A new designer, a new concept, several new features
The Arcona 50 marks a new stage for the Arcona shipyard, which has entrusted the design of its largest model to Niels Jeppesen, founder of X-Yachts and former designer of the Danish brand, and to Ariadna Pons-Forn, naval architect and designer. The program includes a high-performance yacht for offshore sailing, with a small crew and a comfortable interior for long cruising. The Arcona 50 will nevertheless welcome owners who enjoy coastal cruising with a variable draft (3 different keel positions).
The Arcona 50 is equipped with bi-safras, a first for the brand. This configuration was chosen to ensure stability on the road with a list of more than 15°, as Niels Jeppesen explains. Another novelty is the tender garage located in the transom.
A cockpit for short-handed sailing
In the cockpit, two steering wheels are standard. The layout and maneuvers are configured for short-handed sailing with the winches and piano near the helmsman. The three-spreader mast has a discontinuous rod standing rigging with hydraulic backstay. The mast and in-boom furler can be made of carbon as an option. Other options include a furling jib and bowsprit for the asymmetric spinnaker. Storage lockers are positioned next to the winches to store sheets and halyards. The optional electrically operated mainsheet traveler track is recessed in the cockpit floor.
The cockpit layout also introduces a new organization with L-shaped cockpit benches for easy movement. The latter house 4 lockers, including the life support on the starboard side and the mooring lines on the port side. The aft lockers are reserved for the gas bottle and the dock connector.
Gaining weight through construction and fittings
inside, the architects have reduced the weight of the boat, notably by opting for composite watertight partitions inserted between the saloon and the sail locker at the front and the tender garage at the rear. The use of carbon in the structure has also reduced the total weight by 900 kg. A wood sandwich with a foam core for the upholstery also saves mass.
A bright and minimalist interior
The design recalls the Scandinavian origins of the shipyard, but is intended to be minimalist according to the designers. However, we will have to wait for the first interior visuals to confirm this. Light is provided by the hull windows and deck panels. The interior decoration is proposed in two colors, mahogany or light oak, the choice is also left regarding the materials and the color of the upholstery.
The kitchen and dining area are offered in two versions. There is plenty of storage, a gimbaled stove with oven, a sink and a refrigerator. The island provides easy access to the L-shaped saloon seating. A second option with a U-shaped bench seat and additional work surface is also available. The saloon table has an additional seat on the starboard side that can be moved and locked into position. On the starboard side, there is a double bench seat as well as the chart table and a washroom with separate shower for the guest cabins.
Launch in 2023
Construction of the first Arcona 50 will begin in September 2022. The first five Arcona 50s will be launched during 2023.
