Barracuda Yacht Design the Spanish based yacht design company has released a striking design statement for a Sailing ‘Explorer’ of 44m length.
The concept yacht offers the same kind of comfort and ‘go-anywhere’ attributes of a large motor yacht, without the equivalent construction or operational costs.
A medium displacement, attractive, robust looking hull, using 32 metric tones of versatile water-ballast contained within the sheer lines for superior comfort and improved hull stability.
Here we are talking about usable water mass that will enable smooth sailing on a flat and even keel, limiting ‘worst-case’ healing angles to little more than 10 degrees in the majority of conditions.
Underneath the hull is a 3.50m to 7.00m variable draft keel, comprising a centre-board with fixed bulb for an explorer’s access to shallow and secluded anchorages and hidden bays.
With relatively uncomplicated handling including a self-tacking jib, with light overlapping genoa, furling gennaker, furling boom and double running-backstays, the rig and sail plan is set up for serious passage-making ability.
Twin wheel aft-deck steering, with internal bridge room steering option compliments a spacious interior with large deck saloon with 360º views, dining space for ten people seated, with skylights over, including the bridge area.
Side-platforms offer optional boarding from the water level with steps up to deck level with large aft-deck seating/dining area and side-screens for privacy and protection from the wind with an essential fixed bimini over.
Owner and guest accommodation on a par with many an equivalent gas guzzler, comprising a full-beam master cabin aft, with double bathrooms and access to its own transom deck.
There are four guest cabins, able to convert from doubles to twins, dependant upon guest and family needs.
There’s an extra large motorboat-style galley, with separate laundry, oversize fridge and frozen goods storage area.
A large crew area, separate engine and control rooms and massive 35,000 litres fuel capacity are again aspects one might normally associate with an equivalent 40m motor yacht.