost every country.

Take care to keep your pet’s vaccination record up to date and plan ahead if you think your pet might need additional vaccines.

Sailing with pets is easily done but it’s advisable to start planning early, as vaccines and applying for documentation can take a while.

Before booking a boat for your sailing holiday, ask your charter agency whether they welcome animals on board or whether you need to plan with certain extra costs.

Safety on board when sailing with pets

If your pet is active, and depending on weather conditions, it might be advisable to secure the outside of the boat with a net.

Furthermore, cats and dogs should always wear life jackets on board (as should their owners, of course).

You can also use a harness if it’s too warm outside for your animal to wear a vest. That way your pet will be more comfortable and you can still easily help it out of the water. You can get different harnesses for different dogs so make sure you get a suitable harness that fits securely. Check out www.jugdog.co.uk to look at the pros and cons of various harnesses.

When choosing a pet flotation device, there are a few things you should consider:

1. Size: Make sure the flotation device fits your pet properly. It should be snug enough to stay in place, but not so tight that it restricts movement or causes discomfort.
2. Buoyancy: The flotation device should provide enough buoyancy to keep your pet afloat in the water.
3. Visibility: Choose a flotation device that is brightly colored or has reflective strips, so your pet is easy to spot in the water.
4. Durability: The flotation device should be made of high-quality materials that can withstand rough conditions.
5. Ease of use: Look for a flotation device that is easy to put on and take off, and that has adjustable straps to ensure a secure fit.
6. Comfort: Make sure the flotation device is comfortable for your pet to wear.

Toilet

Going to the toilet on the high seas can be especially tricky for dogs. Think about constructing a special dog toilet, like a patch of fake lawn or a cat toilet filled with sand.

Try and acquaint your dog with this new technique at home, so it will feel comfortable from the minute it sets foot on board.

If you think this isn’t an option for your pet, plan shorter sailing trips of around 3-5 hours so that your dog can comfortably go on land. Even though cats have it significantly easier, please remember that you should place the cat toilet below deck where it is more stable.

Sun protection and sea sickness

Animals can get seasick on a sailing holiday, just like us humans. Make sure that there are always enough shaded areas onboard for your pet to take a rest, and that there is always fresh water available.

It’s easier on your pet’s stomach if you halve food portions. There are many remedies available (even from human medicine) should your four-legged friend still become sick. Ask your favorite vet about putting together a little first-aid kit!

Further tips for sailing with pets

Playing on the beach and in the water can be a real treat, especially for dogs. But remember that even on board, when the rest of the family is relaxing in the sun, your little one shouldn’t be allowed to get bored.

So pack enough toys and make sure that your pet is always occupied.

Create a little personal corner on the boat where your cat or dog can feel safe if they want to relax during your sailing holiday. Put some blankets or toys from home in this corner, so that your pet will feel as comfortable as possible.

The post Everything You Need To Know About Sailing With Pets appeared first on Sail Universe.

Blind Sailing International is an Organisation to support expand and further the opportunities for visually impaired people competing in the sport of sailing.

 Blind Sailing International (BSI) does this through:

• Supporting international sailing championships.
• Promoting Visually Impaired sailing activities and achievements.
• Providing an information source.
• Providing an opportunity for Blind and Partially sighted sailors to share their experiences.
• Working with World Sailing and the World Sailing Para World Sailing Committee (formerly the International Federation of Disabled Sailors (IFDS)).
• Working internationally with other sailing Organisations to develop sailing opportunities for visually impaired sailors.

HOW DO BLIND SAILORS RACE?

Visually Impaired Fleet Racing:

Blind Sailing International started a class of Fleet Racing which provided visually impaired sailors with a level playing field. Where lack of sight is no longer a disadvantage. Generally we race on keel boats, anything from 22 ft to 30 ft. racing in teams of four people, two visually impaired and two sighted. The helmsman, who is responsible for the steering, is always visually impaired. The tactician is sighted and not allowed to take part in the physical sailing of the boat. There is a visually impaired crew member and a sighted crew member who take care of the sails and trim of the boat.

Sailing takes place in three fleets which allows for totally blind helms to race against each other, while those with poor partial sight race each other and those with more partial sight to compete against one another. Racing in  integrated teams provides the necessary communication between crew members to ensure that competition is as close and tactical as with any other racing fleet. Normal  rules of racing apply.

Blind Match Racing:

The Homerus Organisation developed autonomous match racing for blind and partially sighted sailors.

Sailing to match racing rules, Blind and partially sighted sailors race a matched pair of boats around a course of audio sound buoys, using sound and wind to navigate and make all the tactical and sail trim decisions.

VI Sailor Classifications:

Visually Impaired Sailors are classified by strict guidelines into three groups which are effectively in simple terms:

• B1: No functional sight
• B2: Poor partial sight
• B3: No more than 10% functional sight

Paralympic Classes:

Although sailing is not currently part of the Paralympic Games, in recent quads the three person Sonar keelboat class and the two person Skud keelboat allowed visually impaired sailors to race as part of mixed disability teams. When sailing re-enters the Paralympics, we look forward to having visually impaired sailors competing.

Main Stream Sailing:

Through team work and good communication, visually impaired sailors enjoy the challenge of main stream racing.

This Great Big Story was made in collaboration with Audi.

Great Big Story is a video network dedicated to the untold, overlooked & flat-out amazing. Humans are capable of incredible things & we’re here to tell their stories. When a rocket lands in your backyard, you get in.

The post Blind Sailing International: These Sailors Navigate with Sound appeared first on Sail Universe.

How to set your spinnaker

How “NOT” to set a spinnaker

What do you think about?

The post How (and how “NOT”) to set your Spinnaker. VIDEOS appeared first on Sail Universe.

“We’re looking forward to another fantastic event—the caliber of racing and the pedigree of the boats on the starting line is unmatched on the New England racing circuit,” says Holly Paterson, Camden Classics Cup event director. “This regatta is a celebration of vintage and classic yachts and the community that surrounds them. I am continuously impressed by the passion of these sailors and the pride they take in their stewardship of these boats.” 

The event will adhere to the standard of excellence that participants have come to expect, and feature plenty of action on and off the water. “We’re looking forward to the return of the Youth Regatta, which saw 60 junior sailors from more than 8 clubs racing Optis and 420s last year, and of course, the always-popular Parade of Sail.” Paterson said. “Additionally, this year we’re excited to welcome Peter Gerard as our new Principal Race Officer (PRO). Peter is an invaluable addition to our on-the-water regatta team.” Gerard is a US Sailing certified National Judge and Regional Race Officer, an accomplished sailor, and active PRO.  

Once again, the event will feature boats sailing under several different ratings, including the Classic Rating Formula (CRF), the performance handicap rating fleet (PHRF), and the Day Racer Divisions (which will race under a variety of handicaps), with more to be announced as the scratch sheet grows. One important note, classes for the Classic yachts will also classify them for the COYA series.   

Last year’s event was timed with the opening of Lyman-Morse’s new 40,000 square-foot waterfront facility. The 2023 event will return to this stellar yard that lines the historic working Camden waterfront and includes the Salt Wharf Restaurant, Barron’s Distillery, retail space, as well as guest accommodations at Lyman-Morse Crew Quarters overlooking the harbor. In addition to providing great sailing across a variety of designs and decades, as well as the chance to visit Camden, Paterson noted that the regatta is also giving back to the local communities. “A portion of all entrance fees go to LifeFlight of Maine (lifeflightmaine.org), Maine’s only statewide critical-care medical service,” she said. 

The post Registration is Open For the 2023 Camden Classics Cup appeared first on Sail Universe.

Today, the modern descendants of these explorers are circumnavigating the world’s oceans using the same techniques.

This story is a part of Great Big Story Planet Earth series. Great Big Story is a video network dedicated to the untold, overlooked & flat-out amazing. Humans (and sailors) are capable of incredible things & we’re here to tell their stories. When a rocket lands in your backyard, you get in.

Hawai’i—possibly the most remote island chain on the planet—was discovered hundreds of years ago by Polynesian voyagers wayfinding in canoes. These ancient explorers relied exclusively upon their knowledge of the stars, bird behavior, and ocean swell patterns to find speckles of land. Today, the modern descendants of these explorers are circumnavigating the world’s oceans using the same wayfinding techniques.

The post Sun, Stars, Swells: Sailing the Globe Using Nothing but Nature appeared first on Sail Universe.

Maui, Hawaii

One of the most beautiful places in the United States to sail is Maui, Hawaii. With a host of beaches, docks and boating excursions available, you can choose what strikes your fancy. Even if the winter winds and snows are oppressing your native city, you can travel to Hawaii year-round. The warm winds — with more than 30 names, according to the Hawaiians — are friendly for novice to expert sailors alike.

San Juan Islands, Washington State

If tropical waters aren’t your thing, perhaps a sailing trip to Washington State in the United States will meet your traveler’s desires. Specifically, the San Juan Islands area, closer to Canadian mainland than the United States, gives sailors a year-round sailing experience with various ports of call. While the Pacific Northwest is known for its snows, the San Juan Islands aren’t nearly as treacherous; however, veteran sailors do recommend not sailing in the chilly waters between November to early April.

Norwegian Fjords

If you’ve always wanted to sail the seas and oceans near Europe, then look no further than one of Europe’s hidden gems: the Norwegian Fjords. In addition to mild blue waters, this area offers some picturesque views nearby scenery and the fjords, which were created by glaciers during the final ice age. While sailing, point your attention to waterfalls, shores with small villages and beautiful mountain peaks.

The French Riviera

If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway with a celebrity flair, then The French Riviera in the South of France could be a viable option. It’s one of the most well-known sailing destinations in the world, with Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Nice, Monaco and other destinations on the map. Just be sure to pack some of your best attire if you plan to stop at some yacht clubs!

Whitsundays

The Whitsundays in Australia are known around the world for being one of the best locations for sailing in the world. Its tropical atmosphere and sprawling beaches will keep you company as you sail individually or as part of a group. Like many locations, The Whitsundays offer year-round sailing, with warm winters and even hotter summers. While on the water, you can stop to snorkel in The Great Barrier Reef, spot whales when they migrate north or enter one of 300 annual yacht races.

The post Five Best Places Where To Sail At Least One Time In Your Life appeared first on Sail Universe.

A determined Hylas 63 owner has demonstrated just how straightforward it is to island-hop across the far north of the Atlantic Ocean. With just a few cold-water improvements made to his yacht Shaima, Alberto Duhau and an ever-changing crew took 132 days to cruise from Florida to Valencia, by way of Newfoundland, Greenland, Iceland and the Faroes. 

Duhau conceived of the expedition as a homage to the Viking navigators, and he was determined to do it in a comfortable non-expedition boat. “In studying the Viking explorations, I found that it was all about sailing in fast ships and in short hops, during favourable weather windows in the height of summer,” said Duhau. “If the Vikings did it ten centuries ago, why couldn’t we do it in greater safety and comfort today?”

Built by Hylas yard Queen Long Marine in Taiwan, Hylas 63 Shaima was already a supremely comfortable 8-berth bluewater yacht, with sleek lines from the incomparable Germán Frers. Her hull was a hi-tech sandwich construction using alternating layers of Twaron and glass fibre for stiffness and strength in collision, and she had been customized for offshore work. But key cold-water improvements included building a rigid cockpit enclosure with heating, installing a heat exchanger in the watermaker intake, reinforcing the davit bases for a 15ft tender, and beefing up the rudder bearings. She was also equipped with 120m of anchor chain and long shorelines.

Once the boat was expedition-ready, Duhau drew up a detailed passage plan whose key feature was cruising southwest Greenland, particularly the 57-mile long Prince Christian Sound. This narrow fjord separates the mainland from numerous islands to the south, while glaciers calve into its deep waters from the north. In places, it is no more than 500m wide.

With impressive tankage for 2,450lt of fuel and 1,450lt of water, and several fridges well stocked with fresh food, Shaima took the US east coast in one long hop. Then she put in at several spots along the coasts of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, reveling in the sight of humpback and pilot whales. “The small coastal villages of this part of Canada start to have the flavor of Scandinavian towns that dot the landscape for the rest of the trip,” noted Duhau.

“In studying the Viking explorations, I found that it was all about sailing in fast ships and in short hops, during favourable weather windows in the height of summer. If the Vikings did it ten centuries ago, why couldn’t we do it in greater safety and comfort today?”

Alberto Duhau

They waited three days on Newfoundland for a weather window before making the 700-mile jump to Greenland’s second ‘city’ Qaqortoq. With 15-20 knot winds from the south and west, it was a good broad reach most of the way, although there were plenty of bergie bits and ice sightings to keep the crew busy. “Sometimes we could scout for icebergs from the warmth of our cockpit enclosure, but often we had to stand watch unprotected from the side deck,” said Duhau. “Our one-piece survival suits and our Arctic boots were essential.” The warmth and comfort of the boat’s luxurious interior made a welcome respite from the cold and fog.

Some 90 per cent of Greenland lies under the ice cap, with only a strip of exposed land around the coast. In anchorage after anchorage, the crew explored to their hearts’ content, taking in iceberg climbing, sea kayaking and bountiful fishing for Arctic char. Care was needed through Prince Christian Sound, where high granite cliffs on either side are punctuated by 12 calving glaciers. Nonetheless, this was a highlight of the trip.

It was a much simpler crossing to Iceland across 660 miles of mostly ice-free sea. The passage took just four days, and the island is much better supplied with marinas and tourist facilities. Duhau had planned to cruise the wilder north-about route, but changed plans in order to make up lost time. “Reykjavik is welcoming, culturally vibrant and fun,” he said. “We spent 10 days there and never ran out of things to do.”

The cruise down to the Faroe Islands felt like downhill by comparison, although the islands themselves are beautiful, empty and wild. One can explore by sea readily enough, but it is quicker to do so by land, because the main islands are connected by tunnels.

Hylas 63 Shaima made a fast passage to Inverness, where she picked up the Caledonian Canal to traverse Scotland. Duhau enthused about “climbing up and down dozens of sea locks, sailing across the legendary loch Ness and reaching lovely Oban on the third day.” Tobermory and Islay came next, where the crew visited no fewer than six distilleries, reaping the inevitable reward the next morning. Highlights after that were Belfast, Dublin and then the Spanish rias, where the tempo began to rise as they hopped south and into the Mediterranean. 

Looking back on his adventure, Duhau noted that they had not spent more than six days in a row at sea – a far cry from the two to three weeks required for the direct route. “The route up North is just so isolated, so pristine, it touches your heart. You do not need an expedition boat to do this, just a seaworthy ocean vessel and a competent crew,” he added. “Island hopping across the Atlantic is a very feasible project.”

The post The 132-day Expedition of The Hylas 63 Shaima In The Wake of the Vikings appeared first on Sail Universe.

1. Check Your Ground Tackle for Integrity

Check your anchor ground tackle before you make your approach into an anchorage. This applies to quiet coves or crowded anchorages. Ground tackle consists of each part of your anchor, fastenings, rope, and chain that form an “umbilical cord” from your boat to the sea bottom. If one single part of your ground tackle fails, this could put your boat and sailing crew in danger. You could drag anchor and end up aground.

Take the time now to check for chafe (wear and tear), broken fittings, and bent or distorted anchor parts. Pay close attention to the anchor shank (long arm of the anchor attached to your rope or chain). This vulnerable anchor part needs to be straight without distortion. If bent, do not attempt to straighten the shank. This will weaken it–much like bending a paperclip back and forth. Use another anchor for peace of mind.

2. Choose Protection from Wind and Waves

What direction are the winds from right now? Are those winds expected to shift in a new direction over the next 24-48 hours? Answer these two vital questions before you select an anchorage. Next, look at your nautical chart and find a cove or indentation with protection from wind and waves on at least two sides. Protection on three sides gives you the best security.

For example, let’s say the wind blows from the north. You listen to the predicted forecast and winds are expected to shift to the northeast overnight. Choose an anchorage with protection from the north and east, or protection from the west, north and east. That way, your small sailboat will be protected from the present wind and waves (from the north), and the future, predicted wind and waves (from the northeast).

3. Know Your Seabed Bottom Material

Scan the chart inside the cove you have chosen. You need to have bottom material that your anchor can get a bite into. Sand, hard mud, and clay are ideal to drop your hook. Anchors tend to bury deep into these types of seabed materials. On the other hand, rock, grass, or kelp will be quite difficult for most any anchor to bite into. Your anchor might bounce over a rock-hard bottom or slide over slippery seabeds. Take the time to choose an “anchor friendly” seabed and you will sleep better at night.

4. Select the Best Anchor for the Sea Bottom

Carry at least two anchors aboard your boat. Purchase original anchors–not knock-offs. Copy-cat anchors can be of questionable build quality–unable to take the shear loads experienced when anchored. Choose an anchor that works well in good bottoms and one that you can trust in poorer bottoms. For softer seabeds like soft mud or soft sand pick an anchor like the Fortress. For other bottoms, use a well-proven boat anchor like the Rocna.

Cruising sailboats often carry three or more anchors so that they can use multiple anchors in stormy weather. Remember this–your anchor becomes your #1 primary insurance policy underway–not a piece of paper from a marine insurance company! Spend the money for superior anchor gear and you will be rewarded with confidence, peace-of-mind, and worry-free cruising anywhere in the world.

If you are anything like me, anchoring your sailboat in a quite, snug cove or harbor can be hard to beat.

5. Allow for Swing Room and Scope

Survey the anchorage area once you arrive. Make a few loops around the anchorage spot. Look at how other boats are anchored. Follow suite. If other boats have two anchors out, so should you. Favor that side of the anchorage nearer boats with designs close to your boat. Boats of like-designs swing at anchor in similar fashion.

Remember that your anchor marks the center of the circle and you will swing around the anchor in a circle–called a “swing circle”. Estimate the swing-circle of other boats. When you drop anchor, make sure that your swing circle does not intersect the swing-circle of another boat. Keep well clear of shoals (shallow water) or land downwind of your chosen anchor spot. Calculate the amount of anchor rode you need for safety. Allow 7 feet of rode for each foot of water depth–called “scope”. Add expected height of tidal rise and the distance of your bow above water in your calculations.

For example, let’s say you arrive at your anchorage and you will anchor in 10 feet of water. The tide tables say the tide will rise another 5 feet. Your bow is 3 feet above the water. How much scope do you need? Add everything and multiply by 7. 10 feet + 5 feet + 3 feet = 18 feet x 7 = 126 feet. Put out 126 feet of anchor rode for safe anchoring.

Follow these five tips for anchoring your sailboat safe and sound in any anchorage. This will give you confidence and peace-of-mind–wherever in the world you choose to cruise!

Captain John shows you the sailing skills you need for safe sailing anywhere in the world. Sign up for a FREE issue of the highly popular “Captain John’s Sailing Tips” newsletter and learn how you can get instant access to over 425 sailing articles, sailing videos, newsletters and more at SkipperTips.

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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

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