68m explorer yacht RAGNAR begins sea trials

By Katia Damborsky 20 May 2020

Following a 3-year conversion with Icon Yachts, the 68.2m (224ft) expedition yacht RAGNAR set off on sea trials in the North Sea this morning.

Dutch yard Icon Yachts got off to an early start this morning, as their superyacht conversion project RAGNAR left the construction hall in Harlingen to begin sea trials.

The 68m vessel is now a state-of-the-art explorer yacht for charter. She is LY3 (Large Yacht Code) compliant and is one of the few expedition yachts for charter with an ICE Class A1 hull.

RAGNAR will be available for luxury yacht charters in some of the most remote regions on earth, and she is equipped with PC5-rated ice-breaking pods that are capable of ‘chewing through’ thick sheets of Arctic ice.

RAGNAR marks the third Dutch-built superyacht to embark on sea trials so far this week, signalling positive progress for shipyards amid the COVID-19 crisis.

luxury yacht ragnar at icon yachts facilities

conversion project ragnar emerges from construction shed

Initially launched in 2012 as an icebreaker supply vessel named Sanaborg, RAGNAR has been undergoing a full-scale conversion with Icon Yachts since July 2017.

As well as a completely new look, the yacht has a number of impressive on-board facilities including a fully-equipped wellness centre with a snow room, rainforest shower and classic spa facilities including a steam room and sauna.

She also offers a video games centre, a large swimming pool, a wine cellar and a deck jacuzzi.

She features a fully-equipped wellness centre with a snow room, rainforest shower and classic spa facilities including a steam room and sauna.

She has been converted for an experienced Owner who has previously chartered yachts in high-latitude cruising regions.

Following delivery, the yacht will be open to charter in destinations including Greenland and Alaska.

Her toy locker complements her cruising regions, with a dedicated deck for storing a range of accessories including a Ripsaw EV2 super tank, Sea explorer submarine and a light utility helicopter with a refuelling station. A certified helicopter landing pad completes the arsenal.

The motor yacht has a distinctive profile which was influenced by medieval war craftsmanship. RWD are responsible for both the interior and exterior of the yacht, and Icon has described RAGNAR as a "rhino disguised as a swan"

Interior shots of the yacht haven't been released yet, but the YachtCharterFleet team took some pictures of the scale model of RAGNAR during the 2019 Explorer Yacht Summit.