Press release: Spirit Yachts undertakes pivotal hull rollover of Spirit 111’

British modern classic yacht company Spirit Yachts has reached a significant milestone in the build of its 34m sailing yacht the Spirit 111’ after the hull rollover took place this week.

As one of the largest single-masted wooden yachts to be built since Shamrock V in the 1930s, the Spirit 111’ rollover at Spirit’s Ipswich yard was an impressive feat. With a beam of 6.4m, the 111’ rollover was the largest and most significant rollover in the history of Spirit Yachts.

Prior to the rollover, the Spirit 111’ was removed from its ‘strongback’ and moved outside before been lifted into the air using multiple cranes to rotate the hull in preparation for its next stage, the internal fit out.

Checking

Up she goes… easy now

Boss Sean McMillan doesn’t want to look…

OK looking good

Sweet as a nut really…

Right lads get the kettle on

 

 

Set to be completed in 2019, the elegant, sloop-rigged superyacht will feature unmatched eco credentials and will be one of a few superyachts capable of sailing without a professional crew due to its pioneering deck arrangement.

Its impressive strength to weight ratio, combined with carbon rig and energy efficient hydraulic deck hardware, will offer optimum sailing performance. The interior of the yacht offers ultimate comfort for eight people.

The construction of the Spirit 111’s 34m hull began with construction of laminated wooden ring frames along with a duplex stainless-steel central reinforcement cage. This was placed upside down onto a timber strongback before the centreline structure and beamshelves were fitted. The fore and aft planking was then bonded to the ringframes followed by quadruple-diagonal veneers, which were epoxy-bonded at 45° under vacuum before the hull was finally covered with an epoxy glass sheath.

Spirit CEO and head designer Sean McMillan comments: “As we head into our landmark 25th year in business, the rollover of our largest yacht to date was a moment in history for Spirit Yachts, and a spectacular sight at our yard on the edge of the River Orwell.

“Our world-class team of boatbuilders has been meticulously bringing to life the beauty and style of the 111’s classic lines. Now with the hull settled the right way, work will begin crafting the complex interior.”

The new superyacht is set to be as eco-friendly as possible to enable the owner to spend sustainable periods of time onboard using minimal fuel.  Innovative features include an electric drive system, supported by four lithium battery banks, which will power the yacht for modest distances or when manoeuvring.  Under sail, the system will automatically regenerate the batteries, and with careful consumption the yacht will operate solely under battery power.  For longer distance propulsion, the owner has the option of two back-up generators.

Green credentials have been considered throughout the yacht’s systems; the air conditioning, galley equipment, generators and water heaters will be set up to consume the lowest amount of power possible.  All equipment has been carefully selected to produce the minimum levels of emissions when in operation and during any future maintenance.

For more information on Spirit Yachts visit www.spirityachts.com

 Photos: Peter Willis