The latest project from Bill Dixon at Dixon Yacht Designs is for a repeat client who has used the designers twice before. This time he has presented the design team with some interesting challenges.
This new 30 metre sailing yacht has to be less formal than its predecessor and more orientated towards performance. She has to be easy to handle by a smaller complement of crew. Superyacht in specification and intent she has to retain all the attributes of comfort and seaworthiness.
The design teams previous experience with this owner has given them a clear understanding as to his likes and dislikes. This has enabled them to integrate his key requirements into the design at an early stage. Serious cruising, places as much emphasis on the design, comfort and functionality of the exterior, as it does on the interior, and considerable care has been taken with this yacht to ensure that protection, efficient sailing functions, and comfort are all covered. The deck area offers different social areas, from the aft deck seating, through the guest cockpit itself, to the informal seating in the foredeck tender recess.
The interior layout has been planned in conjunction with interior design team of Rhoades Young, around the split level pilothouse, which is very much a focal point of the design. It has been designed so that the aft windows and door foldaway to provide a more cohesive living space with the guest cockpit. The owner and guest cabins are located aft with the crew forward. Dixon believes that a carefully thought out interior plan is essential for the smooth functioning of the yacht and the pilothouse configuration on this yacht lends itself to this very well. It allows the integration of a 'serious' engine room, with full standing headroom, that makes maintenance both efficient and convenient.
The owner of the yacht has decided on composite construction for its weight and maintenance advantages; this had the added advantage of allowing the designers to exploit additional interior volume in crucial areas of the accommodation. Weight considerations have also been taken into account with the rig for this yacht. The carbon rig and rigging reduces weight aloft and increases stability; the positive effect on stability coming without excessive draught. The yacht is already in build at Yachting Developments in New Zealand and is due to launch in late spring 2011.
