Arcona Yachts, born from the Swedish boatbuilder Boo Marine, has carved a formidable reputation in the global yachting industry as a premier builder of performance cruisers. With a steadfast commitment to quality, sailing prowess, and timeless design, Arcona yachts are celebrated for their ability to deliver exhilarating performance on the racecourse while offering exceptional comfort for family cruising.
The foundation of what would become Arcona Yachts was laid in 1967 with the establishment of Boo Marine AB by Ingrid and Bengt Jansson in Gustavsberg, Sweden. Their vision was rooted in a deep passion for sailing, seeking to merge their love for the sport with their livelihood. In its early years, Boo Marine became a builder and seller of various yacht models, most notably the Aphrodite 25. Designed by Carl Beyer, the Aphrodite 25 was a fiberglass fractional sloop produced between 1976 and 1987, with approximately 150 units built. It was considered an ultramodern 25-foot ocean racer for its era, showcasing Boo Marine's commitment to contemporary design and construction.
A pivotal moment arrived in 1982 when Boo Marine launched the first boat under its own distinct brand, Arcona. This was the Arcona 32, designed by Stefan Qviberg, a model that would truly define the emerging identity of the brand. While Ingrid and Bengt Jansson spearheaded Boo Marine, the ethos and design direction of Arcona Yachts as a brand were significantly shaped by Torgny Jansson, a Swedish sailing enthusiast and naval engineer, who began designing sailing yachts under the Arcona name in 1978.
History and Evolution
Following the successful introduction of the Arcona 32, which saw around 150 units built, the company continued to evolve its designs. The Arcona 321, a further development of the 32, was launched in 1989. Throughout its history, Arcona has been characterized by a continuous pursuit of excellence in construction and design. Their yachts quickly gained recognition for their robust sandwich construction, often utilizing high-density Divinycell as the core material in their hand-laminated hulls and decks. Modern Arcona models now incorporate advanced construction techniques such as multi-axial rovings, Vinylester resin, and vacuum infusion for hull lamination, particularly evident in newer flagships like the Arcona 50.
A significant corporate development occurred in January 2018 when Arcona Yachts was acquired by Najad Yachts. Both distinguished Swedish yacht brands are now under the ownership of Håkan Eksandh, who has also acquired Orust Yacht Service AB, further consolidating expertise and services within the group.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Arcona Yachts has cultivated a distinguished reputation in the sailing world for perfecting the "cruiser-racer" concept. Their core design philosophy revolves around achieving an optimal balance between high-performance, race-winning capabilities and the comfortable, relaxed experience of cruising. This dual-purpose DNA is evident in every model, appealing to sailors who desire speed and responsiveness without compromising on interior comfort and amenities. The brand proudly embodies a "By Sailors, for Sailors" motto, reflecting a deep understanding of what sailors truly value.
The Swedish heritage of Arcona is palpable in the clean lines and thoughtful design of their yachts. Signature features include a focus on strong, stiff hulls for superior performance, often complemented by iconic non-slip material or teak on the side decks. Arcona has collaborated with renowned naval architects to bring their vision to life. Stefan Qviberg was the designer behind early iconic models such as the Arcona 32. More recently, Arcona has partnered with Niels Jeppesen and Ariadna Pons of Jeppesen & Pons for the design of their flagship Arcona 50. Niels Jeppesen, known as the founder and principal designer of X-Yachts, brings extensive experience from designing over 6,000 yachts to his collaborations with Arcona. The Arcona 50, notably, introduced twin rudders as a new design feature for the brand.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Throughout its history, Arcona has produced several highly significant and successful yacht models:
- Aphrodite 25: While not originally under the Arcona brand, this Carl Beyer-designed model, built by Boo Marine, set a precedent for quality fiberglass construction and performance, with 150 units produced.
- Arcona 32/321: The inaugural model under the Arcona brand, the Stefan Qviberg-designed Arcona 32, proved highly successful with 150 units built. Its development into the Arcona 321 further solidified Arcona's commitment to refining its designs.
- Arcona 400: Launched in 2001, the Arcona 400 became an icon, recognized as one of the leading yachts in the cruiser-racer trend.
- Arcona 380 & 385: These models have been consistently popular, known for their high-quality build and performance.
- Arcona 50: The current flagship model, designed by Jeppesen & Pons, represents the pinnacle of Arcona's performance cruiser philosophy, incorporating advanced features like twin rudders.
Arcona Yachts currently offers a range of models typically spanning from 34 to 50 feet, all embodying the core principles of the brand. The enduring quality and performance of Arcona yachts have led to high demand for used models in the brokerage market.
The Builder Today
Today, Arcona Yachts operates as a prominent part of a larger group owned by Håkan Eksandh, alongside Najad Yachts and Orust Yacht Service AB. The brand continues to focus on its niche: the ultimate performance cruiser. Modern Arcona boats appeal to discerning sailors who demand both competitive sailing characteristics and uncompromising comfort. Whether for weekend family cruises or challenging offshore races, Arcona yachts are designed to excel.
The ownership experience is highly valued, with Arcona fostering a strong community among its owners. The company takes pride in the level of engagement and satisfaction within its owner base, reflecting its philosophy of building yachts "by Sailors, for Sailors." With a heritage rooted in Swedish craftsmanship and an ongoing commitment to innovation and performance, Arcona Yachts remains a respected name in the world of high-quality sailing.
