Proven Concept Confirmed: The Second Pelagic 77

Following the successful launch and early operational life of the Pelagic 77 Vinson of Antarctica, a second yacht of the same design was commissioned—an uncommon decision in custom yacht building and a clear reflection of confidence in the platform.

Designed by Tony Castro Yachts and built by KM Yachtbuilders in the Netherlands, the Pelagic 77 was conceived as a purpose-built expedition yacht for high-latitude sailing. Its performance in real conditions quickly demonstrated that the concept was not only sound, but repeatable.

As Tony Castro noted, it is “very rare that an owner of a custom yacht decides to build a sistership,” making this decision a direct endorsement of the yacht’s capability.

EXPANDING THE MISSION

While Vinson of Antarctica established itself across the Southern Ocean, Patagonia, and South Georgia, the second vessel was conceived to extend operations into the Arctic—applying a proven platform to a different, yet equally demanding, environment.

KM Yachtbuilders was tasked with constructing a near-identical sistership in aluminium, maintaining the same principles of strength, simplicity, and reliability. For the yard, the project represented more than continuity, with the team describing it as “a big compliment” to build a second yacht of such a custom nature.

OPERATIONAL DEMAND

The decision to commission a second Pelagic 77 was driven by experience. In its first year, Vinson of Antarctica supported multiple expeditions, from transatlantic passages to scientific missions in Svalbard, demonstrating both versatility and reliability in remote operations.

As Skip Novak explained, the success of these early projects made it clear that “there is more work to be done in the northern hemisphere,” particularly in regions where climate research, exploration, and media require vessels capable of operating independently in challenging and unpredictable conditions.

DESIGN VALIDATED

For project backer Nicolás Ibañez Scott, the outcome of the first yacht’s operations provided the necessary clarity. Experience in the Southern Hemisphere confirmed the Pelagic 77 as a highly capable and dependable platform, with what he described as “a great boat that perfectly fulfills her purpose.” The commissioning of a second vessel was therefore not speculative, but a direct response to proven performance.

A RARE ENDORSEMENT

In custom yacht design, repetition is unusual. Each project is typically unique, shaped by specific requirements and ambitions. The decision to build a sistership signals something different—it indicates that the original concept has been tested, refined, and validated in the field.

With one vessel operating in the Southern Ocean and another extending capability into the Arctic, the Pelagic 77 demonstrates a consistent ability to perform across the world’s most demanding environments.

The principle is clear: true expedition yachts are defined not by design intent alone, but by performance where it matters most.