The A85 paved the way for innovations like the SUV, the extensive use of glass, and minimalist design that are now commonplace in yacht design. Its appeal and single-deck concept remain daring, especially in an era dominated by multi-deck yachts, but is the minimalist A85 still relevant, or has the trend towards multi-deck maximalism reshaped the landscape?
Arcadia A85 Key Facts
- LOA 25.91m
- Model Year 2019
- Cabins 4
- Crew 4
- Max Speed 17 knots
- Status In Production
- Yacht Type Superyacht
- Use Type Cruising
Review Video
The A85 commands attention despite its low air draft. Amidst towering multi-deck yachts, this unique single-deck cruiser stands out for its distinctive design. While other 26m (85ft) yachts may offer more deck and interior options, the A85 boasts a spacious four-cabin layout that never feels cramped or restricted.
Arcadia's construction technique melds a GRP hull with an aluminum superstructure that appears almost entirely glass-made — a feat achieved through the installation of hundreds of solar panels on the superstructure's roof. These panels generate approximately 4KW of energy, ample to sustain lighting, navigational aids, and residual ration systems onboard. Additionally, this innovative system diffuses light and minimizes heat transmission into the vessel, thereby diminishing reliance on air conditioning.
In place of a main deck owner's cabin, the single-deck layout features a full-beam stateroom below, benefitting from the vessel's expansive 7m beam. Positioned just behind, the ensuite also capitalizes on the yacht's generous proportions. With a high-volume hull yielding 109GT, the majority of space is allocated below decks, accommodating three well-appointed guest cabins and crew quarters situated in the bow.
Designed to facilitate indoor-outdoor living, the main deck boasts a luxurious space defined by its open layout and abundance of natural light.
The salon and dining area are enveloped in glass, featuring full-height doors that effortlessly connect the interior to the exterior on both sides. A glass screen and door further enhance the fluid transition between the salon and the aft deck, blurring the boundaries between indoor comfort and outdoor experiences.
Positioned forward from the salon, the forward bridge stands distinctively apart with its sleek raked solar roof and minimalist console design, evoking a futuristic aesthetic reminiscent of a space shuttle. Despite its avant-garde appearance, the oversized sailing-style steering wheel serves as a tactile reminder of the vessel's maritime essence.
Situated at the forefront, overlooking the bows, the bridge offers unobstructed views of the surrounding seascape. Enhanced by upright wraparound windscreens, visibility is maximized, while clear display pods provide comprehensive access to onboard and navigational data, ensuring optimal control and navigation.
With its single deck, the A85 boasts an expansive and versatile outdoor space, spanning approximately 100 square meters, primarily located aft.
This area is subdivided into a dining and lounge section, mirroring the interior salon, and is sheltered beneath a substantial overhang that merges the indoor and outdoor realms. By opening the expansive sliding glass doors, the boundary between interior and exterior can be completely erased, fostering a captivating 'winter garden' experience.
At the stern, the deck stretches out under the open sky, offering ample room for additional lounge seating or for unobstructed placement of free-standing furniture. To starboard, a tender garage is conveniently positioned for easy access. Yet, the A85's allure extends beyond its aft area. Towards the bow, a delightful lounge awaits, complete with comfortable seating and sunpads, adding a playful touch to the yacht's forward section.
Our Verdict
In 2010, the A85 swept international awards, revolutionizing on-water design and technology. Embracing its single-deck concept, the yacht boasts graphite finishes, luminous cabins, and a sprawling main deck with a captivating inside-outside winter garden style. Remarkably, the A85 remains one of the industry's environmental frontrunners, thanks to its integrated low-carbon solar power. In a market evolving towards sustainability, the A85 isn't just relevant; it's indispensable — a piece of eco-conscious innovation that we need more than ever.
Reasons to Buy
- Bold, intelligent eco-design
- Highly capable cruising yacht
- Inside-outside main deck
- Massive glass sections with solar charging
Things to Consider
- Single deck design looks great but has limitations
Rivals to Consider
A decade on from its debut, the A85 is still a wonderfully unique yacht, with few, if any, builders daring to go for a single deck design at this LOA.
The A85’s closest rival is quite probably its sistership, the Arcadia Sherpa 80 XL, with its similarly expansive decks and bold styling. The 80 XL does have an upper deck and the option of a three or four-cabin layout, depending on whether you have the galley up on the main deck or down below. A little smaller than the A85 overall, the XL doesn’t feel it one bit and punches to 23knots, thanks largely to a lighter displacement than the 17knot A85.
The Azimut Magellano 25 Metri looks a very different proposition but it shares the same serious cruising mentality and some key design features, not least a big main deck that pushes right forward and a four-cabin lower deck. The main differences are a flybridge deck and a separate, slightly raised, pilothouse. The look and feel onboard is very different. The Magellano’s modern but refined exterior design matched to a classically-toned interior.
Another yacht that always enters the frame at this LOA is the five-cabin Sirena 88, similarly striking in design, it offers a pilothouse, flybridge and main deck Owner’s cabin with 25knots on tap. If big, bold design is for you, the Horizon FD80 delivers masses of interior space over two decks, with a pilothouse and lounge on the upper deck and a main deck Owner’s stateroom. Performance is similar to the A85 but with a claimed 1900nm range, significantly more than other yachts in this field.
Specifications
- Builder Arcadia
- Range A
- Model A85
- Length Overall 25.91m
- Beam 7.14m
- Draft 1.72m
- Hull Fibreglass
- Cabins 4
- Berths 8
- Crew 4
- Yacht Type (Primary) Superyacht
- Use Type (Primary) Cruising
-
Cruising SpeedMax Speed
- Fuel Capacity 9,300 Litres
- Fresh Water Capacity 1,600 Litres
- Engine Model 2x MAN i6-800
- Engine economic speed 10 knots
Arcadia A85 Layout
-
Main Deck
-
![Main Deck Arcadia A85]()
The main deck splits the interior salon and aft deck, creating two balanced social areas. Most of the aft deck sits beneath a massive overhang, creating a private, sheltered feel, with optional deck doors adding even more protection.
-
Lower Deck
-
Standard 4 cabin layout
![Lower Deck Arcadia A85]()
The four, all-ensuite, cabin layout works well, with a full-beam stateroom amidship, a forward VIP and twin-berth guest cabins between. The crew quarters are forward, accessed from the main deck galley.
Interested in a A85?
Used & In Stock
View the global market in one place
