Yacht of the week- A crazy dream or an innovative new yacht?

by Des Ryan on 16 Feb 2014 Now is this some kind of crazy dream or what? No, it's real and it is waiting to be built after being designed by Pi Yacht and McPerson Yacht Design. It's called the Dragonship 80, an 80m trimaran with foldaway hulls and that very heady set of aerofoil sails and several smaller versions down to 25m.

On top of that it is coming into being during a time when the marine and nautical market is meant to be in a dire state.

How did it come about?

Pi Yachts Ltd recently approached McPherson Yacht Design to develop a new range of sailing trimarans aimed at the luxury end of the yachting market. Starting with the Flagship of the fleet, the brief was to create a style that was elegant and in-tune with what a Superyacht client would expect of a vessel of this size, while also maintaining a sporty image which will reflect her performance. The result is the Dragonship 80.

This aluminium 80 metre 5 deck 3 masted trimaran with folding amas is the idea of senior management at Pi Super Yachts. 'We looked for a designer with the imagination and creative flair who would produce a design that would easily convert into a realistic vessel, McPherson Yacht Design has done an incredible job. The yacht will be the flagship of our 'Dragonship' range of trimarans that we propose building over the coming years. The range will consist of the 80m, a 50m, 35m and our baby Dragon at just 25m.' says Will O’hara, Director of Pi Super Yachts.

The rig is highly innovative and cutting-edge, similar to the wing masts recently used on the America’s Cup AC72 yachts. The system is the brainchild of Jack Manners-Spencer who’s been pioneering his Autosail rig since the 1980’s. It does away with the use of sheets for control, instead relying upon a powered rotating mast which supports the aerofoil section sail. Along with being fully automated the system also has the advantage of being able to rotate the sail surface to achieve the most efficient angle to the wind on any point of sail. Another unique feature is the ability to gybe the sails over the foredeck due to the 360 degree rotational freedom of the rig. Two rig options are planned, ‘Sports’ and ‘Cruising’ depending upon the client’s wishes.

Propulsion will be all electric using new leading technology fast recharge batteries with charging from solar cells integrated into the fabric of the Autosail. Pi Super Yachts will be working closely with Autosail in producing their existing model and the new taller sail seen here on the Dragonship 80m. One particular issue that Pi Yachts wanted to address with their range of trimarans was the problem that such a large beam of 30m can create when in harbour. It was decided that the amas should be designed to fold away alongside the main hull when docked. This provides a much reduced beam at 20m and will allow the multihull to access marinas that would otherwise be off-limits.

Her layout was designed to be charter-friendly, accommodating 12 guests in six cabins and supported by a crew of 17. Crew cabins are located in the amas while the Captain’s suite is on the upper deck, not far from the bridge. Tenders and toys are also stored within the amas leaving the aft end of the vessel available for a stunning Owner’s suite, complete with permanent balcony and private access foyer.

The main and upper decks are dedicated to social areas which will offer unparalleled views out to sea. Facilities on the main deck will include the Saloon, Bar, Dining Room, Library, Spa and a Gym , all encompassed by a wide promenade offering the sheer luxury of space.

Outside dining is catered for at the aft end of this deck, while the foredeck is kept clear as a reconfigurable space that can be populated with loose furniture as desired.

The upper deck features the skylounge and has an emphasis on out-door enjoyment. A large exterior bar overlooks the Jacuzzi and spacious sun-pads. This area can also be shielded from the sun by the built-in awning system. Forward of the bridge is another large exterior seating area including a bar/TV cabinet which leads on to open deck space for sun-loungers.

Exterior helm stations are located on the fifth, upper-most deck and boast commanding views of the rig and offer clear views out to sea . This deck also provides seating and a bar for guests to share in the thrill of helming this powerful, graceful vessel.

Regarding the accommodations, rest assured that there’s nothing to worry about: the six cabins can accommodate 12 guests. The yacht can handle a crew of 17, and its facilities include a saloon, bar, dinning room, spa and gym. Definitely something to look forward to, if you have a few million to spare and don't mind being the centre of attention in every anchorage.