Arcona 50, the Swedish challenge to the performance cruiser world

Dfter “parading” to X-Yachts a legend such as. Niels Jeppesen, founder and principal designer of the Danish shipyard, one of the pioneering designers in the world of performance cruisers, last spring Arcona announced the arrival of its first 50-footer, ushering in a new path that aims to return among the big players in the fast cruiser segment.

A challenge not only to X-Yachts but also, thanks to the decidedly more Mediterranean flavor than past models, to leading Italian shipyards.

The new Arcona 50, the Swedish shipyard’s flagship, has seen the water and is preparing to appear on the market as a high-end model dedicated to owner cruising with sporty features.

ARCONA 50 – THE PROJECT

The Arcona 50 is a boat clearly geared for cruising, including long-distance cruising, but with a keen eye for sailing prowess, as has always been the case with Arcona models. The aesthetics are those reminiscent of the performance-cruiser world, with generous but balanced volumes, nearly inverted bow exits that are also appealing to those who like sporty boats.

In contrast to many pure cruisers, it has no edge on the hull, but rather the stern exits are soft, with a slight knee that winks more at the world of sport boats.

APPENDAGES AND SAIL PLAN

More conservative was the choice on the rudder, with a double blade that was chosen mainly to ensure comfort in steering, with a boat that will remain easy to carry even in strong winds when it is very heeled. In fact, the double blade ensures a perfectly submerged rudder even at high heeling angles. Imagining this in a cruise dimension, it means that there will be less work to do at the mainsail and even a not-so-experienced helmsman will be able to “feel” the boat at the wheel when it is very heeled.

On the other hand, there is a wide choice in terms of keel, with three available drafts: 2.2-2.5-2.95, to be chosen according to sailing needs and the desire to have a more or less performing boat.

The same goes for the headsail, with the 56-sqm self-tacking jib or the 65-sqm 110% jib working in tandem with an 86-sqm mainsail.

ARCONA 50 – THE TOUCH OF JEPPESEN

As for the “touch” of Jeppesen, who conceived the design of the boat in collaboration with Ariadna Pons (also formerly of X-Yachts), one cannot help but notice a certain assonance with the lines of the latest X-Yachts. The light spot on the forward face of the deckhouse, the slightly convex deckhouse itself, or the soft, high stern exits over the water are reminiscent of what was seen on the Danish brand’s X 4.9.

A sign that in the Northern European market, the challenge between Arcona and X-Yachts is something now concrete, and the Swedes, having brought the founder of X-Yachts into their home, want to try to attack the Danes in the area of quality, “Nordic-style” cruising boats.

THE INTERIOR.

Two layouts are available, both with three cabins. The difference lies in the aft cabins and dinette layout. In one layout the aft cabins have single beds, and the galley is C-shaped as well as the sofa at the dining table. In the other layout, the aft cabins are classic, the galley is straight and a peninsula is inserted, and the sofa in the dining area is L-shaped. There are two bathrooms in both versions.

The style is Nordic, restrained and bright, without stylistic excesses, with careful attention to form and a detail that will appeal to those who like boats made as they once were: there is no edge in the furniture frames, something not always taken for granted today.

THE NEW CONSTRUCTION SITE

Arcona Group also showed its desire to grow and relaunch itself with another move:the acquisition SailYard AB shipyard in Uddevalla. A move, Arcona’s, aimed at further strengthening the skills and resources within the group. Arcona and SailYard Shipyard have already worked together for several years.

SailYard built the 45-foot Arcona 435 Performance Cruiser and is in the process of building the new flagship Arcona 50. “I think bringing this shipyard into the group is a very positive step forward since we have been collaborating for several years,” said Urban Lagnéus, CEO of Arcona Yachts.

“It gives us the opportunity to use all their knowledge and experience and have shorter and more efficient processes. The fact that our parent company has now, in a short period of time, acquired a shipbuilding company and one of the largest service and winter storage yards on the west coast (of Sweden, ed.) means that we now have the opportunity to offer full service to our customers, from sales to service including winter storage.

Ultimately we can say that after a few years of silence, in which the Swedish brand seemed to be in a bit of a slump, Arcona is back. Not only a renewal of the range, but also moves made to globally strengthen the brand.

THE NUMBERS. OF THE ARCONA 50

Shipyard: Arcona

Length f. t.: 15.80 m

Length. hull: 14.99 m

Maximum beam: 4.60 m

Draft: 2.2-2.5-2.95 m

Displacement: 13.9 t

Engine: 80 hp

Serb. fuel: 385 lt

Serb. water: 375 lt

Project: Jeppesen/Pons

Price: 879,000 euros + VAT ex site

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