LATITUDE

The hull and superstructure are an entirely welded aluminium construction according to the regulations of ABS. A hydraulic operated aluminium watertight transom door to access the tender garage is fitted.

The design brief called for an easily driven hull with special regard to the required propulsion power and fuel economy. The maximum cruising speed was a main issue. Computational Fluid Dynamics calculations were used to develop the hull form. The development of this hull form played a role in the subsequent development at Van Oossanen & Associates, of the Fast Displacement Hull Form, for which a patent application has been applied. Twin MTU 16V2000M93 engines were selected giving the yacht a top speed of 20.7 knots and a fast cruising speed in excess of 16 knots. The fuel economy is exceptional with figures of 7.8 litre per nautical mile at 12 knots, and 14 litre per nautical mile at 16 knots, in combination with normal generator operation, all this depending on sea conditions.

The hull form is essentially of the round-bilge type, with spray rails in the fore body. The application of trim wedges fitted to the inside of the propeller tunnels provide sufficient lift at the stern to keep the running trim near horizontal throughout the entire speed range. A bulbous bow is fitted to reduce wave-making resistance.

Special attention was given to the design of the propeller shafts and appendages and the propellers themselves. This has helped in obtaining very low noise levels (less than 55 dBA at 75% MCR).

Zero speed stabilizers.