Solving the Boat Equation

Breaking the Deadlock

A boat, any boat, is always a compromise. I have showed recently how that affects classics of similar length such as The Krupp yacht “Reveler” and the US built “Delphine”

Within the last few weeks of this year 2020, two vessels have been presented to the press with extensive details and comments: The explorer yacht “Shinkai”, by Feadship, and the light and fast under 500GT yacht “Phi”, by Royal Huisman.

Both yachts are around 55m, and interestingly “Phi” at 58,5m is reported to be the longest yacht under 500GT. On the other hand, “Shinkai” at 54,9m is still a long range explorer good for 5500 miles at 12 knots. To achieve that, she is able to cram an impressive 140000 litres of fuel in her 974GT volume.

With probably much less fuel and a top speed of 22 knots, “Phi” does not have that kind of range, and also does not really need it. Indeed, to achieve the small tonnage, most of the social spaces are inside/outside areas protected by cleverly designed fashion plates. That kind of restricts the use of the yacht to warmer climates and friendly seas.

Over her four plus decks, “Shinkai” achieves not only the habitable volume and tankage, but also carries an impressive collection of toys including a 3-man submarine and large limo tender.

Both yacht can carry 12 guests, and 11 or 12 crew to proverbially ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience. Interestingly, both yachts reportedly will use gyro stabilisation, albeit in different variants.

This pair of yachts shows how two experienced owners can achieve two completely different results of the boat equation within the same size category.

As usual, we are quite impatient to discover more, and particularly GA plans to see how all that fits together. This quick introduction, though, should give food for thoughts to any potential yacht owner who would not have the previous experience to know exactly what they want.

(c) Pictures “Royal Huisman” and “Vitruvius”… and “Navsource,org”