Since introducing its Sherpa line of yachts back in 2016, Arcadia Yachts has targeted consumers that are looking for an even closer connection with the sea than what their successful A line of superyachts can offer. The ideal day boat or island hopper for a fun day out with friends, the Sherpa model with its signature Arcadia styling has quickly become a market favourite. Now, three years later, the Neapolitan builder has stepped it up once again with the introduction of a newer and bigger model, the XL, of its Sherpa sibling. Here we take a closer look inside the Sherpa XL day explorer from Arcadia Yachts. 
Coming in at just under 24 metres and with an impressive beam of 7 metres, the Sherpa XL is all about outdoor space and enjoyment, with guests only ever being a few steps away from the water’s edge. Arcadia’s signature open cockpit design and natural light influences throughout the interior has been built upon by the designers at Hot Lab who worked with the shipyard on the exterior and interior design of the project. 
For a yacht of this length, it is a welcome surprise to find a generous 35-square-metre sun deck at the very top level that offers 360-degree views. The ideal private hangout spot onboard, this area can easily be covered by a large awning for those warm summer days and enjoys direct access to the saloon/sky lounge inside.
By far the largest outdoor area on board is the cockpit with a large dining table suited for up to 10 guests and a generous aft-facing lounge. Completely open on either side and an unspoiled aft view, it is here where guests spend much of their time even underway thanks to the high freeboard height and the protection it offers. 
A set of steps on either side of the aft sun island leads down to the spacious swim platform where a pantograph passerelle provides seamless access to the sea. 
Unique to a vessel of this size, the Sherpa XL delivers an inboard tender storage facility to keep deck spaces free and uncluttered, meaning guests can make use of the 220 square metres of space around the yacht at any time - when anchored or underway. “Considerable attention (in terms of design and testing) was focused on the new side garage system, which is one of a kind in the 85-90ft segment,” explains Salvatore D’Ambrosi, the shipyard’s Plant Manager. “It provides clean profiles and allows guests to use the entire yacht at all times.”
Inside, the Sherpa XL continues the yacht’s modern and edgy design with a sophisticated and contemporary Italian style that clients have come to love about Arcadia. In the saloon up forward, one of the yacht’s most defining features has been turned into an impressive centrepiece as guests gather underneath a glass ceiling of solar panels as night falls. The solar panels, which has long since been a trademark element in the Arcadia design philosophy, is not only for aesthetic purposes but actively lessens the generator load at any given time while the thermally insulated windows assist in regulating temperatures inside the yacht.
Designed for intimate families and groups of friends, the Sherpa XL comes with four staterooms for a total of eight overnight guests. Two VIP suites and two twin guest cabins present the ideal arrangement for two couples and their kids while forward in bow, quarters for two make up the crew area. 
Building on the cruising capabilities of the smaller Sherpa model, the XL version can cover over 1,400 nm at a speed of 10 knots and can reach an impressive 23 knots top speed - handy for those short dashes to your next destination on the Amalfi coast. 