The Arsouin 40 hybrid is a lifting keel monohull, which is the first in a range of yachts that has also been conceived from the outset for electric propulsion.

A steerable 20kW Fischer Panda pod drive eliminates the need for a bow thruster and, as the unit is slung below the hull, there’s no need for the motor to have a water cooling system. It also saves a considerable amount of space inside the boat.

The motor also has a hydrogenerating function, producing 500W of charge when sailing at six knots. A generous 75kW battery capacity gives a 36 mile range at six knots, while the standard range-extender diesel generator matches the power of the pod drive, so the boat can motor for extended periods at high cruising speeds, while punching into a head sea won’t rapidly discharge the batteries.

Rigid sprayhood has been configured so as not to hinder forward visibility

The coachroof is covered with 800W of Solar Cloth, an innovative protective layer in which the barely-visible cells are embedded.

Protection of crew in the cockpit from spray and solid water is an important consideration for long distance sailing and in this respect rigid shelters make a lot of sense. In Arsouin’s case, the hardtop over the companionway and forward part of the boat may look ungainly from some angles. However, it will make a huge difference to life on board.

The twin tillers make perfect sense for a twin rudder boat of this size as they facilitate short-handed operation and take up far less cockpit space, which in turn helps give the Arsouin 40 the feel of a larger vessel.

Arsouin 40 hybrid specifications

LOA: 12.47m 40ft 10in
Draught: 1.10-2.60m 3ft 7in-8ft 6in
Displacement: 12,000kg 26,500lb
Sail area: 84.7m2 910ft2
Price: POA
Builder: arsouinmarine.com

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