|
|
|
Influenced by New Zealand's first America's Cup Challenge in 1986/87, (when I collaborated with Bruce Farr, Russell Bowler and Laurie Davidson on the design of the "almost successful" Kiwi Magic), the University of Auckland established a Yacht Research Unit. Its primary function was to co-ordinate and promote yacht research and engineering within the university. To date, the most successful aspect of this initial venture has been the respected "Twisted Flow" wind tunnel. Many successful race yacht and sailmaking programs have benefitted from this facility's unique expertise.
With the intention of expanding on their experience, I have been invited by Michael Davies, Dean of Engineering at the University of Auckland, to consult on the creation of a new Yacht Research Centre of Excellence.
This fully integrated research facility will be the first of its kind. It will offer the New Zealand marine and yachting industries, as well as international clients, facilities with significant advantages over existing international marine research organisations. It is intended to further develop the present wind tunnel and add scale model towing tank and computational systems to encompass the widest range of yacht design and related marine research disciplines.
More on this exciting new development before the end of the year.
|
|
|
|
Ron Holland Design continues a highly successful collaboration with Perini Navi in a range of limited edition yachts.
The latest 56 m ketch, Riela, launched on 25 April, was formally delivered to her owner on 4 June. Riela will depart Viareggio for Mediterannean waters on her maiden cruise.
In September, Riela will attend the Perini Navi Cup in Sardinia and will be officially presented to the public at the Monaco Yacht Show 2009.
|
|
|
|
My latest design for a 150ft performance cruising ketch commenced building at Pendennis Shipyard in Falmouth, England, during April.
This month's project meeting allowed all involved to view the hull construction at an advanced stage. A great deal of time was spent reviewing a full sized mock up of the yacht's saloon, bar and study area with reference to fine tuning the final arrangement of the spaces.
During the next few weeks, final decisions will be made on all the principal items of equipment and interior detailing. Decisions are about to be made for all the final details of spars, rigging and sails.
The build program is proceeding on track for launch in December 2010.
|
|
Ron Holland and John Charnley, creator of the Discovery 67, on board
|
|
Southampton based Discovery Yachts has just launched the first of its superb new Ron Holland designed 67 ft ocean going cruising yachts.
Designed for short-handed sailing and comfortable living, she will be ready to take part in the JPMorgan Asset Management Round the Island Race on 20 June as her maiden voyage.
The new Discovery 67, Tilly Mint, will compete in the ISC Group 4, with her owner keen to test the yacht before sailing to the Canaries in preparation for a transatlantic crossing later this year. Another Discovery 67, currently in build, will be on show at this year's PSP Southampton Boat Show in September.
The Discovery 67 is an inspired development of the renowned Discovery 55. The new Ron Holland design keeps the same ethos of great performance, luxurious comfort and effortless handling that has become the trademark of Discovery Yachts. The Discovery 67 will provide more living space with choices of layouts to suit individual needs. She is an ocean going yacht equally suited to round the world cruising or providing a luxury vacation home in waters of your choice.
Watch out for Tilly Mint as she sails around the Isle of Wight on 20 June.
|
|
|
|
The Ron Holland design "Midva" was third in the ORC, Group B and the first of four in the ORC Class at the International Alassio Week, a great achievement for one of the smallest and oldest sailboats of the racing fleet.
Launched in 1982 and built in laminated wood, "Midva" was helmed by Davide Besana, with the help of tactician Mauro Pelaschier. Our congratulations to Davide and his crew.
"Midva" will have the same crew for the Pirelli Races next week in Santa Margherita Ligure. Good luck to all!
|
|
Ron with Crew (L-R) Anna, Cadence and Katie
Salute
|
|
The Bucket, St. Barth’s, March 2009, and this year was special.
Once again, I had the honour of participating in three great days of sailing aboard Avalon with the Taylor family. Sailors and photographers enjoyed near perfect wind conditions of 15 to 22 knots and clear skies which provided the perfect backdrop for an exhilarating Bucket.
This year, we are proudly celebrating our 35th anniversary and it was fitting for me to join the Avalon team.
This Regatta has created a legacy since the first St. Barth’s Bucket was sailed in 1995 with a fleet of 4 yachts including Avalon (then Gleam).
Avalon has won the Bucket on several occasions which, by all accounts, is an outstanding accomplishment as the race demands the finest, year on year.
Originally named Gleam by Tom Taylor and launched in 1987, Avalon is a nostalgic choice for me, ever since those early days when we raced around Nantucket Island. This year Avalon held the distinguished place of being the oldest yacht in the race.
Other Ron Holland designs participating in this year’s race were my design collaborations with the Perini Navi shipyard, Salute, Parsifal III, Helios and Baracuda.
It’s not about winning, we know that, it’s the joy of being part of a team aboard a magnificent fleet of the finest sailing yachts, relishing every adrenaline inducing moment and re-connecting with friends. The event enjoyment did not stop with race participants. I saw my designs Lemanja and Dance Smartly close by, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
This year’s regatta had a record fleet of 35 entries – I was happy once again to experience this special time.
A mention of thanks and congratulations must go to Hank Halstead and his team for organising yet another hugely successful event enjoyed by so many year on year. We are already looking forward to being a part of it all again in 2010!
More in July from the Newport Bucket.
More photos |
|
Enlarge
|
|
Continuing our 35 year anniversary celebrations, I thought it appropriate to honour my first championship design "Eygthene" in comparison to "Ethereal", our most recent yacht to be launched.
"Ethereal", at 190ft/58m, is undoubtedly the most innovative yacht we have been involved with. In collaboration with PB Design and the Royal Huisman Shipyard, a wide range of design and systems solutions were considered. The result is a fast, beautiful and energy efficient superyacht.
This project is in dramatic contrast to my original 1/4 ton 24ft/7 m racer "Eygthene" which was built by myself and Gary Carlin in an un-used shed in Tampa, Florida in 1973, for a total cost of 5,500 USD. We won our first Regatta and went on to win the 1974 1/4 Ton Cup in England. This success gave me the opportunity to establish my design studio in Ireland and 35 years later "Ethereal" was launched.
|
|
Enlarge
|
|
On 14th March, we weighed anchor and piloted Ethereal out of Falmouth Harbour. We set sail and reached back and forward across the entrance of Falmouth Harbour in 22 knots of offshore wind and a smooth sea.
This was the first sailing that was not directly related to the Royal Huisman Shipyard sea trials and we could not have had better conditions. Under reefed main and mizzen, full jib and staysail, Ethereal sat steady on 17 knots and exceeded 18 knots on a couple of occasions. This was a thrill for all of her crew and members of the RHS technical team who were aboard for the 1600 nautical mile passage to the Canary islands.
Later that evening we set sail for Vigo in North West Spain and made the crossing in 44 hours. Experiencing a variety of conditions, Ethereal handled beautifully, especially in the 30 knot winds of the second night. She is fast, stable and extremely comfortable in the relatively rough Bay of Biscay seas.
|
|
Enlarge
|
|
During the first week in March, all those involved with the latest yacht to be created by Ron Holland Design gathered at Pendennis Shipyard in Falmouth, England. The intention was to review design and construction details in advance of starting this new yacht's production process.
With final design details approved, the focus is now on construction and interior detailing. The first members of the aluminium hull structure will be set up in the shipyard mid April, with a 20 month build program planned. Full size mock-ups and interior joinery samples are being prepared for the owners to study and approve.
The collaboration between Ron Holland Design, Pendennis Shipyard and the owner's project manager, Palm Beach Yachts International, has incorporated a wide range of experience and talent to ensure that this new performance oriented cruising ketch is completed to the highest level of quality.
|
|
|
