Starting in 2021 with the Viking and Middle Seas rally, followed by the South Seas expedition in 2022, the Arksen rally differs to any other by focusing on conservation and far flung exploration for groups of friends and families. Identifying a gap in the market, Arksen and PELORUS have come together to create the most adventurous and environmentally aware yacht rally in the world. Arksen has further announced a new partnership with Praxis Automation Technology to develop the hybrid propulsion and vessels management systems for its range of 20-30m explorer yachts.

"Encouraging and supporting people to embark on journeys that have the capacity to change lives and that engage our community to actively support philanthropy and ocean conservation is at the heart of the ethos behind Arksen. We are proud to launch the Arksen Explorers Rally, a series of global events that we think will redefine marine adventure travel - offering deeper, more fulfilling experiences than those currently on offer,” explains Jasper Smith, founder of Arksen.

"Encouraging and supporting people to embark on journeys that have the capacity to change lives..."

“At Arksen we thrive on partnerships and so I am delighted to announce PELORUS as a key partner. They have a unique blend of skills in the industry and when blended with our own, create a powerful new voice in the industry. PELORUS will focus on helping develop the Explorers Rally with us, while Arksen will continue to develop its range of science programs. We very much look forward to working with them.”

The competition element of the rally will focus on the Arksen and PELORUS ethos of grass roots conservation and research. By joining the challenge, you will commit to take part in curated scientific, philanthropic and ocean conservation efforts. Each project that is assisted in or contributed to will accrue ‘Challenge Points’ with the vessel that accrues the most over the course of the rally gaining an award.

Both privately owned and charter yachts can take part in the Arksen Explorers Rally. Yachts will be divided into categories based on a number of factors, including length and cruising capabilities, and the rally itineraries will be tailored to suit each category.

"The yachting world is changing..."

“We are hugely excited to collaborate with Arksen for the world’s first Explorer Rally. The yachting world is changing and there is a shift in mindset by owners and charterers that is seeing them wanting to explore further afield, the industry is becoming more environmentally aware and the trend for designing and building more eco-conscious expedition style vessels is on the rise. The Arksen Explorers Rally reflects all of this and will be something not seen before in the yachting sphere,” explains Jimmy Carroll, PELORUS Co-Founder.

Starting from 35,000 GBP per yacht, the entry cost for each rally will be based on a sliding scale depending on the size of the vessel. There will be an additional compulsory payment covering carbon offsetting the entire rally for each yacht through PELORUS partners The World Land Trust. The cost for this will be precisely calculated for each individual vessel. In addition, participants will be provided with an activity menu, varying from high-octane to family friendly. They will have the option to choose what to take part in based on their own budget and guest interests. Each rally will run with a minimum of four yachts and the maximum number will depend on the size of the vessels that have signed up.

In addition to launching the Arksen Explorer Rally, the innovative superyacht industry newcomer has introduced the market to its new Adventure Syndicate (click here for full details) and announced that it will be partnering with Praxis Automation Technology to develop the hybrid propulsion and vessels management systems for its range of 20-30m explorer yachts.

Arksen’s Technical Director, Jim Mair, and Praxis Automation Technology’s Sales Director, Benjamin Van Dam

Praxis Automation, the Netherland’s-based technology company develops, manufactures and delivers ship automation, navigation and electric propulsion equipment for all types of vessels and, according to Arksen’s representatives, shares many common goals with Arksen, notably the joint desire to design and build a more sustainable and environmentally-conscious ocean-going vessel.

Arksen and the Praxis Automation project team are already working closely on the systems engineering of the current Arksen 85, with hull one entering production early 2020.

The first of the Arksen Series, the Arksen 85, will have a full hybrid propulsion package and energy management system supplied by Praxis Automation. With an expected range in excess of 7,000nm on a single tank of fuel, with solar increasing silent running times the Arksen 85 will, according to Arksen, take on much larger vessels in terms of capability, with a significantly lesser usage of fossil fuels and energy consumption.

By aiming to facilitate the creation of a new breed of explorer, Arksen appears determined to make exploration more accessible and sustainable.

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