Arcadia Sherpa 60 Review (2019 Edition)

Yachting has become a highly serious endeavor. In today's landscape, where consumers are well-informed and global competition is fierce, the success of a yacht hinges on its design and execution. Every detail must be scrutinized and optimized down to the smallest measurement to ensure its competitiveness.

Any vessel that falls short of providing the maximum number of cabins, lounges, and lockers faces dire consequences. Yet, this level of scrutiny and expectation is a relatively recent development.

In the past, yachts were characterized by moments of individual brilliance, fantasy, and occasionally, folly. Despite their limited production numbers, these vessels epitomized happy, smile-inducing times.

While Arcadia is renowned for its focus on practical and ecological cruising, it's no stranger to yachting fantasy. However, with this particular project, the company has embraced a more lighthearted approach, letting loose, and indulging in a bit of fun.

Typically, a yacht of this size would boast three cabins and a spacious salon. However, the Sherpa breaks from this convention. Despite its unconventional layout, it remains a highly capable vessel. With a length of 18m, commanding tall and powerful bows, and a top speed approaching 20 knots, it offers impressive performance. Powered by Volvo Penta's IPS600 pod drive engines, which provide a range of around 900nm at 12 knots, the Sherpa demonstrates efficiency and economical running costs.

In addition to its performance, the Sherpa prioritizes safety and practicality. Its expansive decks and robust rubbing strake provide ample protection for the forward sections, ensuring a safe and secure experience for all onboard.

While the Sherpa may not fit the traditional mold of folly, it undeniably stands out as one of the most indulgent yachts to emerge from a production yard in recent memory. Resembling a luxurious Tonka toy turned tugboat, it promises to evoke smiles wherever it ventures, particularly on the face of its owner, especially when they take the helm.

Though the Sherpa may not strive to cater to every preference, it excels in providing a pure and accommodating yachting experience. Its spacious, opulent, and secure decks ensure the comfort and safety of guests, while its capabilities as a weekend getaway vessel are equally impressive. Whether enjoyed by a family of four or a couple, the Sherpa's IPS joystick control simplifies handling, further enhancing the overall boating experience.

The interior design of the Sherpa 60 Yacht places a strong emphasis on the expansive space within its tall bows. The standard layout features a portside Owner's cabin and starboard guest quarters, both of which are generously proportioned and boast ample floor space, striking hull windows, and a finish reminiscent of a superyacht. The Owner's cabin is complemented by a forward ensuite, while a convenient day head with its own shower compartment is available for guests.

For those seeking a departure from convention, Arcadia offers an alternative full-beam owner's suite layout, complete with an adjoining lounge or study.

While the Sherpa's playful and irreverent attitude may suggest a preference for a single large cabin, there is an undeniable sense of practicality and capability inherent in the yacht, making the two-cabin option equally appealing and fitting.

Arcadia's signature sailing yacht steering wheel is a testament to craftsmanship, delivered in a sleek carbon fiber finish and positioned before a dark modular console featuring flush multi-function display (MFD) screens and professional-grade seats. The visibility from the helm station is excellent, offering an unobstructed view of the surrounding seascape. Positioned right forward, the helm seats provide a sensation of being nestled in the bows, affording the skipper a wonderful panoramic view across the water.

The upright screens serve a dual purpose, acting as a protective barrier for the skipper during longer passages while also contributing to the yacht's sleek aesthetic. However, for those seeking a bit of excitement, the side sections of the screens can be lowered down, allowing for exhilarating blasts around the bay without compromising on safety or style.

The design of the Sherpa is centered around its expansive aft deck. This vast expanse begins with dining and lounge seating, culminating in a massive swim platform equipped with a hydraulic lift for seamless access from the dock or sea. A substantial overhang, adorned with solar panels above, provides ample coverage for much of the deck, creating a sense of privacy in the forward section while leaving plenty of lounge seating and a massive aft sun pad open to the skies.

While the deck layout may seem fairly fixed, Arcadia's versatility shines through in its ability to offer various finishes and furniture styles. However, a central section of the deck lifts to reveal a hidden tender bay and expansive storage space, totaling an impressive 23,000 liters.

A smart internal crane system is available to effortlessly launch a RIB or PWC over the side. Additionally, a portion of the forward stowage bay can be converted into a small crew cabin — an invaluable option for those considering employing a deckhand to oversee the yacht in their absence.

Forward, three staircases provide access, with the central staircase leading to what Arcadia refers to as the Skydeck. More than just a flybridge, this elevated deck serves multiple purposes, housing the helm station, a dining table, and the yacht's galley. Enclosed by a low hardtop and surrounded by glass screens, the Skydeck offers proper protection for the helm and a sense of privacy, which can be easily adjusted at the touch of a button. With the electrically operated side screens, the bridge can be transformed into a more open and inviting space, providing a versatile and adaptable environment for all onboard.