Cookie Consent by Free Privacy Policy website Meet the captain of Sherpa XL: the latest Volvo Penta powered explorer yacht
september 27, 2019 - Volvo Penta

Meet the captain of Sherpa XL: the latest Volvo Penta powered explorer yacht

Mario De Camillis – Service Manager and Fleet Captain at Arcadia Yachts – tells us how Volvo Penta and Arcadia Yachts have come together to make the award-winning #sherpaxl the height of precision, efficiency and comfort.

Born in Naples, Italy, #mariodecamillis – Service Manager and Fleet Captain at Arcadia Yachts – has been a captain for 20 years now. His boating journey began at the tender age of four when he would race sailboats in regattas. So, he knows what makes a good boat and he’s no novice when it comes to Volvo Penta’s Inboard Performance System (IPS).

“The first time I drove a boat with Volvo Penta IPS was in 2015. I remember thinking it was like jumping into a different world. The joystick took me back to my childhood days of video gaming, only with an added layer of responsibility,” De Camillis chuckles. “And now I get to experience all that again with the #sherpaxl.”

The #sherpaxl is a 78ft explorer; it can be powered by twin Volvo Penta IPS1050 or IPS1350. It is the latest addition from the Italian boatbuilder Arcadia Yachts. Volvo Penta and Arcadia Yachts have had a partnership that spans a number of years, giving them a unique understanding of each other’s products and philosophies, so they can get the most out of the finished #yacht.

Unrivaled efficiency

With steerable drive units and forward-facing, twin counter-rotating propellers, the IPS system provides up to 30 percent lower fuel consumption and 20 percent higher top speed compared with traditional shaft installations in the 85-90ft segment.

“The combination of Arcadia’s unique semi-planning fiberglass hull design and Volvo Penta’s IPS is perfect to create a fuel-efficient #yacht,” explains De Camillis.

Precision to the millimeter

“In terms of maneuverability, the #sherpaxl is one of the most precise vessels of its class I’ve ever captained,” says De Camillis. “Using the joystick control, I can make exact movements in crowded marinas with millimeter accuracy. When you are trying to dock a boat of this size in tricky conditions – with the owners watching your every move – the IPS' precision is an advantage.”

Increased comfort

Thanks to exhaust fumes being released through the pod, the low vibration of the twin counter-rotating propellers and effective suspension, vibrations and noise levels are significantly reduced – by up to 50 percent – thus increasing onboard comfort for passengers and crew.

Comfort is also enhanced by the compact layout of the IPS installation, which creates a smaller engine room, resulting in considerably more usable space onboard. “Crew comfort is at the heart of this #yacht,” comments De Camillis. “The fact that the IPS is so compact means there is additional space for cabins.”

The Arcadia #sherpaxl and the Volvo Penta IPS are a perfect match and that has not gone unnoticed. At this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival – where it was first revealed – the #sherpaxl won the Best Innovation Trophy. It is now on display in Monaco.

You can hear more from Mario about this impressive #yacht in this video: https://youtu.be/w-MQzsFOJ1M