Seven years after the first Arcadia 85 struck a chord with forward-thinking owners with its angular styling and glass superstructure imbedded with solar cells, the A100+ represents the evolution of a brand that has delivered more than 20 yachts and claims a 15% market segment in its category. The new sale to a UK resident comes just two months after the company announced that the Hot Lab studio, well known for its youthful and progressive approach, would be responsible for the exterior and interior design of its future models.

“The A100+ is based on the former A100, but is a very different beast,” says Antonio Romano, partner in the Milanese design studio. “We’ve kept the same GRP hull form and general styling , but the superstructure has been extensively modified and uses new moulds. We've also created 36 sqm of  terrace on the fly deck, which wasn't there before, to celebrate the open-air yachting lifestyle that has always been central to Arcadia Yachts.”

Hot Lab further developed five different general arrangements with the choice of 4 or 5 cabins. For the interior design of the first A100+, they worked with the owner and the shipyard to devise a fresh, contemporary style that complements the multifaceted exterior lines. Arcadia clients have always been able to customise the interior of their yachts, but with the arrival of Hot Lab the brand is now looking to increase the opportunity to create tailor-made solutions.

“After thinking very hard about our choices and working together on several pilot projects, we decided that the best partner to evolve the company would be Hot Lab,” says Ugo Pellegrino, sole administrator of Arcadia Yachts. “The role of the design studio in the early phase of design plays a fundamental role in creating a solid and trustworthy relationship between the yard and the owner… Only when we completely identify with the clients can we really understand the nuances of their needs.”

The A100+ retains the technical features that have distinguished the Arcadia range to date. These include the solar cells integrated into the glass superstructure that can charge the batteries and reduce loads on the generators (and also noise), and Kypton-filled double-glazed windows  to maintain a stable coefficient between outside/inside temperatures and reduce the need for air conditioning.

Arcadia’s collaboration with Hot Lab is part of a subtle evolution in  the shipyard’s branding strategy. The company is well aware that in a post-crisis economy new clients entering the market are substantially different from traditional owners; they are more open to innovation and happy to renounce speed for a slower and more intimate way of life at sea. It recently appointed Francesco Ansalone as marketing & communications director and Mario De Camillis as after-sales & service manager. A revamped website is also due to launch in time for the Cannes Yachting Festival, when further details of the A100+ and other projects will be revealed.

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