Then there’s the ice-classed 55-metre project “Shinkai”, a true expedition yacht in every sense, currently in build at Feadship in Aalsmeer, is due for delivery at the end of 2021. This is an expedition yacht for a family of three generations to set off in and explore the world.
As with all Expedition vessels, the yacht’s design brief focused on very particular requirements; in this case, serving as the base for operations of a 6.3-tonne, three-person submersible for pioneering underwater exploration. The open aft deck provides the perfect space to house the submersible in a shallow well, alongside its eight-tonne Palfinger knuckle-boom launching crane and a host of other toys including two sizeable tenders and a Toyota Land Cruiser, stored in a sealed garage for protection from the elements.
To allow for the planned cruising to high-latitude regions, Shinkai has been fitted with a cutting-edge gyroscopic stabilisation system that has never been previously seen on a yacht of this scale.
The gyro is particularly important for the use of the submersible, as the sub needs a perfectly stable launching platform but also for the use in icy water. Instead of the deploying conventional fin stabilisers as those are at risk of being damaged by ice and flotsam, and are inefficient at low speeds.
In all exploration vessels the design is driven by the extensive presence of equipment on the aft deck. The owners of Shinkai wanted to maintain a luxurious degree of comfort and, with such significant demands on the rear deck space for technical equipment, the guest accommodations have been moved forwards and upwards.
The resulting design has a higher profile than is customarily seen on the sleek and elegant Vitruvius yachts.
Shinkai has four levels including a large owner’s apartment on the upper deck alongside a full-beam dining room and his and hers offices with panoramic views forward. There are four further guest suites and seven cabins for 12 crew complete the accommodations.
After delivery at the end of the year, Shinkai’s owners plan to undertake a Northwest Passage to allow her to stretch her legs and test her capabilities in Arctic conditions, where the submarine will provide guests with a front row view of such enigmatic sea life as narwhals and beluga whales.
“This is a special project for us, as the yacht is the second yacht we have designed for the owner. He was the first yachtsman to adhere to the principles of the efficient hulls,” comments Briand.
“We are thrilled with the progress that has been made on Shinkai in recent months and are enjoying watching the final stages of her construction at Feadship. As the second Vitruvius yacht to be built at the prestigious yard, this is another meeting of great minds and great names that will no doubt result in a landmark yacht to inspire many more adventurous owners of the future.”
philippebriand.com
Vitruviusyachts.com
feadship.nl