Introducing the new aluminium built ocean-going catamaran, Archipelago 47

British newcomer Archipelago Yachts hopes to achieve another milestone with its all-new aluminium clad Archipelago 47 powercat. The Archipelago 47 powercat is already under construction on the Isle of Wight and is expected to be ready for a global debut at this year's Southampton Boat Show. The usage of aluminium for making the yacht not only reduces weight and development costs but also enables future customization. It's also a robust, long-lasting substance that may be recycled indefinitely.

Chartwell Marine, a team of naval architects whose core field of expertise is powercats for the offshore wind farm sector, designed the Archipelago 47. Dr Steven Weatherley, the company's creator, owner, and CEO decided to commission and build a powercat, replacing the family’s Mitchell 31.

With its forward-raked windscreen, broad side-decks, and chopped-off transoms, Dr Steven Weatherley claimed that he was going for a watery Land Rover impression. The tough, semi-commercial aesthetic of the Archipelago 47 meets that requirement. Starting at £885,000, including taxes, a second Archipelago 47 is now under construction, with plans for 38ft and 56ft variants in the works.

“The march of the multihulls seems to be gathering pace with every month but this one really does it for me. Small and fast enough for day trips but also robust and efficient enough to cross oceans, it does seem to offer the best of both worlds. If they can balance the fit, finish and pricing equation too, they should be on to a winner,” said MBY editor Hugo Andreae.

The other feature which adorns the Archipelago 47 powercat is the low roofline, flush-fit saloon glass, and big hull windows, giving it a sporting finesse that sets it apart from its workboat parts. For sunbathing, there's also a giant trampoline net draped between the two forward hulls. An open-plan saloon and galley primarily take up the main deck, however, during night trips, the bridge area forward may be screened off.

The owner's stateroom takes up the whole port hull and features a double bed sleeping area, an ensuite shower room, and a study. The starboard hull is divided into two rooms (a double and a twin-bunk), each with its bathing room.

Twin 420hp Iveco diesel on straight shafts running in half tunnels will power the first Archipelago 47. The maximum speed is projected to be over 25 knots. Two 3,000-litre fuel tanks, one in each hull, provide a stated ocean-crossing range of 3,000 nautical miles at eight knots. Following boats are anticipated to include diesel-electric hybrid systems.