On Board Review

Arcadia Sherpa 60 Review (2019 Edition)

This is yachting hedonism done the Arcadia way. Welcome to the Sherpa 60 — the concept yacht that puts the fun back into function.

At first glance, the Sherpa 60 Yacht may evoke various interpretations — a maverick SUV of the seas, a pocket-sized superyacht support boat, or even a luxurious tugboat. Some might even consider it a mere drawing board concept destined to remain unrealized.

However, there is nothing speculative about the brilliance of this vessel. Beneath its fabulously unique Tonka toy-inspired styling lies an incredibly practical and rewarding yacht, with a wealth of features designed to enhance ownership and, most importantly, enjoyment on the water.

Arcadia Sherpa 60 Key Facts

Arcadia Sherpa 60 illustration
  • LOA 18.28m
  • Model Year 2019
  • Cabins 2
  • Max Speed 19 knots
  • Status In Production
  • Yacht Type Crossover
  • Use Type Weekending

Design & Build

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.

Arcadia Sherpa 60 design
A simple yet effective design © Arcadia

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.

Arcadia Sherpa 60 design
Tall, puposeful bows designed for high seas also deliver more interior volume © Arcadia

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.

Arcadia Sherpa 60 solar roof
Arcadia is one of the more eco-minded builders, adding 1.5kW of solar power to the Sherpa
Arcadia Sherpa 60 design
Arcadia Sherpa 60 design

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.

Interior Accommodation

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.

Arcadia Sherpa 60 cabin
The owner's suite looking aft, in the two cabin layout © Arcadia
Arcadia Sherpa 60 ensuite
Arcadia Sherpa 60 heads

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

Arcadia Sherpa 60 design
The optional one cabin layout creates an owner's stateroom (looking forward) and a lounge © Arcadia

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.

Helm Station

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.

Arcadia Sherpa 60 helm
Arcadia's trademark sailing wheel sits before a smart, modern and engaging bridge © Arcadia

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.

Deck Lifestyle

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.

Arcadia Sherpa 60 design
50 square meters of luxury deck © Arcadia

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.

Arcadia Sherpa 60 decks
The forward part of the deck is protected and lit by an overhang © Arcadia
Arcadia Sherpa 60 design
Arcadia Sherpa 60 deck

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.

Arcadia Sherpa 60 skydeck
The Sherpa's Skydeck design adds seating around the helm © Arcadia

Our Verdict

We think every boat builder should have a Sherpa in its lineup — a vessel unafraid to break free from convention and offer a purer, yet highly functional, and incredibly enjoyable boating experience. However, there's more to the Sherpa than meets the eye. The deeper we delved into this yacht, the more we discovered its excellent boating sensibilities.

While it may not boast an abundance of cabins, the Sherpa's unique charm lies in its ability to provide a different kind of yachting experience — one that prioritises enjoyment and indulgence. For those seeking a taste of yachting hedonism, we wholeheartedly recommend considering the Arcadia way.

Reasons to Buy

  • Pure yachting hedonism with added functionality
  • Massive luxury aft deck
  • 20knots and 900nm range
  • Excellent finish
  • Upper 'Skydeck' with electric screens
  • 1.5kW solar energy support for domestic systems

Things to Consider

  • Limited interior options

Looking to own a Arcadia Sherpa 60? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Arcadia Sherpa 60 Yachts for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Arcadia Sherpa 60, customized to your exact specifications, with options for engine choice and layout configuration. Alternatively, explore our global listings of new and used yachts for sale and find your perfect yacht today!

Rivals to Consider

The Sherpa 60 is a unique yacht, so it comes as no surprise it has few, if any, real rivals. There are some wonderful two-cabin classic-style boats and equally muscular and practical walkaround wheelhouse designs, mainly from Scandinavian builders. At this price point, there are plenty of boats with big decks to enjoy, especially in the flybridge market, but none that offer this kind of boisterously charming design. One yacht that comes close is the Blue Game BGX62. Very different to look at, this similarly undefinable vessel mixes gunboat prowess with sports yacht performance, delivering a unique aft deck design that places the emphasis on the Owner, with a waterline cabin and lounge leading to a deep private terrace.     

Considering a new yacht? Explore Arcadia's entire current range to find the model that best suits your needs, and compare it with alternatives from competitors to ensure you make the perfect choice.

Specifications

  • Builder Arcadia
  • Range Sherpa
  • Model Sherpa 60
  • Length Overall 18.28m
  • Beam 5.58m
  • Draft 1.32m
  • Hull Fibreglass
  • Cabins 2
  • Berths 4
  • Cruising Speed
  • Max Speed
  • Fuel Capacity 3,400 Litres
  • Fresh Water Capacity 730 Litres
  • Engine Model 2x Volvo Penta IPS600
  • Engine economic speed 12 knots
  • Engine max range (speed type) 854 (nm)
New Model Specs & Options

Arcadia Sherpa 60 Layout

  • Optional U-shaped seating with tables

    Open Deck Arcadia Sherpa 60

    The massive aft deck totals some 50 square meters, the highlighted area shows lounge seating which can be swapped for sun pads. The raised Skydeck and helm is seen forward, accessed from a central stairwell.

  • Optional 2 cabin layout

    Lower Deck Arcadia Sherpa 60

    The two-cabin option here gives you a more practical cruising layout with an Owner's ensuite and a separate day head. A one-cabin full-beam Owner's suite layout can also be delivered. The optional crew cabin sits on the space forward of the tender bay.   

View All Layout Options