Thu Apr 02 08:18:00 +0100 2009
by Tim
Little Britain - 47foot Race Cruiser
This was more of a custom-build rescue job than
a traditional refit; the client had commissioned the boat but the builders had
let him down leaving him with a hollow shell - filled and faired white primer,
but otherwise bare. Based on a low-profile 46 ft race hull, the
design brief had been to create a unique, minimalist-looking boat capable of
real speed but that was easy to sail shorthanded. Osmotech’s team of joiners, engineers and GRP
experts set about creating a real head-turner.
The hull was given multiple coats of custom-car metallic
silver paint that gave a mirror-like finish and electronic winches were
controlled by rubber foot pads set in the sides of the cockpit by the twin
helms. State of the art entertainment, navigation and climate control systems
were twinned with stylish charcoal leather interior upholstery and matt white
Corian galley fittings and furniture.
The biggest challenge was to find
and fit a suitable mast and rig. After a
great deal of research Osmotech fitted an unusual carbon fibre ‘whiplash’ mast
– with no stays – a wishbone boom and one big Kevlar mainsail. The mast came
from a 48-footer by Californian specialists Wyliecat, but due to its unusual
positioning near the bows and the heavy sail load it would need to take,
Osmotech’s riggers added extra wraps of carbon fibre from to ensure strength
under pressure.
The finished article was a very
special looking yacht, that not only had a surprising turn of speed and was
agile at all points of sailing, but also handled like a gentle cruiser and gave
the owner’s guests a degree of comfort rivalled only by much bigger
superyachts.
