Arcona 50 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Launched in 2022, the Arcona 50 marks a pivotal moment for Arcona Yachts, signaling a transition towards a more pronounced luxury performance sector while meticulously preserving the brand's celebrated cruiser-racer heritage. This new direction is embodied by the collaboration with Niels Jeppesen, founder and principal designer of X-Yachts, who, alongside Ariadna Pons, brought extensive experience to their first design for Arcona. Their design philosophy for the Arcona 50 aligns with a clean, functional, and elegantly minimalistic Scandinavian aesthetic.

A notable innovation introduced with the Arcona 50 is the incorporation of twin rudders, a first for the Arcona brand, designed to enhance control and facilitate a clear division of the cockpit into distinct guest and working areas. Reflecting Arcona's unwavering commitment to quality, the yacht's construction benefits from advanced techniques, including multi-axial rovings, Vinylester resin, and vacuum infusion for the hand-laminated hull and deck, ensuring a robust and stiff structure capable of exceptional performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Arcona 50 is engineered for impressive sailing prowess, balanced with ease of handling. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 24.91, she is poised to perform exceptionally well in lighter air conditions, ensuring responsive acceleration and engaging sailing. Her ballast to displacement ratio, around 37.4%, contributes to a stiff and stable platform, enabling her to stand up to significant wind pressures with confidence. Furthermore, a displacement to length ratio of approximately 141.9 indicates a relatively light and performance-oriented vessel for her size, promising agile handling and efficient progress through the water.

Reviewers have described the Arcona 50 as an "awesome sailing machine" and a true luxury performance cruiser, capable of comfortable long-distance cruising. The twin rudders significantly contribute to enhanced control, particularly when sailing at speed or in challenging conditions. The deck and cockpit layout, featuring twin wheels as standard, is specifically configured for shorthanded sailing, allowing for easy operation by just two people, even with one helming. This emphasis on intuitive handling ensures that the Arcona 50 delivers both exhilarating performance and a relaxed cruising experience.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Arcona 50 is a testament to sophisticated Scandinavian design, emphasizing elegance and practicality. Standard finishes are in Khaya Mahogany, with an option to upgrade to a lighter Scandinavian Light Oak, allowing for personalization. The yacht offers a very well-thought-out layout, including an "unusual galley configuration" that is highly admired for its functionality. The galley provides ample practical stowage, a gimballed cooker with an oven, a generously sized sink, and a fridge.

Central to the living spaces is a luxurious owner's cabin located forward, which boasts its own head with a dedicated shower stall and a spacious double berth, often described as king-size. For additional guests, the Arcona 50 offers flexibility with various layout options, including the choice of twin berths in the quarter cabins. Throughout the interior, stowage is practical and ample, notably in raised lockers, and the overall finish quality is consistently praised for its elegant execution.

Owner's Perspectives

While the Arcona 50 is a relatively new model, having commenced production in 2022, early indications suggest a highly positive reception among its initial owners and the wider sailing community. The yacht's recognition as the European Yacht of the Year 2024 underscores its immediate impact and appeal. Designed with a "by Sailors, for Sailors" ethos, the Arcona 50 is lauded for its ease of handling, making it highly suitable for shorthanded cruising and comfortable long-distance voyages. This commitment to user-centric design reflects Arcona's long-standing reputation for fostering a strong and satisfied owner community.