First look

Eidolon

We take a 52-metre expedition yacht into open water off Port Caligo.

Vico Design has given Eidolon a high bow, a sheltered observation deck and windows deep enough to sit inside. The profile is purposeful without resorting to the military cues that have become commonplace among explorers.

First impressions

Boarding in Port Caligo, we find an interior of dark elm, travertine and woven wool. Sightlines are excellent from the main salon, although the central staircase takes more floor area than the arrangement plan suggests.

At sea

Our trial begins in a short 2-metre swell. At 15 knots the hull settles quickly, with little slamming and only a faint hum in the aft guest cabins. Pushing to 17 knots raises fuel consumption sharply, making the claimed economical range of 4,880 nautical miles the more relevant figure.

Living aboard

The standout space is the open-air cinema above the tender bay. Crew circulation is well separated, stores are sensibly located, and the galley has enough cold capacity for a three-week passage. Our main criticism is the lack of shade around the forward pool.

Specifications

Verdict

A convincing long-range yacht with a calm motion and unusually good crew spaces. We would trade some of the showpiece staircase for a larger gym, but the fundamentals are sound.