44 passagemaker.com July/August 2018
and sun blinds that can be pulled down.
On the Water
The Livingstone is well equipped with electronics, including
three large Simrad displays. The hull I tested included the latest
GPS compass, but just for reassurance there is a backup magnetic
compass installed in front of the helm. Engine controls are simple
with just the one thruster control and the one throttle/gear lever
in addition to the central wheel. Apart from the wheel, these
controls are replicated at twin control positions on each side of
the pilothouse to give a good view when coming alongside to
either a port or starboard tie.
Leaving the dock was a simple matter, and because of the
quiet progress I was hardly aware of the yacht moving. Out at
sea our progress would best be described as stately. However,
with the minimal sea conditions (a wind that wasn’t enough to
fill sails), this was hardly surprising. Yet crew who have been on a
passage across the North Sea commented that they experienced
this same degree of seakindliness even in rough seas, and the fine
bow entry helps to reduce pitching.
The Livingstone’s top speed is close to 11 knots, but cruising
at 8 knots provides more economical performance. At that speed
fuel consumption is only 8 gallons per hour, just half of what
it is at top speed. Running at 8 knots, the engine is turning at
somewhere around 1,500 rpm, so it is not under a lot of stress.
With close to 3,000 gallons of fuel tank capacity, you can go
a long way between refueling stops. For long-range cruising,
the Livingstone has the fresh water capacity to match and a
watermaker to ensure there are no shortages.
In my view there is always a concern about trying to recreate
the past with yacht designs because it means missing out on so
many of the features that make a modern yacht safe and reliable.
However, Hartman Yachts has done a wonderful job with the
Livingstone 24, which is perhaps not surprising when you look
at the history of the company. Johan Hartman, who was the
driving force behind this design, is a seventh-generation seafarer
and captain from a family whose legacy of owning and building
ships goes back more than two centuries. Apart from building
yachts and running a shipyard, the Hartman Marine Group owns
a fleet of cargo ships, and Johan is a qualified ship captain. “We
know the ins and outs of the nautical trade as no other,” said
Hartman. “Values and standards that have stood the test of time
are at the core of our company and underpin all our activities.”
The Livingstone 24 reflects these high standards for
quality and innovation. The yard’s background and experience
is apparent in every element of the yacht, which seamlessly
combines luxury with a robust structure to create a hardy, classic
yacht with true exploration capabilities. This is combined with
fine Dutch craftsmanship and is characterized by a warm and
welcoming atmosphere with contemporary elements.
And why is this yacht named Livingstone? It takes its name
from British explorer David Livingstone who traveled around
Africa in the mid-1800s, suggesting this vessel gives its owner
the same capacity for exploring and adventure. There are larger
versions on the drawing board, including 34- and a 42-meter
models (112 and 138 feet, respectively). And if the traditional
look is not your style, also under construction in the yard is the
first of a contemporary range of explorer yachts, the Amundsen
Series, named for Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. These
yachts are based on a Polar Class hull and designed for cruising
in all sea conditions. QLOA: 78’ 7”
BEAM: 22’ 6”
DRAFT: 5’ 8”
DISPL: 229,281 lb.
FUEL: 3,000 gal.
WATER: 1,320 gal.
POWER: 1 x MAN 345 hp
PROPULSION:
Shaft and propellerDESIGN: Sheerline Yacht Design
HARTMAN YACHTS
The Netherlands
+31 527 686008
hartmanyachts.com