76 November 2017
different set of criteria for a
high latitude boat has resulted
in this 40ft high-performance
expedition yacht. This is a radically
different vessel to Qilak (previous page),
even though a quick glance at the design
goals might lead you to assume there
would be many similarities.
Again it’s from the Owen Clarke Design
studio, but for a Chilean-based client to
use primarily in the remote canals in the
far south, including the Magellan Strait
and Beagle Channel. Sufficient speed
under sail to cover the large distances
involved, often in a short weather
window, was one of the key criteria.
In this case, the boat could be kept
light – cruising displacement with full
payload is just 6,500kg. This compares
to 5,200kg for a race-specification Class
40 that’s loaded up in transatlantic race
mode. The relatively light displacement
of the expedition boat therefore allowed
for a Class 40 style hull shape to be used.
It’s based on a modified third generation
Owen Clarke design, with a pin-head
mainsail and lifting keel.
So why is this boat so fundamentally
different to the larger yacht from the
same studio? “The Class 40 rule bans a
lot of lightweight materials,” says Clarke.
“So by using carbon, epoxy and S-glass
in the construction, along with titanium
rudder stocks, we were able to save
weight in the basic structure compared to
a racing Class 40.” In addition, compared
to Qilak, this boat is also intended for
short-handed cruising, which minimises
the weight of people, their kit and stores.
Clarke says the Class 40 hull form
lends itself well to use in a cruising mode
for two reasons: they have a high internal
volume, which gives plenty of options for
cruising layouts. More importantly, the
large waterplane area means the hull sinks
much less than that of a conventional hull
form when cruising systems and payload
are added. Therefore only relatively small
changes to the hull lines were needed to
accommodate the extra weight.
Below decks, there are two double
cabins, a saloon with space for four to
dine and a fully equipped galley. Cruising
systems include heating, refrigeration and
pressurised hot and cold water.
Systems are geared for simplicity and
reliability. The lifting keel, for instance, is
operated manually. With the keel raised,
draught reduces from 2.6m to just 1.05m
and the boat can dry out on its keel and
rudders. Sails include furling genoa
and staysails on anti-torque stays, plus
asymmetric kites and code sails. The 1.22m
bowsprit retracts into a tube within the
anchor locker when not in use, so it’s well
clear of the ground tackle. The anchor is
deployed on a custom arm that folds back
into the anchor locker.The deck layout is more cruising boat
orientated than a pure racing Class 40.
There is a single offset pit winch under the
large cuddy and central helm, with wheel
steering from which both primary and
secondary winches can be reached. The
lowered aft deck area is large enough to
carry an inflated tender while under way.
http://www.owenclarkedesign.comExpedition cruiser with a touch
of the racing devil
Dimensions
LOA 12.0m (39ft 4in)
LWL 11.7m (38ft 5in)
Beam 4.5m (14ft 9in)
Draught 1.05m-2.6m (3ft 5in-8ft 6in)
Disp 6,500kg (14,330lb)
Water ballast 1,000lt per sideA
NEW YACHTS
Simplicity is the
virtue of the
design. The keel is
operated manually
(top), and there
is a neat custom
anchor arm locker
(above)