“ Originally launched as the Dutch trawler Vijf Gebroeders, this 65-foot vessel has undergone a metamorphosis that few yachts can claim. With the expert guidance of Altena Yachting, she has been reimagined as a capable, self-sufficient explorer, blending rugged heritage with modern refinement. Designed to push limits and navigate remote, icy waters as comfortably as she navigates European canals, she embodies a unique blend of style and capability.
Her hydraulic mast is directly operable from the helm. It can be lowered to provide the vessel with a remarkable minimum clearance height of 5.20 meters, allowing it to pass beneath most European bridges. This thoughtful feature extends her potential beyond Arctic waters, where her bright ensures high visibility in snowy, low-light conditions, making her an ideal vessel for both exploration and safety in challenging environments.
The boat’s engineering reflects a focus on reliability, efficiency, and range—essential characteristics for polar expeditions. A recent overhaul of her 430-horsepower Caterpillar D343 diesel engine has increased efficiency, allowing her to maintain a cruising speed of 6 knots and cover over 5,000 nautical miles. Redundancy is built in, with a hydraulic system powered by an independent battery backup, adding an essential layer of reliability and peace of mind for those who push far beyond ordinary limits.
The trawler yacht is also fitted with solar panels, an invaluable supplement to her power system. Positioned for optimal sunlight exposure, these panels provide a reliable source of energy to support her electrical systems, furthering her self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on fuel-based generators. This eco-friendly feature not only supports the vessel’s autonomous operation in remote locations but also aligns with her role in environmental education and sustainable exploration.
Her recent refit has also added a level of luxury. The wheelhouse roof was extended, creating a new covered aft deck that brings an entirely new outdoor living experience. This spacious area, complete with seating and dining accommodations for 8-10 guests, allows for memorable gatherings against spectacular backdrops, whether it’s a polar sunset or the quiet of European waterways. Built-in infrared heaters further elevate the experience, keeping the outside dining area warm and cozy, even in colder climates. Comfort, however, hasn’t overshadowed practicality. During the refit, a 25-horsepower aft thruster was added, ensuring that even when single-handed, this vessel can be docked with precision, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Onboard, San Gottardo is equipped with technology that both bolsters her safety and makes her remarkably easy to operate. Her dual radar systems and triple GPS receivers provide comprehensive situational awareness, enabling safe navigation through fog, icy channels, and a wide range of Arctic obstacles. In remote regions, reliable communication is vital, and her array of VHF, shortwave radios, and Iridium satellite phones ensures global connectivity, no matter how far she ventures.
Her interior is designed with extended journeys in mind, providing warmth, comfort, and ample storage for supplies. A well-equipped galley, featuring commercial-grade appliances such as two large combi ovens, freezers, and a walk-in refrigerator, ensures self-sufficiency over long distances. Even more impressively, she is equipped with a watermaker that produces 200 litres per hour and features three independent heating systems, including under-floor heating, providing comfort in the harshest climates. Every detail is crafted to make long, remote voyages feel more like home.
San Gottardo is as much a mission-driven vessel as it is a yacht. She has already played an educational role with The Swiss Arctic Project, bringing young people into the Arctic to witness firsthand the effects of climate change. With this environmental focus, her design has evolved to strike a balance between purpose, self-sufficiency, and comfort, enabling her to support research, education, or offer adventurers an experience unlike any other.
The yacht is the perfect synthesis of exploration capability and luxury, a vessel that can travel where few can while delivering an experience that few will ever forget. For those looking to discover new frontiers, whether navigating Europe’s iconic rivers or the icy reaches of the Arctic, the San Gottardo is a rare and remarkable choice ”
