Skip Novack’s Pelagic Expeditions has been offering high latitude cruises for adventurers and scientists for twenty years. His focus is on the southern regions of Patagonia, Antarctica, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia Island.
Needing to replace the original Pelagic, three years ago he built the all-aluminum schooner Vinson that was 77-feet long and had cabins for 12 guests. The Tony Castro design benefited from Novack’s long experience running and managing expedition yachts in the toughest seas and weather conditions on the planet.
Because they sail where there are no shoreside facilities to aid in repairs, the boat had to be entirely self-sufficient and easy to maintain and repair. That meant keeping her systems simple, redundant and robustly built.
The Vinson has proven to be a success, so the team set out to build a second Pelagic 77 along the same lines and again designed by Tony Castro to be called the Amundson. The boat is named after the famous explorer Roald Amundson.
The new 77-footer is built in aluminum by the Dutch firm KMYachtbuilders and the project was managed by the experienced management team MCMNewport.
The new boat has several improvements that are worth noting. The doghouse has been enlarged and given more headroom so crew can work here out fo the extreme weather and in more comfort. The engine room has been enlarged so access to all machinery has been made easier.
The saloon has been enlarged and made more yacht-like and comfortable. For crews of adventurers and scientist who are living aboard for weeks at a time in cold and damp conditions, this upgrade will be appreciated.
An unusual and purposeful new build, the Amundson will be a great platform for exploring the Antarctic. Read more here.
