on 21 Jun 2021
Nordic-inspired decor, a helipad, unsurpassed ice-breaking capabilities, and an awe-inspiring observation lounge: Ragnar is the perfect vessel for anyone with an appetite for adventure
Ragnar is a former offshore supply vessel that has been reborn as a rugged yet stately explorer yacht, named for the legendary Viking warrior Ragnar Lodbrok.
In keeping with her fearless explorer namesake, this 68.2-metre luxury superyacht can take her guests on extreme adventures over sea, land and air in the most remote places of the world.
Ragnar started life as an icebreaker called Sanaborg, first launched in 2012 by Dutch yard Royal Niestern Sander. Later left floating in Harlingen harbour for several years, she was eventually spotted by a keen yachtsman who could see her potential.
Ragnar’s garage is crammed with superyacht toys, including three tenders for wakeboards, jet-skis, and a floating beach club with pool
The tough pedigree of the boat’s build, her top-rated polar-class hull, low lifetime mileage and her ability to carry weeks of fuel and provisions meant she already had all the key elements to become an exceptional expedition superyacht.
She was rebuilt over the course of 22 months and launched in 2020 by Netherlands-based Icon Yachts. The conversion required a total overhaul of the internal dividing structures and power management systems. The superstructure was also extended beyond the original working decks to create additional space for the living quarters.
With one of the first certified Ice Class A1 ‘super’ hulls, it is no surprise that Ragnar is scheduled to be in Antarctica for 2021/22
The vessel is also designed to be self-supporting, with a maintenance crew able to carry out repairs far from normal shore support. Ragnar’s range exceeds 6,000 nautical miles.
With one of the first certified Ice Class A1 ‘super’ hulls, it is no surprise that Ragnar is scheduled to be in Antarctica for 2021/22.
She spent her first winter in the Maldives during 2020/21 and is set to spend this summer in the Mediterranean and northern Europe.
The RWD-designed interior recalls officer’s quarters of the 1800s
Ragnar has a commercially certified helipad and comes with the option of an Airbus EC145 helicopter, available on request. A chopper is an excellent option for heliskiing untouched snow in otherwise inaccessible areas.
The garage is crammed with superyacht toys, ticking every possible box on how to have fun. The list includes three tenders for wakeboards, water-skis and tows, two hydrofoil boards, jet skis, SeaBobs, a floating beach club with pool, windsurfing and kitesurfing, eight sets of scuba kit, fishing gear, four quad bikes and four snowmobiles.
An open-air terrace for enjoying remote vistas
For guests wanting shore excursions in tough locales, Ragnar comes with a BigBo in her arsenal. These are five-seat all-terrain amphibious vehicles made in Russia, featuring massively oversized tires which can climb over most obstacles. BigBos also have watertight internal compartments and can float. Ragnar’s BigBo can be dropped into the water by crane and simply motor ashore using her giant wheels and treads to propel the vehicle forward.
If heliskiing unknown peaks and surfing pristine bays isn’t adventure enough, Ragnar also has the option of a three-person submersible available, allowing deep-sea exploration up to 500 metres.
Ragnar’s BigBo can be dropped into the water by crane and simply motor ashore using her giant wheels and treads to propel the vehicle forward
Preparing the BigBo ATV for action
Upon returning to the ship, any notion of hardship vanishes. A stylised interior by leading bespoke design studio RWD has infusions of navy chic, with warm and inviting decor that recalls the officer’s quarters aboard the sailing vessels of the 1800s.
Dark walnut panelling, Chesterfield furniture and atmospheric lighting all hark to a nostalgic era of discovery, with touches of grand Medieval castle and English country pub here and there for good measure.
Open freplaces add a cosy ambience to cabins
The observation lounge situated right at the bow is perhaps where guests may gravitate naturally. Full-width windows offer views over the horizon – a vista that is particularly suited to ploughing through sheets of ice or whale watching. The lounge leads to an open-air terrace looking forward, letting guests get the full flavour of their location, be it Antarctica or the South Pacific.
Naturally, guests will not want to miss the chance to dine with Ragnar Lodbrok himself – the star attraction in the dark wood-panelled dining room is a life-size armoured efgy of the Norse leader, complete with sword, which looms over the 14-seat banquet table. The ambience is enhanced further by carved wooden fireplaces with open fires.
A life-size efgy of the Norse leader, complete with sword, looms over the 14-seat banquet table
The dining room welcomes an imposing guest
While the name Ragnar may evoke the image of a hardened explorer, there are plenty of modern amenities dedicated to relaxation: a top deck jacuzzi and lounge, an open-air pool, a fully equipped gym and a cedar-lined spa with sauna, steam room and massage area, which all have a more contemporary superyacht aesthetic.
There is an inviting wooden bar in the salon that is lined with wine racks, along with a games room and library in the sky lounge, which is perfect for retiring while recalling another day of adventure.
Ragnar can accommodate a total of 12 guests in six cabins, including a twin stateroom that can be converted to an office. Two of the cabins are master suites, with impressive four-poster beds. Both masters can be converted into a large double master suite via an interconnecting door, in case someone wishes to feel like the freshly crowned Viking king of a new realm.
Technical specifications: Ragnar
Length: 68.2m
Beam: 14.3m
Draft: 3.2m
Gross tonnage: 2,450
Interior Design: RDW
Builder: Royal Niestern Sander
Conversion: Icon Yachts
Built: 2012 (Conversion 2020)
Guests: 12
Cabins: 8
Crew: 16
Max speed: 10kts
Cruising speed: 8kts
Engines: Twin cat 3516 HD diesel
To charter: www.burgessyachts.com