The fourth Sherpa 80 XL from Arcadia Yachts, Mabelle, is an exercise in optimizing multifunctional space on a compact explorer footprint.
The fourth Sherpa 80 XL from Arcadia Yachts, Mabelle, is an exercise in optimizing multifunctional space on a compact explorer footprint.
Launched in summer 2022 on Italy’s Sorrento coast, the 78-foot (24-meter) boat—which Arcadia likens to a “pocket rocket”—was built for Italian owners who have years of sailing experience. Their previous boats include the 192-foot (58.4-meter) Alloy Kokomo, the 163-foot (49.7-meter) Fitzroy Zefira and the 107-foot (32.6-meter) Vitters Ribelle. Mabelle is the owners’ first foray into motor yachting. It is also their smallest commission to date.
![](https://www.yachtsinternational.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTk1OTQ3NDU1NzczMTU2ODMz/sherpa-xl-04-483.jpg)
Courtesy Mabelle Owner
The Sherpa 80 XL, with exterior design by Italian studio Hot Lab, is one of Arcadia’s most successful models, with a customizable platform and expansive open-deck spaces. A 700-square-foot (65-square-meter) aft terrace and “patio on the sea” create seamlessness between the indoors and outdoors.
Mabelle’s custom layout also includes an aft-deck, all-season winter garden with sliding doors and opening windows, as well as heating. This space also joins with the sky lounge to form a space where guests can gather comfortably at different times of day.
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Courtesy Mabelle Owner
Every aspect of Mabelle’s 95-gross-ton design reflects the owners’ personality. Hull No. 3 had a five-stateroom layout and an upper-deck galley, while Mabelle’s owners kept the Sherpa 80 XL’s standard four-stateroom configuration, with quarters for three crew. They also requested a side-launching garage, which stows a raft of water toys including a 13-foot (4-meter) tender, and leaves aft space free for sunbathing and swimming.
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Courtesy Mabelle Owner
Far-reaching views are available from all three decks. The boat has a total surface area of 2,150 square feet (220 square meters) inside and out, including a full-beam, open-air sun lounge on the top deck with a bar and sofas. Mabelle’s exterior teak decks are uncluttered.
The owner conceived the marine-themed interior where nautical blue and white tones mimic the refined coziness of a home in New York’s Hamptons. Sunken lighting throws low illumination across plush cream carpets that feel soft underfoot. The carpeting contrasts with dark marble ensuites, stainless steel finishes, supple leather chairs and brass accents for dramatic effect. In every room, dappled sunlight and ocean ripples bounce off reflective surfaces.
![](https://www.yachtsinternational.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTk1OTQ3NDU1NTA0Nzg2OTEz/sherpa-xl-04-397.jpg)
Courtesy Mabelle Owner
In line with Arcadia’s green policy, the semi-planing fiberglass boat has low energy consumption for reduced environmental impact. It’s fitted with low-power devices and LED lighting, as well as 377 square feet (35 square meters) of solar panels that provide around 3 kilowatts of energy, enough to cover the yacht’s hotel load. On the lower deck, the engine room houses a pair of Volvo Penta IPS1350 engines for a reported range of more than 1,200 nautical miles at 10 knots. Top speed is 23 knots.
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Courtesy Mabelle Owner
“Mabelle is the realization of a dream,” says Arcadia Yachts founder Ugo Pellegrino, whose 505,900-square-foot (47,000-square-meter) facilities also build the A85, A105, A115, Sherpa 60 and Sherpa 80 XL models. A new A96 with an Igor Lobanov interior is in the works, with Hull No. 1 scheduled to debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival later this year.
![](https://www.yachtsinternational.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTk1OTQ3NDU1NTA0NzIxMzc3/sherpa-xl-04-172.jpg)
Courtesy Mabelle Owner
Sherpa 80 XL
Length overall 78ft. 8in. (23.98m)
Beam 21ft. 11in. (6.98m)
Draft 4ft. 9in. (1.45m)
Construction Fiberglass
Engines 2x Volvo Penta IPS1350s
Speed (max./cruise) 23/12 knots
Range 1,200 nm @10 knots
Gross tonnage 95
Naval architecture Arcadia Yachts
Exterior design Hot Lab
Interior design Mabelle owner
Builder Arcadia Yachts
This article was originally published in the Spring 2023 issue.