[R99]

Hi ,

I’m studying Nav Arch and I’m figuring on making a submission to designer of the year competition.
I‘m also hoping some of you clued up superyacht type people might be able to give me some assistance.

To start with:
I am trying to work up a mission profile. Basic requirement is for 12 guests, capable for use in Caribbean and Med and able to charter. I am thinking along the lines of ‘explorer type vessel’ (around 75 m) –yes I realise Caribbean and Med are not exactly ‘explorer’ destinations. I figure if the vessel is at least suitable for Med and Caribbean yachting and can cross the Atlantic on its own bottom, then it is not a big jump for it to go just about anywhere.

So, for a 12 month cycle:
(not necessarily in order)

1 month refit
2 months in transit
5 months Med. Yachting
4 months Caribbean Yachting
or 9 months intermittent exploring

For a charter cycle, ( typical charter 7 days):
(not necessarily in order)

1.5 days transit
4 days anchored, ‘yachting’ generally poking about
1.5 days in port
Followed by a 1 day turn around

Are these numbers about right?

Secondly:
Requirements of the Med. And Caribbean:

Besides stern-to berthing, a maximum draft of 4.5m for port entry is about the only restriction I have, am I missing something?
If a vessel by its nature had an unavoidable draft of 5 –6m would that exclude it from being a feasible charter yacht because it could not enter many ports?

Finally (for now…):
With regards to range –
What is the minimum range for an Atlantic crossing – ie between respectable bunkering ports? Yes I also realise ‘hardcore explorer’ and ‘minimum range’ don’t fit together…


Anyway, thanks a lot for any thoughts on this.
Rob

[AMG]

Hi, the more conservative figures for charter yachts in those waters are to keep the length under 50 meter, the draft less than 3,5 meter and expect no more than 12 weeks of charter each season. Transatlantic range is considered to be 3.500 Nm +.

[R99]

Thanks for your reply AMG,

I had to go back to the drawing board. <50m and <3.5m draft while still maintaining 12 guests changes things a bit.

I note that larger sailing yachts with lengths of 30 - 40m have drafts of 4-5 m. Clearly some or all of these vessels will be chartered, and a competition requirement is "able to be chartered" these two points led me to the 4.5 metre draft restriction.

More numbers to look at:

Deck to deck spacing of 2.3m with headroom of 2.1 (could I get away with less than 2.1 headroom)?

Trying to do something "different from any other yacht" IS indeed challenging...

anyway, thanks again for your help
back to the grindstone.

Rob

[AMG]

There is always a greater challenge to make a smaller design! Perhaps you should just have five cabins, one owners, two with double beds and two twin bedded with extra pullmans.

Below deck you could limit the headroom to 2 meters in the guest cabins, main deck and above 2,1 - 2,3 m is better.

The draft on sailing boats is often reduced by retractable keels to float over the reefs in the Caribbean.

I think you should not try to be different from other yachts, only better!

Good luck!

[PFJW]

The mission profile is an aspect of the design and usage that I had not really considered, something else to think about I suppose...

The only problem I have with the brief is idea of a low "carbon footprint".

Aside from the use of the word "carbon" instead of "carbon dioxide" (would they say "oxygen" instead of "water"?), the only response I have had from various people is: don't bother.

I suppose the build contract could state that the yard must insist its work staff cycle to work, or follow Samar's lead and get as many plants on deck as possible.

As problematic as "climate change" may or may not be, I don't think the answer will be environmentally-minded super yachts.

[Ken Bracewell]

Originally Posted by AMG

Perhaps you should just have five cabins, one owners, two with double beds and two twin bedded with extra pullmans.

I know you are trying to be different than any other yacht, but take a look at our layout http://www.CurtC.com (roll your mouse over the layout for photos of each room) and look at our 3 identical guest cabins. They each have a queen size bunk (for couples) and a twin (for non-couples sharing a cabin) plus a pullman over the twin (kids). This makes us extremely versatile.
Good Luck,
Ken