Vinson of Antarctica: Expedition Yacht for Extreme Latitudes

The Pelagic 77 Vinson of Antarctica, designed by Tony Castro Yachts, was launched at KM Yachtbuilders in the Netherlands in February 2021. Conceived for high-latitude sailing, the yacht is purpose-built to operate in some of the most remote and challenging environments on the planet.

Developed as an evolution of the earlier Pelagic Australis, the design reflects decades of real-world expedition experience. With a reinforced hull and deck structure, fixed keel and a focus on durability, the yacht is engineered for reliability in extreme conditions.

“This expedition yacht was conceived for high-latitude sailing, with a strong emphasis on self-reliance and practical simplicity.”
— Skip Novak

Key features include twin carbon masts for balanced sail distribution, manually operable systems for redundancy, and twin engines with protected propulsion. A dedicated onboard workshop further supports maintenance and repair during extended passages in remote regions.

Internally, the yacht combines functionality with comfort. A spacious pilothouse, aft saloon and galley create a protected working environment, while accommodation forward allows for up to eight guests and four crew. The interior incorporates sustainable materials, including bamboo finishes.

Designed not only as an expedition platform but also as a training vessel, Vinson of Antarctica will support high-latitude seamanship programmes aligned with recognised sailing standards. Initial voyages include sea trials in Northern Europe followed by expeditions to the Arctic, before transitioning to operations in the Southern Hemisphere.

The yacht will ultimately be based in southern Chile, serving as a platform for both exploration and education in one of the world’s most demanding sailing regions.