Atlas Ocean Voyages to build luxury expedition sailing yacht

Atlas Ocean Voyages has unveiled plans to build its first luxury expedition sailing yacht, which will embark on its inaugural season in late 2028.

The 260,000-tonne ship will be equipped with hybrid propulsion using dual-fuel engines and a nine-megawatt marine battery, as well as carbon masts with solid sails and advanced marine systems to enable zero-emission cruising.

Atlas Adventurer will carry up to 400 passengers in all-suite accommodation, along with 275 crew.

The ship will have seven dining venues, including speciality restaurants and a culinary studio for destination-inspired programming, five lounges and cocktail bar, two outdoor bars, a fitness and wellness centre, a swimming pool and marina platform with an ocean pool.

Atlas Adventurer will explore destinations in Asia from late 2028, including Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines, before sailing to Africa to travel to the Seychelles, Madagascar, Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique and South Africa.

Early booking offers provide up to 15% discount and air credit up to £1,200 on select sailings. 

Atlas Ocean Voyages president and chief executive James Rodriguez said: “This new Atlas-class sailing yacht represents the next step in our growth.

“It allows us to expand our destination footprint into regions our guests have been asking us for, while further solidifying Atlas’ position within the luxury expedition cruise category.

“As our brand continues to evolve, this vessel is a powerful expression of where we are headed: thoughtful growth, intentional design, and deeper global exploration.”

Bernie Carter, Atlas Ocean Voyages international sales director, said the new ship would “take luxury expeditions to a whole new level” and revealed the brand had received “strong demand in the UK” for its World Class yachts: Navigator, Traveller and Voyager. 

He said: “I am confident the Atlas Adventurer will herald a new era of growth, understanding and appreciation of the Atlas Ocean Voyages brand within the UK market.”

Mario Ferreira, chairman, founder and owner of Atlas’ parent company Mystic Invest Holding, added: “With Atlas Adventurer, we are introducing a new generation of luxury expedition sailing yachts.

“This vessel serves as a bridge between the wind mastery of the 15th century and the solid sails and electric propulsion of the 21st century. The yacht is designed to comply with future zero- emission port regulations and can navigate silently, allowing access to some of the most exclusive and restricted small ports around the world.

“Atlas Adventurer represents the next evolution in responsible, highly technological, comfortable, and safe yacht design.”