KM Yachtbuilders - Vinson of Antarctica

The 23.5-metre Pelagic 77 is one of rare breed of sailing yacht designed specifically for navigating in polar seas. Her experienced owner, Nicolás Ibáñez Scott, a Chilean entrepreneur and adventurer who wanted “an expedition yacht designed and built for sailing mainly in high latitudes”

After delivery at the end of 2020 followed by an extensive sea trial in the North Atlantic through the summer of 2021, Vinson of Antarctica has been used as a private yacht but also to serve an educational purpose.

Puerto Williams in Chile, is the starting point of many of Skip Novak’s expeditions, as well as the place where Nicolás Ibáñez Scott has developed a sailing school with the goal of educating children through sailing.

It was there where Skip Novak and Mr Ibanez met, and as a result of that connection, the idea of combining both exploration and sail training was born. Tony Castro, who designed Skip Novak’s well known Pelagic Australis, was engaged and developed the concept of this Pelagic 77, Vinson of Antarctica.

Skip Novak said that Vinson of Antarctica "is an evolution from Pelagic Australis and was conceived and designed for expedition sailing mainly in high latitudes. This implies enhanced autonomy, ease of handling with respect to sail areas and of course, given our Pelagic philosophy, simple systems that a yacht crew, operating in remote areas can service without specialist help."

With a centerboarder rather than a full lifting keel, Vinson of Anctartica is a schooner with two carbon masts to split up the sail area, therefore keeping all sailing systems, winches and furlers manually operated. Her two Yanmar engines of 150hp ensure redundancy.

The large pilot house and living area and galley aft are the main areas where guests spend their time when not on the deck. Six double cabins are forward of the pilot house with two heads and showers shared among them. The interior styling is light with bamboo furniture.