KM Yachtbuilders in the Netherlands has announced the delivery of the Pelagic 77 Amundsen, with plans for the boat to head to the Falkland Islands sometime before 2025.
Amundsen is the second hull in a series that began with Vinson of Antarctica, which launched in 2021. The name Amundsen is a tribute to polar explorer Roald Amundsen of Norway, who explored the north and south poles more than a century ago.
Peter Wilson of MCM Newport, who acted as the owner’s representative on the project, says aluminum was chosen for the hull and superstructure because it “offers great strength, ease of repair, and better weight performance as 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.”
The team collaborated on the project for two years. Amundsen has two carbon masts for sail distribution and redundancy, supplemented by a manual sailing system with winches and jib furlers.
There’s also eco-friendly Volvo Penta engines. That propulsion system is a change from Vinson, as is the keel configuration on Amundsen, whose centerboard was eliminated in favor of a fixed keel with a fin and bulb. The idea was to eliminate moving parts and enhance reliability during long expeditions.
Interior adjustments were also made. The engine room’s capacity was expanded to make equipment access and maintenance easier, and the wheelhouse has increased headroom.
For times of relaxation, there’s a lounge, dining area and galley. Accommodations are for a maximum of eight guests.
“In her relatively short life, Vinson has been a great success, traveling thousands of miles in some of the world’s toughest conditions in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean,” Wilson stated in a press release. “For Amundsen, we updated the autopilot and steering gear and improved many details in the rig, rigging, deck and interior to enhance her performance and reliability.”Nicolás Ibáñez Scott, who was also involved with the project, added that the team had a clear vision from the start: “In an era where much of the world has been mapped and explored, Amundsen’s journeys remind us that the true essence of adventure lies not just in discovering new places but in the courage to dream, to dare and to embark on journeys that test our limits and expand our horizons.”
Key specs for Amundsen: Length overall is 77 feet, 2 inches; waterline length is 67 feet, 5 inches; beam is 20 feet, 4 inches; and draft is 7 feet, 1 inch.
Where to learn more: go to kmyachtbuilders.com.
