25m Explorer Yacht

This ice strengthened aluminium 25m high latitude motor sailer ketch began life as a project for a scientific organisation to study climate change and conservation in the polar regions. A considerable amount of preliminary design has already been undertaken including into hybrid drive propulsion and other systems. This project has been fully costed by several yards and the design would transform easily into either a commercial expedition charter vessel or a private explorer yacht.

This ice strengthened 25m blue water motor sailer ketch began life as a project for a scientific organisation to study climate change and conservation in the polar regions. A considerable amount of preliminary design has already been undertaken including the lifting keel centreboard design. This project has been fully costed by several yards and the design would transform easily into either a commercial expedition charter vessel or a private cruising yacht.

Sloop rig and alternate internal layouts are possible within the current geometry to provide up to a maximum of 12 guests and four crew in a conventional 2 x 180 hp diesel powered yacht. The layout below describes a charter version with shared WCs/showers, two twin/double convertible cabins aft and two cabins midships with three single berths in each. Below, a smaller lower saloon next to the galley allows for private dining, a separate daytime lounge area for guests and/or a crew mess.

This is the general arrangement drawing showing the interior design for an ice strengthened 25m high latitude motor sailer which began life as a project for a scientific organisation to study climate change and conservation in the polar regions. A considerable amount of preliminary design has already been undertaken including into hybrid drive propulsion and other systems. This project has been fully costed by several yards and the design would transform easily into either a commercial expedition charter vessel or a private explorer yacht.

The upper deck area is the heart of the yacht and will be the most popular space for guests. Entry from the cockpit is through a watertight door, to starboard large storage space for both sea and shore gear, to port a twin seat watchkeeping area. Forward at a slightly lower level is the main saloon with 270-degree views. In bad weather or during expeditions at night two sea berths are available in the upper deck saloon for use by crew, supernumaries, ice pilot and/or expedition guides.

This is drawing of the upper deck of a 25m high latitude motor sailer. The deckhouse is designed as the heart of the vessel with watchkeeping station and upper saloon for work, recreation and dining. Work, because the project began life as a low emissions polar science research sailing yacht specifically designed for operation in the Arctic and Antarctic, before Covid resulted in the project being shelved.

During the design process undertaken to date it was considered that as a motor-sailer performance under sail was secondary to other factors. After some discussion the design developed with the lifting center board and skeg as shown. The 10.9 tonne keel provides sufficient side force for good upwind performance on a lee shore and sufficient righting moment to pass MGN280 stability requirements, including allowance for ice accretion.

This is an ice strengthened aluminium 25m high latitude motor sailer ketch design by naval architects Owen Clarke. The project began life as a science research vessel before Covid resulted in the project being shelved. A considerable amount of preliminary design has already been undertaken including into hybrid drive propulsion and other systems. This project has been fully costed by several yards and the design would transform easily into either a commercial expedition charter vessel or a private explorer yacht.

The design has been developed in significant detail in its current form and could be converted in a relatively short time scale to other purposes. A comprehensive specification exists, structural calculations and preliminary engineering drawings have been prepared based on ISO standards and FEA (finite element engineering). Hull, appendage, rig design, powering and stability calculations are at an advanced stage and interaction with a builder could commence immediately.

This is a composite screenshot showing information pertaining to the design of an ice strengthened aluminium 25m high latitude yacht that began life as a project for a scientific organisation to study climate change and conservation in the polar regions. A considerable amount of preliminary design has already been undertaken including into hybrid drive propulsion and other systems designed to limit the vessel’s emissions and impact on the environment. The screen shots show stability curve, powering calculations, FEA structural engineering and rig design work undertaken.

The current design incorporates twin diesel/electric hybrid drives to reduce emissions and allow silent zero emission propulsion up to a maximum of 6 knots and a conventional motoring speed in excess of 10 knots. In the near future, complete zero emission operation will be possible using hydrogen fuel cells/electric drive. Alternatively, a more conventional twin diesel installation would be a cost-effective option in the short term and provide for some additional interior volume aft.

The is a 3D graphic of the propulsion system in Owen Clarke’s 25m motor sailer design. It incorporates twin diesel/electric hybrid drives to reduce emissions and allow silent zero emission propulsion up to a maximum of 6 knots and a conventional motoring speed in excess of 10 knots. In the near future, complete zero emission operation will be possible using hydrogen fuel cells/electric drive. It’s illustrative of our constant drive for innovation and the emphasis we place on a high level of mechanical engineering competence in both the design and build of our yachts.

To discuss your project contact: OC CRUISING

For an explanation of the technology behind the design process go to: NAVAL ARCHITECTURE

For an insight into our engineering and detailed design work go to: ENGINEERING

25m Explorer Yacht

25m Explorer Yacht

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