The Arksen 85 is far from ordinary, but then so is the builder itself. A long drive in the pouring rain, a ferry ride across a boisterous sea, a boat trip in a rising gale, and finally here you are, striding up a gangway, into the compound of a busy shipyard and a huge grey shed, its massive doors groaning in the wind.
This is not your typical yacht-building premises. For one thing, it’s in England, on the Isle of Wight. Sure, yachts are built in England, but not too many in places like this. For another, this yard’s core business is fast aluminum ferries and workboats, so there is no sleekly styled receptionist, no coffee, no Range Rovers in the car park, and no besuited sales executives anxious to know about your journey.
Outside, the 85 has a certain rugged chic, all unfaired aluminum and naked weld seams, while inside it’s fitted out for comfort, even luxury. Ultimately, it’s a cruising boat—but for cruises measured in months, or years.
